1999 Mercedes Benz ML430 engine complaints

Filed Nov 7, 2003 · Engine · 52,231 miles · CA

The vehicle stalls at any speed without warning. Consumer contacted dealer on six separate occasions, but the problem still occurs.

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 83,353 miles · IL

The harmonic balancer on the crankshaft of my mercedes ml430 VIN# 4jgab72e7xa09375 failed w/o warning causing the fan belt to fail and the balancer started cutting a hole in the oil pan. This failure just by "luck" did not cause a moving accident due to loss of electrical and power steering, or an under the hood fire. This cost me $500 to get fixed when a $70 part could have been replaced if I had only been notified of this frequent failure on mercedes models like mine. The dealer was little help in solving this problem.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MA

Harmonic balancer had deteriorated and was replaced in order to prevent suden failure and/or major damage to the engine; problem seems to be increasingly 'common' among ml owners!

Filed Oct 22, 2003 · Engine · 72,000 miles · OK

I was driving my ml430 on the highway when all of a sudden my power steering gave out and my car started to overheat. I managed to "strong arm" the car, (hopped a curb mid-turn) and pull over into a local grocery store. What my dealer had diagnosed was that the harmonic balancer was disconnected and the crankshaft pulley assembly came apart. I'm afraid that if my wife had been driving the car at the time the circumstances may have been more severe. Since the pulley came apart at such force it also managed to rip a hole into my oil pan. All in all I'm looking at a $3000 repair to a potentially deadly problem. When I contacted the dealership they told me that this was a common problem and offered to present the issue to mb and request help for the repair. "common problem!" .. I thought to myself. Mb came back with no assistance since the car was out of warranty. I don't understand the lack of responsibility and ownership mb is taking on their brand. The whole reason I purchased the car was for quality. I'm saddened to wonder how many lives are potentially in danger due to this common problem and what it would take for mb to become proactive and take responsibility.

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · GA

Ltr inquiring on the status of a complaint filed in august 2003 (#10031122) re the defective transmission in his mercedes benz ml 430 sport utility vehicle.*mr the vehicle transmission failed while pulling out of a parking space. The transmission is sealed (no dipstick) so there is no way for the consumer to check the fluid level. The vehicles catalytic converter failed and the brake line ruptured.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Engine · 71,700 miles · CT

Harmonic balancer failure; early detection prevented serpentine belt failure and loss of power steering assist and power brakes assist.

Filed Jul 10, 2003 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

The harmonic balancer failed to stay on the crankshaft and hit other engine componets and consequently cut the fan belt, caused the engine to over heat, and put a hole in the oil pan. *ak *ts

Filed Aug 26, 2002 · Engine · 65,000 miles · MD

While driving 45mph lost control of steering and noticed main pulley loosened.

Filed Mar 5, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · PR

While driving 60 MPH and without warning vehicle will shut off. While vehicle was restarted steering wheel locked up due to a malfunction within the computer system. Please provide any further details.