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2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-298 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 3%Owner complaints215 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage118kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 24, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has problems

21 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
Exterior lighting60
Electrical system40
Steering30
Vehicle speed control21
Seat belts20
Engine20
Engine and engine cooling20
Visibility/wiper10
Power train10
4 other systems40

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

2 recalls

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

3%repaired · 2026 Q1

Power assist: vacuum

Do not drive

Recall 24V-298 · Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles · 439 repaired

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

43%repaired · 2025 Q4

Power assist: vacuum

Do not drive

Recall 22V-315 · May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles · 149,456 repaired

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2008 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
In owners' words

What ML320 owners report

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

THE REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVEN WITH NEW BULBS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS BASE CASE THE TURN SIGNAL STILL BLINKING AS IF THE BULB IS BURNED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY IT WORK WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED. THE CAR WAS TOOK TO THE…
Complaint 11455484 · Mar 7, 2022
WHILE DRIVING THE MERCEDES ML320 AT NIGHT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY POSTED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE "BATTERY VOLTAGE IS TOO LOW. PLEASE START THE ENGINE. OTHERWISE, COMAND WILL SHUT OFF IN 3 MINUTES." THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT THIS TIME AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. A SHORT TIME LATER THE HEADLIGHTS ON…
Complaint 11164312 · Dec 31, 2018 · 200,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE FAILED TO OPEN. IN ADDITION, THE REAR MIDDLE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT LAUDERDALE AT [PHONE] (LOCATED AT 2411 S FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316) AND WAS…
Complaint 11067323 · Feb 6, 2018 · 108,000 miles

Own a 2008 ML320?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.