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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-955 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 67%Owner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 has problems

2 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
Electrical system10
Engine10
Fuel/propulsion system10
Lane departure10

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

2 recalls

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 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.

67%repaired · 2025 Q4

Fuel pump: control/drive module

Recall 22V-955 · Dec 23, 2022 · 348,183 vehicles · 233,290 repaired

Risk. An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2019 Q4

Suspension: front

Recall 18V-272 · Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles · 9,138 repaired

Risk. The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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

2012 vs. every other ML550 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 ML550 median. How we score

'08'09'10'11'12'13'14
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What ML550 owners report

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

In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you…
Complaint 11511930 · Mar 15, 2023

Own a 2012 ML550?

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