The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her vehicle after parking overnight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to a closed the federal safety agency Action Number: PE3006 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The worst 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine35
- Steering29
- Transmission19
- Fuel system14
- Brakes11
- Acceleration7
- Visibility7
- Airbags5
- Suspension5
- Body4
- Driver assistance3
- Electrical3
- Seat belts3
- Locks2
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
Power steering loss 9Loss of power 8Fuel pump 7Door locks 5Stalling 5Sudden acceleration 5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
PE03058
Power steering hose assembly leakage
The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (I.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump. There have also been a few incidents of hose separation from the fitting, that have resulted in more rapid reductions of power steering.testing conducted by mercedes-benz indicates that the leaked fluid is not likely to be exposed to hot engine components.there are no known allegations that the defect condition has caused a vehicle fire. Mercedes-benz will conduct a voluntary recall campaign for the subject m-class vehicles.mercedes-benz will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler of the subject vehicles.during clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
PE03006
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were...
- Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable
- Thumping noises from front axle when driving over bumps on road.
- Since 12/2012 (model 166) and since 06/2013 (model 242) the glass breakage loops are no longer in the side...
- Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery...
- The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark
- Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed
- Xentry: outside door handle no longer returns to end position
1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19 | 17 |
What 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There was a recall on the steering on my 1999 Mercedes Benz . The Manufacturer said its closed . The steering is leaking and hard to drive and I fear the power steering pump will go out while I am driving the Vehicle. I fear for my safety. How can I get this recall opened and my vehicle fixed .
I was in an accident a week ago my airbags did not deploy under serious impacts my car rolled serveral times before comming to a stop on its side not one airbag went off also there was a warning light lit up about the bas system and some other malfunction the two warning lights never went off they stayed on constant while driving I have serious injuries due to no airbags going off im very dissappointed in the fact this could have been fixed and prevented another friend has the same problem as I do and will file their own compl;aint now I dont have a vehical period what am I susposed to do? If my kids were with me I would sue for sure thank god they were not with me !!! Come on mercedes fix the problem before more people get hurt your well aware of this problem already do something!!
The yaw rate sensor is causing the car to unintended breaking. It started the breaking since I purchased the car in june, however over a week ago the actual car will break while im drive and bring the car to a complete stop and will not go until I cut the car completely off and let it sit for about 10-15 min and turn it back on and then it will drive again.
Driving at highway speed 65mph, the ml320 slammed on the front right side break causing truck to swerve right nearly out of control. When stopping and checking the front right tire, hub and brake pad were smoking and very hot
This is in regard to the federal safety agency id #10033607, also mercedes benz service campaign #2009100002 dated jan 2010, for model 163. My vehicle isn't covered by above mercedes service campaign because it's v-6 model, but showing exactly the same safety problem. I've taken and attached a few photos of the problem area showing severe damage to fuel line and less so to brake line. The photos showing severe chafing between fuel line & brake line just below master cylinder. The service campaign only covers 8 cylinder models, but my 6 cylinder model is showing exactly the same chafing at the same area. I have not experienced any problem, but just noticed this issue last few days.
Uncommanded breaking of front wheels resulted in deceleration and severe overheating of front brakes. This occurred within one mile of destination. High engine revs and downshifting of the transmission were required to overcome the uncommanded breaking force and reach the destination. A similar second occurrence effected only the right front brake.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. Djr
99 mercedes ml320 front right brake overheated traveling about 55mph.
My 1999 mercedes ml-320 was traveling on a through highway at about 40 MPH when it was broadsided at the intersection by another vehicle, which apparently didn't stop at the stop sign. As a result of the impact, my vehicle rolled over twice. The side airbags didn't deploy. I am concerned that they were defective; therefore, I am requesting a safety investigation regarding possible defects in the airbags or devices controlling side airbag deployment.
Compare the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
Other model years
Questions about the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 reliable?
Owners have filed 125 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320, 5.7 times a typical ML320 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320?
Engine and cooling, with 35 complaints, typically around 73,000 miles. Next is steering (29).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercedes Benz ML320 have bad engine?
The Mercedes Benz ML320 model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (35 complaints), 1998 (32 complaints) and 2000 (29 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 15 city and 19 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history