1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 164 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.3 times the median Ml320 year — the 1999 model ranks #4 of 13 Ml320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (36), steering (33), and transmission (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
164
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
17
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Ml320 years?
What are the most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 | 22% | — flat |
| Steering | 33 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 20 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 16 | 10% | — flat |
| Brakes | 12 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I AND MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND HER FRIEND WERE ENTERING MY DRIVEWAY ON AUG 14,2006, PAUSED TO OPEN MY GARAGE DOOR FROM THE CAR AND I WAS SLOWLY MOVING IN. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR WENT OUT OF MY CONTROL IN A FLASH THAT I DID NOT EVEN HAVE TIME TO REACT. IT WENT AND HIT OUR OTHER PARKED CAR IN THE…”
“WHEN MAKING A SLIGHT TURN OR JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT STEERING WHEEL STUCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND CONSUMER HAS HIT A WALL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS.....*AK”
“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 45 FEET AND CRASHED INTO A CHERRY TREE. UPON EXAMINATION GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STILL IN PARK GEAR. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO REPORT *AK *SLC”
“THE COMPUTER LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THAT BRAKE PADS WERE DEFECTIVE, WHILE TAKING THE VEHICLE OUT ON A TEST DRIVE CALIPER LOCKED UP. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING VEHICLE WAS STARTING IN THIRD GEAR, INSTEAD OF FIRST GEAR. IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OUT IN TRAFFIC. DEALER/MECHANIC EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM,…”
“ FRONT BRAKES ON A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320 OVERHEATED, BRAKES WERE SMOKING . IT STARTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO ON THE RIGHT FRONT, THEN TRANSFERRED TO THE LEFT SIDE THIS MONTH. * DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER STATED THIS H HAPPENED BEFORE WITH A SIMILAR VEHICLE, WHERE FRONT BRAKES ACTUALLY CAUGHT ON…”
1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 — common questions
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 164 complaints put the 1999 model at #4 of 13 Ml320 years. It is one of the Ml320 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Ml320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (36 complaints), steering (33 complaints), transmission (20 complaints).
Does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320.
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz Ml320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ml320 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Ml320 years belongs to 2011.
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.