repaired · 2026 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-298 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 26, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has problems
28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Engine1 crash/fire/injury
5Fuel system, diesel
4Power train
4Engine and engine cooling
3Air bags
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Structure1 crash/fire/injury
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Fuel/propulsion system
88 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2009 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
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…
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
2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What ML320 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
OUR VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. MY WIFE AND I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE INTERSTATE WHEN WE STARTED TO SMELL AN ODD SMELL. WE PULLED INTO A HOTEL PARKING LOT WHERE WE STARTED TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN A HOTEL DRIVEWAY, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. WE GOT OUT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
ML320 BLUETEC, RANDOMLY LOSES POWER. THE POWER WILL BE RESTORED ONCE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN. CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 7 TIMES FOR REPAIR OF THIS ONE ISSUE, INCLUDING TWICE IN A STATE WITH LIMITED POWER. DEALER HAS DONE MULTIPLE SOFTWARE UPDATES, TURBO REPLACEMENT, EXHAUST VALVES…
Own a 2009 ML320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.