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2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, most often about the seats. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints227 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage18kSeats, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 5, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has problems

22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Seats65
Steering60
Vehicle speed control41
Service brakes, hydraulic22
Electrical system20
Power train20
Electronic stability control (ESC)20
Service brakes20
Air bags10
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other ML320 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the ML320 median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ELECTRIC SEAT WARMER OVERHEATS/BURNSPE05005 · closed Jun 29, 2005
    No recall
In owners' words

What ML320 owners report

Recent seats complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE HEATED SEAT IN MY 2003 MERCEDES ML320 BURNED THROUGH MY LEATHER SEATS AND LEAVING A SMALL MARK ON MY LEFT THIGH. MY INJURY HEALED; HOWEVER, THERE IS STILL A BURNT MARK ON MY SEAT. AFTER EXPLAINING IT TO MERCEDES AND MY EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE, BOTH DECIDED TO HELP ME STATING IT WAS A COSMETIC…
Complaint 10144571 · Dec 6, 2005
I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES ML320, WHILE I WAS DRIVING W/THE HEATED SEATS ON I STARTED TO NOTICE A BURNING ODOR. THE ODOR GOT STRONGER & IT SMELT LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. I NOTICED MY REAR WAS STARTING TO GET A TAD TOO WARM SO I PUT MY HAND DOWN ON THE SEAT & ALMOST BURN MY HAND. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF…
Complaint 10129270 · Jul 19, 2005
DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE EVENT OCURRED SO QUICKLY AND WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT UPHOLSTERY AND A VERY HEAVY PAIR OF DENIM JEANS I WAS WEARING ALMOST IMEDIATELY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE PRETTY MUCH OBVIOUS AND…
Complaint 10102096 · Dec 3, 2004 · 22,600 miles

Own a 2003 ML320?

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