Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
53 complaint records2 crash reports
"BALANCE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED $6500 FROM MERCEDES BENZ DEALER QUOTE ORIGINAL OWNER OIL CHANGED 8 TIMES IN 72000 MILES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
44 complaint records2 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS MAKING A ROARING NOISE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS GONE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRONT DIFFERENTIAL IS ALSO BAD AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
29 complaint records10 fire reports1 crash report
""TAKATA RECALL". IN HOUSE WIRING,3RD BRAKE LIGHT, TURN MARKERS ,BRAKE LIGHTS ALL NON OPERATIONAL. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP PROBLEM STILL OCCURS!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V298000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 22V315000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| EW - Balance Shaft and IG Oct 2015 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the replacement of sintered steel balance shaft sprockets and idle gears... |
| EW - Seat Heaters May 2018 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the original equipment seat heaters in model year 2000-2007 M-Class,... |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI77.21-P-075806 Apr 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or multiple times, without an entrapment (anti‑pinch) event being detected. The concern may occur temporarily or repeatedly during normal closing operation. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI83.20-P-051802 Apr 2025 | Engine | Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant flow in the heater heat exchanger (see picture). | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Structure | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078302 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 2023 | Seats | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). | |
| LI68.20-P-070037 Dec 2020 | Equipment | Armrest In Center Console (Front) Only Opens On One Side Or Not At All - Model Series 167 | |
| LI77.21-P-072113 Dec 2020 | Visibility | Creaking noise from fixed glass section of panoramic roof in area of rear passenger compartment grab handles | |
| LI35 30-P-058566 Aug 2019 | Power Train | Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle | |
| LI05 20-P-067123 Oct 2017 | Engine | Oil in engine wiring harness | |
| LI8330P0496447 Nov 2016 | Equipment | No cooling output, fault code 9006 stored in air conditioning control unit. | |
| LI8210P0647661 Aug 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Headlamps fogged. | |
| RecallUpdate Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags. |
Showing 30 of 98 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz Ml350 →