VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other M-Class years?

M-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted32 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 28 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 9 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 12 complaints2004: 0 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
M-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1100%

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V076000LightingMarch 10, 2009 · 16,130 units

Defect

MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING 16,130 MY 2009 M-CLASS W164 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL POWER LIFT GATE. AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY SEAL AROUND THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY, WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR COMPARTMENT CONTAINING THE SPARE TIRE. WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE CONTROL UNIT FOR THE POWER LIFT GATE CAN RESULT IN DISABLING OF THE POWER LIFT GATE MOTOR.

Consequence

WATER WILL CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL OF THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY WITH A THICKER ONE AND REPOSITION THE AFFECTED POWER LIFT GATE CONTROL UNIT INSIDE THE CHASSIS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“POWER TAILGATES FOR SOME MFG,S (INCLUDING EVEN MERCEDES BENZ) ARE POORLY DESIGNED, HAVING NO LIMIT SWITCHES TO PREVENT CRUSHING A PERSON CAUGHT NEAR THE CLOSING TAILGATE!!! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 4, 2009

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M-Class years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among M-Class years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.