MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 · model year

2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350

113 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2007MERCEDES-BENZML350 carries 113 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 30 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2007 ML350 is seats with 22 filings, followed by electrical system (18) and power train (14). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2007 ML350. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

113
Complaints
8
Crashes
30
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

113 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SEATS22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
POWER TRAIN14
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER8
STEERING8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
ENGINE5
SERVICE BRAKES4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
AIR BAGS2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2

Recent Complaints

20240716ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I bought a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic in late 2023 from auction with a salvage title and I can't take it to inspection center to get plates, because a lot of things such as signal lights, seats power, key fob, radio, wipers, and rear gate to work because the rear SAM module is damage by rain water, which I found on YouTube that at least 3 models from 2006 to 2012 (including my model) suffering from same problem and yet Mercedes company didn't forced to considered as a recall so we can fixed for free since it is not our fault.

20231006CrashSERVICE BRAKES

The contact owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that his son had to apply pressure and pump the brake pedal multiple times to coast the vehicle to a stop however, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact’s vehicle crashed into a pole. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact then stated that she received NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer nor manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20230217SERVICE BRAKES

Received recall notice dated August 2022. Phoned local Mercedes Benz of Chicago on 1520 W. North Avenue and Mercedes Benz of Chicago Service Center on 949 N. Elston Ave. Scheduled a mobile inspection multiple times but they never showed. I was instructed to contact Brake Booster Hotline to have them tow the vehicle but Tarek at this company informed me that I needed to coordinate a date/time with MB dealer to accept the vehicle upon towing. Left a couple of messages with Maya at MB dealer to coordinate appointment for towing company to tow the vehicle but have not received a response. I phoned MB dealer again today and spoke with Jenny who informed me that she would notify the manager, Vince. Jenny informed me that the vehicle cannot be serviced even if it is towed to their dealership. Her experience has been that they have been unable to service these vehicles from this particular recall. This recall issue has continued to go unresolved and the recall notice clearly states that owners

20221018FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact's wife owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while they were out of town, the vehicle was parked in their driveway. The contact stated that a neighbor contacted them and made them aware that the vehicle had caught on fire. A bystander contacted the fire department and the fire was extinguished. The fire department informed the contact that the fire had originated from an electrical failure in the rear of the vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 167,000

20220630ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving, the ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose motive power and stall inadvertently while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where unknown repairs were completed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the traffic light. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to her friend's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated they could not assist as the vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was noti

Mileage: 146,000

20220601ENGINE

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT CAUSING PAUSE & STOP IN TRAFFIC This is a known defect and has been resolved previously in customers favor in class action and private lawsuits against Mercedes Benz USA. Mercedes refuses to take responsibility for a defective and unsafe build THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN THE PATH OF THIS CARS LIFE IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WILL YOU FORCE THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE BALANCE SHAFT before I have to get an attorney! Balance Shaft - UNSAFE!! BALANCE SHAFT has made this a suicide/weapon on wheels. When driving the car will suddenly and with no notice lose power, slow down substantially or stop on its own and sometimes will not moved forward at all. This has happened in traffic and I was almost hit. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE COULD KILL ME OR ANYONE AROUND ME. Each time I have had to turn on emergency flashers, turn off the car and restart. I drove home with Emergency flashers on all the way. 2 mechanics, including dealer advise

20220601FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT CAUSING PAUSE & STOP IN TRAFFIC This is a known defect and has been resolved previously in customers favor in class action and private lawsuits against Mercedes Benz USA. Mercedes refuses to take responsibility for a defective and unsafe build THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN THE PATH OF THIS CARS LIFE IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WILL YOU FORCE THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE BALANCE SHAFT before I have to get an attorney! Balance Shaft - UNSAFE!! BALANCE SHAFT has made this a suicide/weapon on wheels. When driving the car will suddenly and with no notice lose power, slow down substantially or stop on its own and sometimes will not moved forward at all. This has happened in traffic and I was almost hit. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE COULD KILL ME OR ANYONE AROUND ME. Each time I have had to turn on emergency flashers, turn off the car and restart. I drove home with Emergency flashers on all the way. 2 mechanics, including dealer advise

