Loss of power steering fluid, it appears to be from the hose connection to the radiator during driving and while stationery. This issue was previously recalled, I believe twice. Dealer requested $125 diagnostic charge. Mb USA informed in a phone conversation, that this problem was already fixed october 2008 under recall, and the warranty expired and I should fix on my own cost.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seats6
- Steering6
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Driver assistance2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seats6
- Steering6
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Driver assistance2
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Suspension1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Electric seat warmer overheats/burns
This investigation was opened based on three consumer complaints of electric seat warmer overheating in my 2003 mercedes benz ml-320 vehicles.consumers alleged that such failures may inflict burn injuries to seat occupants.investigation disclosed that the identical seat warmer design was installed in 65.5 percent of all m-class vehicles produced during my 2000-2005.the alleged defect resulted from breakage of the electrical bus wire of the heater grid in the outboard side of the seat bolster.the failures were caused by repeated high stress applied during occupant ingress and egress.a similar failure mode had been previously identified in investigations of this type of failure in other vehicles.the rates of complaints and warranty claims for the subject vehicles, as well as for other m-class vehicles with the same seat warmer design, were in some cases higher, but on the same order of magnitude as the rates seen in other vehicles investigated.the information disclosed that seat cushion damage was limited to small, localized areas and that no risk of fire existed.the injuries reported were consistently very minor in severity and at rates comparable to those seen on other investigations.odi concluded that a safety-related defect trend was not identified in this matter at this time.accordingly, this pe has been 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 reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE05005
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 56
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
2003 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 | 14 | 17 | 15 |
What 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My wife drove the vehicle to work one day and when she was pulling out of the parking lot onto a busy street, the yellow triangle with exclamation point started to flash and engaged the brakes. My wife quickly pull over to the side of the street and made her way back into the parking lot while the brakes where engaging. My wife was unable to drive the vehicle home from work. We let the vehicle sit for several minutes and I was able to get the vehicle moving but the brakes were engaging again. I was able to get the vehicle back home. I have taking the vehicle to several shops and all the shops are saying that there is an issue with the traction control system. When driving the vehicle from one of the shops, as soon as I pulled out of the shop's parking lot the brakes engaged and the yellow triangle with exclamation was flashing. It did this for about 15 seconds caused the approaching vehicle from the rear to slam on their brakes to avoid rear ending me. The vehicle has become unsafe to drive because we just don't know if when it does this. It happens randomly usually after the vehicle as been sitting off for a several hours.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml320. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently and the rpms revved without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times, but the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Bas light turns on while driving on the freeway and the car shuts off on freeway while driving. The gas pedal didn't work so I pulled over. I feel like its a dangerous to drive and putting other driver in danger so I stopped driving it. There was a recall for 2000-2002 ml320 but my car is 2003 and its doing the same issues that the 2000-2002 ml320
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ml320. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes were engaged numerous times before there was a reduction in the speed. The contact smelled an unusual odor inside of the vehicle. In addition, on separate occasions a burning odor of brakes emitted throughout the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to detect a problem. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
2003 ml 320 rolls back in drive.
I had taken my mercedes ml320 in for recall work #2003040005 at motor works in hoffman estates il. For power steering pump recall and they wanted to charge me approx. $6,000.00 for this service which should be free. I've tried to contact mercedes and motor works with no response the clamps that connect the power steering hoses come off quite often resulting in loss of control, I guess I shouldn't expect much for a $40,000.00 car!!
I have a 2003 mercedes ml 320 that has power steering fluid problems. This is due to a recall issued by mb for faulty hosing, piping and connections. I had loss of steering capability while driving which lead me to steer off the road during rainy conditions.
Car makes a "washing machine" type nose when the steering wheel is turned. Mercedes dealer evaluated and found the steering gear box/rack & pinion is "worn" and should be replaced. Although dealer recommended replacement of part they did add a lubricant to power steering fluid to "eliminate" the noise (which is still there presently). Warranty company refuses to replace rack & pinion because they state part is still functioning as intended. However, if part completely fails and the steering goes out, I could be involved in an accident, possibly causing death or injury.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320
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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320, close to a typical ML320 model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 year score?
The 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz ML320: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320?
Seats, with 6 complaints. Next is steering (6).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.
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