NHTSA lists 136 complaints for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 10 of them mention a crash and 7 mention a fire. 6 complaints mention an injury, with 8 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-10.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES BENZ ML320.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Investigations
3 investigations; 0 open.
PE10050
Opened: 2010-12-21. Closed: 2011-05-04.
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch con
Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Linked campaign numbers: 11V208000.
PE07007
Opened: 2007-02-01. Closed: 2007-07-11.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION
ODI OPENED PE07-007 AFTER RECEIVING 4 COMPLAINTS WITHIN A 6 WEEK PERIOD ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF UNCOMMANDED BRAKE APPLICATION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 THROUGH 2001 MERCEDES M CLASS SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE REPORTS OR GATHERED IN SUBSEQUENT CONSUMER INTERVIEWS INDICATED THAT THE INCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY FAULTS IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) SYSTEM WHICH WERE REPAI
Systems: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
PE03006
Opened: 2003-02-13. Closed: 2003-04-04.
POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE CONNECTION.THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN GRADUAL REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST (I.E., INCREASED STEERING EFFORT) OVER TIME, WITH POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS OF HOSE SEPARATION F
Systems: STEERING.
Linked campaign numbers: 03V121000.
Manufacturer communications
47 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
|---|
| STEERING | 6 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 4 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 4 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 2 |
|---|
11025648
Date: 2025-11-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the out
11019018
Date: 2025-05-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the out
11017496
Date: 2025-04-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Remedy NOTE: If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover
11017500
Date: 2025-04-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine i
11017039
Date: 2025-04-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). Remedy With the aforementioned complaint, make sure that the cooling circu
11015640
Date: 2025-03-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the h
11013298
Date: 2025-01-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), t
11009122
Date: 2024-10-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting
11008091
Date: 2024-09-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the h
11007974
Date: 2024-09-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine i