10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,717 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Jul 042013

ML320 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
While driving, went over bump in road, and truck immediately lost speed. Pressure on gas pedal weakend. There was absolutely no acceleration. I pulled over after almost being hit, and turned vehicle off. Restarted and pull over into autozone to have them hook it up to diagnostic reader. It came back with several codes, that all stated "throttle pedal positioner malfunction" I have bought and replaced this item 4 times since this incident, and the problem still exists. I am forced to drive the vehicle because I have to get back and forth to work, but I'm always very afraid that this part is going to malfunction while in a busy intersection or street, and I along with my kids are going to be killed. It happens at least two to three time a week, sometimes more.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

problem #5

Nov 012007

ML320

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 defects with transmission and computer unit. Consumer states that the vehicle has broken down twice because of these defects and thinks this vehicle should be considered a lemon.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 152007

ML320 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML55. While driving 60 mph he engaged the seat heater. The front and rear seats became extremely hot. He was unable to turn the heater off. He pulled over and noticed smoke and sparks. He poured water over the seats and the sparks stopped. The seat heater did not go off until the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the coils malfunctioned. The current and failure mileages were 28,000. The consumer stated the dealer replaced seat and electrical components but will not provide consumer with any documentation or information pertaining to the defect and repair. Updated 09/18/07

- Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #3

May 132005

ML320 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
- no precursors or apparent damage - drivers seat heater failed resulting in strong burning smell, and superficial burn to left upper leg of driver

- Narberth, PA, USA

problem #2

Apr 012004

ML320 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,300 miles
On the highway driving 65 my 2003 ML500 Mercedes - Benz computer shut down after hitting a small bump. It was very dangerous and was scared for my life there engine turned off and was luckily able to stop at the side of the road and start the car again. This happened a couple of weeks before but it stoped for just a second or two. This isn;T an ld car with about 25K miles on it. For a 55 thousand dollars car to do that is unacceptable.

- Fresh Meadows, NY, USA

problem #1

Oct 302003

ML320

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles
I purchased a new 2003 ml 350 during the memorial day sale from our local Mercedes dealer in Iowa city, ia. The SUV shuts off automatically. Initially, the dealer replaced the battery. The SUV has been into the dealer three additional times for the same problem. Each time, the day after I received the ML350 back, the problem occurs again. Two incidents occurred where the SUV would not start in my garage (which presented no hazard). Two incidents occurred where I was driving the vehicle. This is an extreme safety hazard - particularly if you traveling at a high rate of speed. The date listed below is the most recent incident.

- Iowa City, IA, USA