2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 196 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median Ml320 year — the 2001 model ranks #3 of 13 Ml320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 53 reports (27% of the total).
196
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
17
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Ml320 years?
What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 53 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 48 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 25 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 16 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 12 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, SMOKE AND FLAMES CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *AK THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNED OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE LIGHTS CAME ON CONSTANTLY, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES UNEXPECTEDLY ENGAGED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY COAST TO A STOP, WHEN HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE…”
“WE BELIEVE THAT ONE OR MORE MECHANICAL AND/OR DESIGN FAILURES CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH OUR 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320 WAS INVOLVED. *LA”
“MECHANICAL FAILURE BELIEVED TO BE RESULT OF ACCIDENT.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TS *JB”
“REFERENCE ODI 10457817 I HAVE SINCE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES CORP. STATING THE FUEL PUMP FIRE IS DUE TO AGE AND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I ASKED HOW A FIRE INSIDE A FUEL TANK CAN BE NORMAL FOR ANY REASON. THEY WOULD ONLY REPEAT THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. I CANNOT GET RID OF…”
2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 — common questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 196 complaints put the 2001 model at #3 of 13 Ml320 years. It is one of the Ml320 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 Ml320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (53 complaints), brakes (48 complaints), steering (25 complaints).
Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320.
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 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.