20220601VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 DEFECTIVE BALANCE SHAFT CAUSING PAUSE & STOP IN TRAFFIC This is a known defect and has been resolved previously in customers favor in class action and private lawsuits against Mercedes Benz USA. Mercedes refuses to take responsibility for a defective and unsafe build THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN THE PATH OF THIS CARS LIFE IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WILL YOU FORCE THEM TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE BALANCE SHAFT before I have to get an attorney! Balance Shaft - UNSAFE!! BALANCE SHAFT has made this a suicide/weapon on wheels. When driving the car will suddenly and with no notice lose power, slow down substantially or stop on its own and sometimes will not moved forward at all. This has happened in traffic and I was almost hit. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE COULD KILL ME OR ANYONE AROUND ME. Each time I have had to turn on emergency flashers, turn off the car and restart. I drove home with Emergency flashers on all the way. 2 mechanics, including dealer advise

20220114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving the front driver seat caught on fire while the seat heater was on. The contact stated that the back part of the seat was smoking and he stopped the vehicle, exited, and noticed the back of his jacket and seat had a hole. The contact stated that he was not injured. The contact did not see flames. The contact stated that he put his hand on the hole to stop the smoke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure cause was not diagnosed as he only received an estimate to replace the seat and heating system. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Consumer has stated warranty has expired. Heated seat coil and electric wires/assembly was the cause of fire.

Mileage: 95,000

20220114SEATS

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving the front driver seat caught on fire while the seat heater was on. The contact stated that the back part of the seat was smoking and he stopped the vehicle, exited, and noticed the back of his jacket and seat had a hole. The contact stated that he was not injured. The contact did not see flames. The contact stated that he put his hand on the hole to stop the smoke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure cause was not diagnosed as he only received an estimate to replace the seat and heating system. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Consumer has stated warranty has expired. Heated seat coil and electric wires/assembly was the cause of fire.

Mileage: 95,000

20211222POWER TRAIN

The transmission fails to shift into second gear. Gets stuck in limp mode. Won’t accelerate more than 30 miles per hour.

20210728SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. The ABS warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to her residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS system and the power steering system had failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,945.

Mileage: 132,945

20210728STEERING

The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. The ABS warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to her residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS system and the power steering system had failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,945.

Mileage: 132,945

20210522STEERING

Losing power steering pressure while driving the car: safety issue it appears Hard to steer the ML350

20200630ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SMELLED WHAT SMELLED LIKE WIRES BURNING THEN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON BY ITSELF AND WIPED AT A VERY FAST PACE, THEN THE HORN STARTED BLOWING (ON ITS OWN) VERY LOUDLY, I PULLED OVER AT A TIRE SHOP AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHEN I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND THAT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 80,105

20191121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TODAY, AND WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, MY CAR AND I ALMOST BURNED WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER. I STARTED FEELING AN EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE LEFT BACK SIDE. I STOPED ON THE RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO DISCOVER THAT THE SEAT LEATHER WAS BURNED WITH HEATING WIRE, WITH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SEAT. MY SHIRT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE BURN. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 5

20191121SEATS

TODAY, AND WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, MY CAR AND I ALMOST BURNED WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER. I STARTED FEELING AN EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE LEFT BACK SIDE. I STOPED ON THE RIGHT OF THE FREEWAY TO DISCOVER THAT THE SEAT LEATHER WAS BURNED WITH HEATING WIRE, WITH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE SEAT. MY SHIRT WAS DAMAGED WITH THE BURN. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 5

20190522SEATS

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT ENGAGE IN A LOCATION. IT SLIDES FORWARD AND BACKWARD AT WILL WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY DEALER SAYS I'LL NEED TO PAY FOR A COMPLETE NEW SEAT ASSEMBLY. ALL MY PASSENGERS SIT IN THE REAR. THANKFULLY, THEY ARE FEW. OTHERWISE I LOVE THE CAR'

Mileage: 34,000

20181228AIR BAGS

WHILE DRIVING MY TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SEAT CONTROLS, AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO THE SRS WARNING DISPLAYED MEANING THE AIRBAGS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. SEEMS THAT THE SAM MODULE IS THE CULPRIT BUT NOTHING SHOULD BE ABLE TO STOP SUCH VITAL SAFETY ISSUES FROM HAPPENING ALL AT ONCE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AND A RECALL IS NEEDED IN MY OPINION.

Mileage: 40,000

20181228ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING MY TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SEAT CONTROLS, AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO THE SRS WARNING DISPLAYED MEANING THE AIRBAGS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. SEEMS THAT THE SAM MODULE IS THE CULPRIT BUT NOTHING SHOULD BE ABLE TO STOP SUCH VITAL SAFETY ISSUES FROM HAPPENING ALL AT ONCE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AND A RECALL IS NEEDED IN MY OPINION.

Mileage: 40,000

Compare 2007MERCEDES-BENZML350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 have?
The 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 has 113 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 30 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350?
The most-complained component for the 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 is SEATS with 22 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.