2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 is among the quieter years of the Ml350 on NHTSA's books: 31 complaints (66% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (36% of the total).
31
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Ml350 years?
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11 | 35% | new |
| Seats | 7 | 23% | new |
| Engine | 6 | 19% | new |
| Electrical System | 4 | 13% | new |
| Other | 3 | 10% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY TWICE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO…”
“I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. WHEN TURNED ON, THE SEAT WARMER IN THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY HOT, I HAVE RECEIVED A SLIGHT BURN AND I NOTICE A BURNING SMELL. THERE HAS NOT BEEN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR A FIRE (TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE MAY BE UNDER THE SEAT COVER) ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE TURNED THE SEAT…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD SIDE A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WERE IT IS CURRENTLY…”
“MY FAMILY OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. A FEW WEEKS AGO, MY MOM NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. WE BELIEVED ONE OF THE MECHANICS BURNT IT WITH A TOOL DURING THE CAR'S SERVICE. SO THIS BURN MARK WAS IGNORED. ON DEC. 13, 2008 AROUND 8:20 AM, MY MOM, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, SMELLED…”
“MY FAMILY OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. A FEW WEEKS AGO, MY MOM NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. WE BELIEVED ONE OF THE MECHANICS BURNT IT WITH A TOOL DURING THE CAR'S SERVICE. SO THIS BURN MARK WAS IGNORED. ON DEC. 13, 2008 AROUND 8:20 AM, MY MOM, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, SMELLED…”
2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 — common questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 31 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ml350 year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2003 Ml350 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (11 complaints), seats (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Ml350.
Which Mercedes-Benz Ml350 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ml350 years to avoid are 2006, 2011, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ml350 years belongs to 2001.
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.