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2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 is engine and cooling, typically around 75,000 miles. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical ML350 model year.

Year to avoid2.6x the typical complaints
Year score
41/100
Owner complaints
172
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1022 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
16mpg
Typical repair
$6,000

The worst 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350

Check engine light 44Fire or smoke 17Stalling 12Engine failure 7Jerking 7Sudden acceleration 6ABS 5Won't shift 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 mention

P0016 3P0017 3

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported April 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk
Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V‑315.

Recall number 24V298000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Risk
Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Recall number 22V315000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 102

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 102 bulletins for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350

2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD141916

What 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes · NJ

While my vehicle was having a mandatory safety recall performed on the brake booster, my brake line was damaged and now the dealership is asking for $7,000 to repair something caused by them and directly related to a safety recall. The car was in working condition prior to being brought to the dealership and now it is at the dealership and inoperable.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · TX

After starting the car, two messages appeared on the dash board. Center Gauge read: SRS Restraint System Malfunction Service Required Fuel Gauge read: SRS (in red) Took the car to our certified mechanic. After his diagnostic check- He said it was the Air Bag Module is out. Needs to be replaced at Mercedes Dealership.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 163,450 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V298000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle a week later, the brake warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated, and the message "Take to Service Center" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal rubbing and squeaking sound, and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the failure to be corrected under the recall, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,450.

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Transmission · GA

My car was included in the balance right shaft recall as 2nd owner I was just made aware as a result my check engine light came on. It was also learned that the car was included in faulty “balance shaft”. I should be included because my car has same diagnosis as defective equipment

Filed Oct 31, 2023 · Fuel system, Steering · KY

The fuel system faild had it replaced twice gss leaking as well as the power steering leaking badly went out while driving I had both replaced power steering is out again several months later car been sitting since then i looked up to see if there were any safty recalls I did find both on Kelly blue book and a few other sites I contacted dealership was told I could bring vehicle the the recalls don't expire once the vehicle was there received a phone call they had my vehicle however the said they didn't know what kind it was or why it was there I asked how could u not know that was told they had keys but haven't went out to look I gave all my information before the vehicle was picked up I told them the issue again I was told then that as long as it's a recall problem no charge two days later I received another call same thing not knowing what type of vehicle I explained the situation again this time I was told they see 7 recalls all expired but 1 on the break system and I will have to pay $198 plus tax $233 for diagnostic ran and that price doesn't count towards repairs I waited a few hours called in act like someone else and was told recalls don't expire when I explained what was going on and who I was they told me my recalls closed and can't reopen and the was told they didn't see anything about power steering recalls however it was before I had my car towed if this was a safety recall hiw can I tell what information is correct with old recalls and how do I get them to fix this I do have a older model that I purchased 3 years ago from what I can see on there website when putting in Vin only show current recalls and shows my vehicle not having any recalls work ever done this information was on mercedes of louisville website I feel like I'm getting the run around please help with this safety recall I have small kids and won't to be safety

Filed Sep 21, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

i encountered a major issue with the Mercedes ML350, while doing a 3 point turn in a busy suburban Toronto street.The electronic shift module left me stuck in Road way. Causing traffic back up and could not move vehicle.neither forward or reverse.tried pushing and different tactics to move vehicle off road. Had to call CAA-AAA. It was a caos situation,first tow truck could not load vehicle,all wheels were locked in drive and would not shift. Had to wait for special tow Have all four wheels lifted off onto dolly. Tow truck driver said it is a common problem.with MB,BMW and Audi.Vehicles towed to dealer sat at dealer. parts on back order and Not available for repair.Since was in Toronto away from Home. Had to source original equipment supplier to purchase part.Dealer and factory Mercedes could Not source part.back ordered.The dealer agreed to install the factory OEM part they could not source. My concern to all owners including myself in line traffic a basic traffic maneuver stuck in blocking traffic. Cannot moving vehicle jammed in gear that controlled by a shift module.no safe limp mode or emergency shift to neutral to move vehicle safely.

Filed Jul 18, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · IN

Driver Side Low beam headlight turns off and on randomly whether the vehicle is off or on. I lose view of the road because lights turn off randomly and others cannot see me at night as well. I've tried taking my vehicle to the shop, but no one can trace down this problem. No warning was shown until recently.

Filed Jul 8, 2023 · Engine · TX

They have timing chain issues . The balance shafts abd timing chsin sprockets fail and cause catastrophic failure . This is my 3rd ml350 to have the engine go out because of something the manufacturer couldbe prevented if it was recalled years ago if you dont believe then research it thank you

Filed May 31, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · AR

Brakes feel spongy,, when letting off accelerate feels as if transmission has a brake applied

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 151,831 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the recall repair was not performed by the dealer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced phantom braking with the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed and made an abnormal sound; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS sensor was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS sensor needed to be reset. The dealer reset the ABS sensor and informed the contact that the brake system housing was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,831.

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Questions about the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350

Is the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 reliable?

Owners have filed 172 complaints about the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350, 2.6 times a typical ML350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 year score?

The 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 scores 41 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz ML350: 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 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350?

Engine and cooling, with 53 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is transmission (43).

How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

What year does the Mercedes Benz ML350 have bad engine?

The Mercedes Benz ML350 model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (53 complaints) and 2007 (12 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350 range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.

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