2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 is among the quieter years of the Ml350 on NHTSA's books: 44 complaints (52% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (6), airbags (6), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
44
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Ml350 years?
What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 6 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 14% | new |
| Engine | 5 | 11% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | new |
| Electrical System | 4 | 9% | — flat |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | new |
| Other | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 5% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD AND THE…”
“A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY SUV. I WAS UNAWARE OF ANY LOST OF POWER STEERING FLUID UNTIL I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND I LATER CHECK THE AREA WHERE I HAD PARKED THE NIGHT BEFORE. I PARKED MY VEHICLE UNTIL I REPLACED THE POWER STEERING FLUID. THIS IS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
“DT: THE CONTAC TOWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ WITH 26,933 MILES ON IT THAT CUTS OFF WHEN HE HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. ON THE SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALER A NEW HARNESS WAS PLACED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP AFTER…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SLOWING DOWN ON A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”
2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 — common questions
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 44 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ml350 year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2004 Ml350 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (6 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 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.