VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 sits mid-pack among Ml350 years: 93 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (28% of the total).

93

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Ml350 years?

Ml350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted235 complaints2001: 2 complaints2003: 31 complaints2004: 44 complaints2005: 28 complaints2006: 235 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 93 complaints2009: 105 complaints2010: 113 complaints2011: 126 complaints2012: 92 complaints2013: 82 complaints2014: 107 complaints2015: 78 complaints
Ml350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ml350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2628%
Electrical System1415%
Brakes89%
Body & Structure78%
Lighting78%
Other44%
Engine44%
Transmission44%
Airbags33%
Seat Belts33%
Seats33%
Speed Control33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Fuel System22%
Latches & Locks11%
Suspension11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 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.

“LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID RESULTING IN DIMINISHED OR TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THOUGH TOTAL LOSS DID NOT HAPPEN YET, THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING. 1998-2004 CLASS WAS RECALLED FOR THAT VERY REASON; WHY NOT THE MODEL YEARS THEREAFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 22, 2014

“BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. TWO DAYS LATER THE BATTERY CAUSED A FIRE INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 28, 2018 · fire

“ATM AT BANK WAS NOT OPERATING AND WAS GOING INSIDE BANK, AT REGIONS BANK IN HENDERSONVILLE TN. WHEN CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THAT COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. THE RESULT BEING,HITTING TWO CARS, WHEN TRYING TO GO BETWEEN THEM, THEN STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 23, 2013 · crash

“ATM AT BANK WAS NOT OPERATING AND WAS GOING INSIDE BANK, AT REGIONS BANK IN HENDERSONVILLE TN. WHEN CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THAT COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. THE RESULT BEING,HITTING TWO CARS, WHEN TRYING TO GO BETWEEN THEM, THEN STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 23, 2013 · crash

“FAULTY WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. WIRING COMMONLY ARCS CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. MERCEDES HAS OTHER CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT WON'T ADDRESS IT ON THE ML350'S. THEY EVEN MADE A PART TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DEMAND CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 5, 2019

2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ml350: 93 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Ml350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (26 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Ml350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.