Model year record

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls & problems

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has 2 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is exterior lighting (6 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints21filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

2 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 26, 2024

Power assist › Vacuum

Recall 24V29800015,604 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 9, 2022

Power assist › Vacuum

Recall 22V315000350,294 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

ML320 CDI 4matic Diesel

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Exterior lightingBrake lights	6	0	0	117,777 mi
SteeringRack and pinion › Rack; Hydraulic power assist system	4	0	0	—
Electrical system	4	0	0	107,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Diesel	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	1	0	—
Seat belts	2	0	0	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	2	4	—
Air bags	1	0	0	—
Power train	1	0	0	—
Suspension	1	0	0	—
Visibility/wiper	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
Right rear brake light inoperative even with new bulb. Dash warning light shows this light not working .08
Aug 2, 2024
Exterior lighting
THE REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVEN WITH NEW BULBS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS BASE CASE THE TURN SIGNAL STILL BLINKING AS IF THE BULB IS BURNED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY IT WORK WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED. THE CAR WAS TOOK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUE THE SAME.
Aug 24, 2018
Unknown or otherCrash2 injuries
8/1/2021 accident involving 2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI >recall faulty tow hitch< Mercedes has refused to conduct an investigation and resolve these damages. While injured (both myself and 9 yr old son w/ a heart condition), no serious injuries or fatalities happened during the accident. It resulted in totaling the vehicle and our camper. Recall doc's show that Mercedes of New Orleans completed the recall; however, they either falsified disclosing they did the repair or conduct poor workmanship when repairing the hitch. While driving the hitch broke/cracked resulting the camper flipping over and slamming into the truck. I have photos along w/ consulted w/ certified welder confirming the weld…
Aug 1, 2021
Unknown or otherCrash2 injuries
Tow hitch weld broke resulting in vehicle accident. Interstate wreck, could have killed myself, my 9 yr old and 4 dogs along w/ any other vehicles that could have struck us.
Aug 1, 2021
Exterior lighting
WHILE DRIVING THE MERCEDES ML320 AT NIGHT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY POSTED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE "BATTERY VOLTAGE IS TOO LOW. PLEASE START THE ENGINE. OTHERWISE, COMAND WILL SHUT OFF IN 3 MINUTES." THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT THIS TIME AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. A SHORT TIME LATER THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I TURNED ON THE FLASHERS AND THEY ALSO WENT OUT IN A SHORT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT RE-START. ABOUT 15 MINUTES WENT BY AND THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL. NO SIGNS OF CODES OR REDUCED LIGHTING PERFORMANCE. ALSO, NO SIGNS OR REDUCED BATTERY PERFOMANCE WAS OBSERVED.
Dec 30, 2018 · 200,000 miles
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE FAILED TO OPEN. IN ADDITION, THE REAR MIDDLE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT LAUDERDALE AT (954) 949-0623 (LOCATED AT 2411 S FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Jan 31, 2018 · 108,000 miles
Electrical system
MY 2008 IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THIS 2009. MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING 16,130 MY 2009 M-CLASS W164 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL POWER LIFT GATE. AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY SEAL AROUND THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR COMPARTMENT CONTAINING THE SPARE TIRE. WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE CONTROL UNIT FOR THE POWER LIFT GATE CAN RESULT IN DISABLING OF THE POWER LIFT GATE MOTOR. HAZARD:WATER WILL CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. REMEDY:DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL OF THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY WITH A THICKER ONE AND REPOSITION THE AFFECTED POWER LIFT GATE CONTROL UNIT INSIDE THE CHASSIS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE…
Feb 1, 2018 · 107,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN SOUNDED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.
Mar 12, 2016 · 89,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.