MYRModel Year Report

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350

● Typical for this model
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:03:57.838Z

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
65
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2010: 101 complaints 2010 2011: 111 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 57 complaints 2013 2014: 68 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015
2010: 101 complaints 2010 2011: 111 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 57 complaints 2013 2014: 68 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015
2010: 101 complaints 2010 2011: 111 complaints 2011 2012: 65 complaints 2012 65 2013: 57 complaints 2013 2014: 68 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015

2012: 65 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2010101
2011111
201265
201357
201468
201552

Known problem areas

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

Engine

32% · 21 reports
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, 2013-03-02

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

18% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
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, 2019-03-08

Electrical system

17% · 11 reports
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, 2024-07-22

Also filed under Exterior lighting and steering

When the car has been running for a while the directional signals stop working

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-20

Exterior lighting

14% · 9 reports
CRASHINJURY

Steering

11% · 7 reports
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, 2026-07-13

Also filed under Power train and service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-12-21Equipment12E028000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2017-04-21Air bags, electrical system17V177000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2018-08-30Suspension18V272000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2023-02-15Fuel system, diesel, fuel system, gasoline22V955000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12E028000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V177000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 18V272000 · Suspension
  • Recall 22V955000 · Fuel system, diesel, fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years2 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.