2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, most often about brakes. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
26
Recalls
3
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Median mileage
100,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 17 of 26 complaints (65%).
  • Electrical System (3) and engine (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 100,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries.
  • The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 3 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 11 Mercedes-Benz ML350 model years we track.

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems by category

  • Brakes · 1 crash
    17 complaints
  • Electrical System
    3 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Service brakes7
Engine3
Electrical system3
Air bags2
Exterior lighting2
Unknown or other2
Structure:body1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k360k–100k5100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints that list mileage.

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls (3)

  • Recall 24V298000Apr 26, 202415,604 vehiclesDo not drive
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 22V315000May 9, 2022350,294 vehiclesDo not drive
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

    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.

    Remedy: 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 16V081000Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

Recent 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 28, 2026129,000 miPABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign. The contact swerved to the right and struck the curb. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes,…
    NHTSA complaint #11767350 · source
  2. Filed Jul 22, 202688,000 miPATowedBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sliding. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11751996 · source
  3. Filed Apr 22, 2026NYBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was brake fluid leaking from the vehicle with the BRAKE warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11732942 · source
  4. Filed Mar 4, 2026111,000 miCATowedBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the daughter was driving at an unknown speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver heard an abnormal hissing or squeaking sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact’s son then drove the vehicle to a shopping center, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered…
    NHTSA complaint #11722017 · source
  5. Filed Sep 21, 2025SCBrakes
    Corroded brake lines. This is a well known issue for many ML350s built during this time period. This car was built with steel brake lines that easily corrode and present a serious safety issue. While driving a few months ago, the car suddenly lost the ability to brake because a line rusted completely through. The mechanic noted the lines are rusted in many other places as well. Mercedes refuses to correct this under warranty.
    NHTSA complaint #11688721 · source
  6. Filed Mar 11, 2025CAElectrical System
    I believe the electrical system may be defective as ever since I have had it the light bulbs frequently have to be changed. We own three vehicles in my households (the other 2 are non-Mercedes) and none of my other vehicles do this. The latest issue with the electrical system is that the rear tail lamp and power lift gate. I was told there was water that was getting in from somewhere but mechanic could not find where. I need a new SAM module and that is why my power lift…
    NHTSA complaint #11647608 · source
  7. Filed Sep 6, 2024MABrakes
    I was driving locally and when I put on the brakes for a car exiting a street. Immediately my car sensor went on and my car brakes started to fail. It was a very scary situation. This is a known problem with Mercedes. Mercedes has a recall for the brake booster but will not fix the booster without the brake like being fixed. I have reached out to foreign motor car dealerships and this issue with the brake line is a known problem and a safety issue but Mercedes is not taking…
    NHTSA complaint #11613011 · source
  8. Filed Jun 12, 2024CACrashEngine
    an Exhaust recycle hose cracked; causing cabin to fill with carbon dioxide. Driver, (me) became disorented.. ran off right shoulder, ran into center divider cement, before rearending truck. Engine light later came on indicating (HVOC?) ERROR Mechanic was able to locate leak and repair. Vehicle now performing properly. A DEFECT THAT ALLOWS CARBON DIOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN, IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
    NHTSA complaint #11593805 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology