What year Mercedes-Benz ML350 should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to the 2010 and 2011 model years, which have complaint indexes of 80 and 100, the highest in the lineup, and each carry two do-not-drive recalls related to brake component corrosion.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The 2013 and 2015 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 respectively, the lowest among the six years covered from 2010-2015.

Are airbags a common problem on the ML350?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 138 complaints, or 31% of the total 452 complaints logged for the ML350.

Does the 2010 or 2011 ML350 have a do-not-drive recall?

Both years have two do-not-drive recalls each, tied to moisture-related corrosion in brake components (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000).

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable?

The 2012 model year is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 65 total complaints, better than 2010 and 2011 but worse than the 2013-2015 years.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

Avoid the 2010 and 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, which carry the highest complaint index (80 and 100) and each have two do-not-drive recalls, mostly tied to airbags. The 2013 and 2015 model years score lowest for complaints (0 and 20) and are the best choices.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Best 2013 Best 2015

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 452
Recall campaigns: 9
Crashes reported: 36
Fires reported: 11
Top problem area: Airbags

ML350 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	80	101	4	2	3 !	Airbags	17.5	—
2011	Avoid	100	110	8	3	3 !	Airbags	17	—
2012	Caution	60	65	5	1	3	Engine	19.5	—
2013	Best	0	56	2	3	4	Engine	20	—
2014	Good	40	68	7	2	4	Electrical System	19	—
2015	Best	20	52	10	0	5	Engine	19	—

ML350 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Index 100 · 110 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 ML350 has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100 and ranks worst overall. Airbags make up 54% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 58,000 miles; brakes and electrical system issues follow. Owners described a vehicle that shifted into park but rolled away on its own, and another where the transmission's parking pawl failed to engage on a grade, leading to a rollover. This year has three recalls, including two do-not-drive brake corrosion campaigns, plus reports of electrical fires.

2011 airbags problems →2011 brakes problems →2011 electrical system problems →

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Index 80 · 101 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2010 ML350 has a complaint index of 80 and ranks second worst of the six years covered. Airbags account for 66% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles. Owners also reported electrical system problems, including a fuse housing that melted, and seat belt issues. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, two of them do-not-drive campaigns covering brake component corrosion. One owner reported a brake failure that led to a crash and total loss of the vehicle.

2010 airbags problems →2010 electrical system problems →

Most common Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Airbags138 (31%)
Engine89 (20%)
Electrical System88 (19%)
Fuel System47 (10%)
Other46 (10%)
Brakes43 (10%)
Transmission & Powertrain30 (7%)
Steering23 (5%)
Structure & Body22 (5%)
Seat Belts19 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz ML350 should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to the 2010 and 2011 model years, which have complaint indexes of 80 and 100, the highest in the lineup, and each carry two do-not-drive recalls related to brake component corrosion.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz ML350?: The 2013 and 2015 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 respectively, the lowest among the six years covered from 2010-2015.
Are airbags a common problem on the ML350?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 138 complaints, or 31% of the total 452 complaints logged for the ML350.
Does the 2010 or 2011 ML350 have a do-not-drive recall?: Both years have two do-not-drive recalls each, tied to moisture-related corrosion in brake components (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000).
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable?: The 2012 model year is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 65 total complaints, better than 2010 and 2011 but worse than the 2013-2015 years.