repaired · 2026 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, most often about the air bags. 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 September 28, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has problems
111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
59Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
11Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
9Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
7Power train
3Vehicle speed control
3Exterior lighting
3Seats
76 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 59 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 11 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 1 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 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
2011 vs. every other ML350 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 ML350 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What ML350 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Nearest dealership refused to complete the recall repairs. On March 6, during a moving traffic accident that totaled both cars, the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver (me).
I PUT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD A TOW TRUCK TO COME AND GET MY VEHICLE AND THEY CHARGED THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. I KNOW THAT I PROBABLY NEED A NEW BATTERY BUT THIS WAS SCARY.
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY SINCE FEBRUARY 2016, AND EVERY 6 MONTHS MERCEDES BENZ KEEPS DELAYING THE REMEDY TO THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE. MY WIFE AND TODDLER RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND I'M ALWAYS IN FEAR THE AIRBAG CAN DEPLOY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. HOW MUCH LONGER AM I…
Own a 2011 ML350?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.