Mercedes Benz / ML320 / 1999
1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 problems
Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 22% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of steering at 20.1%.
Complaints164
Crashes17
Fires2
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 22.0% · 36
Steering 20.1% · 33
Power train 12.2% · 20
Fuel system, gasoline 7.9% · 13
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.3% · 7
Vehicle speed control 4.3% · 7
Visibility 4.3% · 7
Structure 3.0% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Mercedes Benz ML320 in this data, 1999 draws comparatively few complaints; 2000 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,500 miles.
In owners' own words
1999 Mercedes ML320 harmonic balancer. I was aware of the investigation being performed and had mercedes check the balancer in january. They said it's fine. On 9/6/04, it failed causing $1500 in damage. I was not injured because I knew not to drive the vehicle after failure. Mercedes needs to recall the harmonic balancer. It is failing on most vehicles and causing extensive damage. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320. While the contact's spouse was driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle completely shut off without warning. The vehicle had to be restarted and was driven to a mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vin was unknown. The current mileage was 150,000 and failure mileage was 139,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 139,000 miles
The vehicle vibrated uncontrollably while driving. The driver had difficulty to maintain control of the vehicle. However, the driver was able to pull over and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the pulley assembly needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…