VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 sits mid-pack among Ml320 years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (6), steering (4), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Ml320 years?

Ml320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted258 complaints1998: 200 complaints1999: 164 complaints2000: 258 complaints2001: 196 complaints2002: 139 complaints2003: 31 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 30 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints
Ml320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ml320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting620%
Steering413%
Electrical System413%
Engine413%
Speed Control27%
Other27%
Seat Belts27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Brakes13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Transmission13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V298000BrakesApril 26, 2024 · 15,604 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

22V315000BrakesMay 9, 2022 · 350,294 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVEN WITH NEW BULBS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS BASE CASE THE TURN SIGNAL STILL BLINKING AS IF THE BULB IS BURNED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY IT WORK WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED. THE CAR WAS TOOK TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 24, 2018

“THE REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVEN WITH NEW BULBS AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS BASE CASE THE TURN SIGNAL STILL BLINKING AS IF THE BULB IS BURNED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY IT WORK WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS NOT USED. THE CAR WAS TOOK TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 24, 2018

“A SEAL FOR THE ENGINE OIL COOLER FAILED. THE COOLER LEAKED OIL ONTO THE UNDER-ENGINE PAN AND WAS NOT DETECTED AS A LEAK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. HAD THE COOLER FAILED COMPLETELY IT WOULD HAVE CREATED A SAFETY ISSUE IN TRAFFIC. THE SEAL FAILURE APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM BUT SHOULD NOT OCCUR UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 3, 2015

“AT 57,000 THE RACK AND PINION SEALS WENT OUT ON THE STEERING MAKING THE CAR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. REAR SEAT BELTS HAD NEVER BEEN USED UNTIL 12/1/14 AT WHICH TIME I FOUND THEY WERE NOT USABLE. THEY WERE LOCKED INTO POSITION. THE SERVICE WRITER AT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SAID HE OWNED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 4, 2014

“AT 57,000 THE RACK AND PINION SEALS WENT OUT ON THE STEERING MAKING THE CAR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. REAR SEAT BELTS HAD NEVER BEEN USED UNTIL 12/1/14 AT WHICH TIME I FOUND THEY WERE NOT USABLE. THEY WERE LOCKED INTO POSITION. THE SERVICE WRITER AT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SAID HE OWNED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 4, 2014

2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ml320: 30 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Ml320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (6 complaints), steering (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.