Mercedes Benz / ML320 / 2000
2000 Mercedes Benz ML320 problems
Owners have filed 258 complaints about the 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 19% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 11.6%.
Complaints258
Crashes26
Fires6
Injuries39
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 19.0% · 49
Engine and engine cooling 11.6% · 30
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.1% · 21
Electrical system 7.8% · 20
Service brakes 5.8% · 15
Electronic stability control (ESC) 5.8% · 15
Air bags 5.4% · 14
Fuel system, gasoline 5.0% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 26 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 39 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Mercedes Benz ML320 in this data, 2000 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filing volume has held steady, 16 in the last three years against 15 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 77,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While pulling out the driveway as it suddenly became hard to steer. As I drove on and turned again steering returned to normal. About 1 month later the same thing happened only it lasted a was bit longer. The more recent event occurred on 12-22-13. Now its very hard to steer so hard that to drive is too risky. I checked the power steering fluid and it was ok. Now the mechanic says that it may be the rack. Steering · reported at 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving, the battery light illuminated and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The engine temperature increased and smoke released from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the contacts home. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 121,700. Steering · reported at 121,700 miles
: The contact stated while shifting into reverse in a slippery parking lot the vehicle lost power steering. Upon inspection the contact determined the power steering fluid leaked because the return line disconnected from the rack due to improper crimping. Both lines were rebuilt by the contact. Updated 04/06/06. Steering · reported at 159,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…