The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power when the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle would not accelerate over 10 mph. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed and located the failure at the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000 and the approximate current mileage was 115,000.

- Leesburg , VA, USA

At approximately 70K miles, I began to notice a low-frequency whining noise in the front end of my ml-350 at speeds above 40 mph. The noise became more prevalent when I took my foot off of the accelerator at higher speeds. First, replaced all four tires with Michelin "latitude tour hp" - $1,300 (including alignment). The noise still occurred. Next, took to mb specialist, who recommended both wheel bearing be replaced - cost $425/side. The bearings were replaced and noise still occurred. Mb specialist recommended checking differential oil for metal - found lots of metal fragments in differential oil. Installation of new differential was ~$3,500. Mb specialist stated that his parts distributor said that they sell at least one-to-two late model ml-350 front end differentials per month. In my opinion, it seems as though there is a flaw in the differential's design or manufacturing process, as I seen several reports of the same differential issues with [relatively]-low-mileage/late-model mb ml-350 SUVS. I would like to see mb research this issue, and possibly instate a recall or reimburse mb owners who've already affected costly repairs on their low-mileage ml-350's front end differentials.

- Chester, MD, USA

Two problems - first, transmission do not switch higher than second speed. Upon engine restart, vehicle drove properly. Second, on another occasion, I was sitting at a traffic light and when I attempted to pull off, the vehicle started driving very slow and rough. I pulled to the side of the road; turned off the engine and waited for a few seconds. When I started the vehicle again and attempted to drive away, the vehicle drove properly. Mercedes dealership is aware of these issues, and also many of people I know who have Mercedes with same transmission type - valve body/electric plate needs to be replaced in auto transmission.

- Sterling, VA, USA

Took car to mb dealership in North olmsted Ohio because front end of car and steering wheel started shaking and vibrating excessively when the car was driven in excess of 60 mph. Car drove fine under that speed. I almost was caused to drive off of road at multiple points because of excessive vibration and lack of steering control. Condition did not occur at lower speeds. Car was 1 week outside of mfr warranty. Was told by mb dealership that car needed new front differential. I called mb national to complain about an alleged luxury car's front differential failing only after 40K miles. They told me it was not their problem. Car continues to have problem to this day (1 year later). I was told that the car was safe to drive. I have since been looking for a used differntial because a new one w/install is over $3K. It seems as if I am not the only ml owner experiencing these problems. Mb went with a new 7 speed transmission that year which may lead to problems.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

Around 45,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to a Mercedes Benz dealer service department and was notified that the balance shaft needs to be replaced. In order to replace the balance shaft, the engine needs to be taken out of the vehicle and taken apart. Estimated cost $6,000. The service dept. Told me that it was due to a part that was not hardened properly during manufacturing. There is a technical service bulletin (s-B-03.30/08I) that was originally issued in 2007 which was found in internet searching, however it seems like Mercedes Benz knows that the check engine light (on the majority of these vehicles) will not come on until when the warranty has expired. Since this fix is a huge expense, they are not going to issue a recall even though it is clearly a safety concern. If I would've have continued to drive the vehicle in this condition, eventually the balance shaft would have continued to break its teeth resulting in engine failure. Continuing to drive the vehicle in the condition is not safe, it is a matter of time before the vehicle stops running and the engine would need to be replaced. The Mercedes Benz usa replaced our balance shaft or pay for it people who already fixed.

- Centreville , VA, USA

Front differential for my Mercedes ml 350 year 2006 needs to be replaced after only 52000 miles.

- Miami, FL, USA

Grinding noise in front diagnosed as failed front differential.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

2006 Mercedes ML350, front differential worn at ~75000 mileage, that could lead to lockup at any time if not fixed. From talking with the three Mercedes dealerships in my local area, it seems there is a very high incidence of front differential problems on 2006 ml's.

- Sterling, VA, USA

Mercedes Benz balance shaft problem (drivetrain) on 2006 ML350 a technical service bulletin was issued in 2007 by Mercedes Benz but owners such as myself were never notified.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the balance shaft and other parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was 85,448.

- Hopedale, IL, USA

2006 Mercedes Benz balance shaft is defective. The defect causes the car to sometimes sputter when accelerating, almost was killed by a truck as I turned left, or stall out completely.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Around 52,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to a Mercedes Benz dealer service department and was notified that the balance shaft needs to be replaced. In order to replace the balance shaft, the engine needs to be taken out of the vehicle and taken apart. Estimated cost $4,000 to $7,500. The service dept. Told me that it was due to a part that was not hardened properly during manufacturing. There is a technical service bulletin (s-B-03.30/08I) that was originally issued in 2007, however it seems like Mercedes Benz knows that the check engine light (on the majority of these vehicles) will not come on until after 50,000 miles, when the warranty has expired. Since this fix is a huge expense, they are not going to issue a recall even though it is clearly a safety concern. If we would've have continued to drive the vehicle in this condition, eventually the balance shaft would have continued to break its teeth resulting in engine failure. Continuing to drive the vehicle in the condition is not safe, it is a matter of time before the vehicle stops running and the engine would need to be replaced. The service department replaced our balance shaft, the parts used are too numerous to list along with labor codes. Here is a brief breakdown: 28.8 labor hours total $2,940.48, parts $1,263.50 (consumer cost), $925.49 (net cost). The failure has been corrected, however the service dept. Told me all of these vehicles made during this time will eventually have this failure and it's a safety concern, not to mention a very expensive repair. I feel there should be a recall issued for these vehicles and Mercedes Benz should be required to notify consumers of this failure. I was an original purchaser and had mine repaired, however there are people out there buying these vehicles used unaware of the problem, not only stuck with a $4,000 + repair, but also unaware of the safety hazard. Mercedes Benz should take responsibility.

- Maumee, OH, USA

Balance shaft on my Mercedes ML350 has worn cam causing checking engine light to come on and the timing to be off. Mercedes service bulletin states that the balance shaft needs to be replaced and that the material of new replacement shaft has been updated. This has happening to nearly all Mercedes Benz equipped with M272 engine up to serial no. 2729..30 468993 or M273 engine up to serial no. 2739..30 088611 and occurs after 55,000 miles. Mercedes wants $4,000 - $6,000 to replace defect part.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

2006 Mercedes ML350. Upon turning 78K miles a check engine indicator appeared. Upon examination a sprocket in the timing chain assembly was worn and in danger of failure. Within one day - and with very little effort - I found two others with the same motor having the same problem. Mercedes prides itself on excellent engineering and manufacturing and charged me $50K for such excellence. With this kind of mileage there should be no problem with this type of machinery. Apparently mb agreed. Upon working with a local dealership mb paid 50% of the bill which totaled $4200 with discounts. This item should truly be a recall and should not have cost me a penny. Mb is trying to keep this situation quiet as not to incur extensive damages. I would like to see a recall take place for others who will inevitably have this same experience at some point.

- Spring, TX, USA