Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

ML-Class (W164)

2006-2011 · Midsize SUV ยท 5 engines
784 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
73 Fire Reports
42 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
ML-CLASSML-CLASS HYBRID
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

Not rated

NHTSA's production counts do not cover this model well enough to compare it with similar vehicles. NHTSA has 784 owner complaints on file for it, listed below.

Complaints by Engine Code

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
542 complaints 90.3 per year Gasoline
40 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
159
electrical
93
engine
75
transmission
63
interior
62

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (159 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (93 complaints)
Engine Issues (75 complaints)

Same engine used in

+73 more
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Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Unidentified Engine

93 complaints 15.5 per year
18 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
24
electrical
18
transmission
14
safety systems
14
engine
13

Known Issues

Interior Issues (24 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (18 complaints)
Transmission Issues (14 complaints)
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

4.3-V8-Gas

4.3L 8-cyl / 275 hp
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (200 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (132 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (108 complaints)
engine critical
Interior Issues (101 complaints)
interior critical
Transmission Issues (90 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (3)

24V298000Apr 26, 2024serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

22V315000May 9, 2022serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

16V081000Feb 11, 2016critical
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has accumulated 784 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Is the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class a good used car?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 784 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have?

The 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 784 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the ML-Class?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 784 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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