MYRModel Year Report

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350

● Typical for this model
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:32.239Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2010: 101 complaints 2010 2011: 110 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 56 complaints 2013 2014: 68 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015
2012: 65 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010101
2011110
201265
201356
201468
201552

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 32%

32% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY ML350 ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130302

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TOOK OUR 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 BLUETEC TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL AND BURNED PLASTIC IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190308

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Turn signals will not operate, dealership quoted me $1400 3 years ago, had the work performed and now the issue is happening again and I am being quoted the same amount of money.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240722

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and STEERING

WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS STOP WORKING

NHTSA ODI report, 20171120

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14%

14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
STEERING 11%

11% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260713

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20121221 — equipment

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain accessory all-season floor mats sold for use in model year 2012 and 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class vehicles. This all-season floor mat may not fully conform to the con

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the floor mats free of charge. Until replacement mats become available, consumers are advised to remove their floor mats from the vehicle.

Campaign 12E028000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170421 — air bags, electrical system

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350...

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Campaign 17V177000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180830 — suspension

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018.

Campaign 18V272000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230215 — fuel system, diesel, fuel system, gasoline

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023.

Campaign 22V955000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12E028000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V177000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V272000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V955000 (fuel system, diesel, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2015 ● 2013 ● 2014

WORST YEARS

◆ 2011 ◆ 2010 ● 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.