1999 Mercedes Benz ML430: complete transmission failure

Filed Nov 29, 2008 · Transmission · PA

The car started from frequently power cut-off when driving, after pull off the road by police and the engine cool down for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, it would start and run for about 3 to 5 miles and stopped again. I took it to the dealer about two months ago was fixed for over $500.00 for crankshaft pulley power failure. Prior to that, I replaced water-pump cost about $700.00. About 3 weeks ago, I was diving to work which is about 9 miles from my house; I drove for about 6 miles and the car jacked-up 3 times on the highway and stopped, I was lucky not having accident with another car. After pulled aside from the traffic by police, I called tow-truck to take it to the same dealer (mercedes-benz of fort washington 1401 dresher town road dresher, pa 19025, phone: 215‑646‑7700). Three days later, I called the dealer when I did not hear from them, and they told me that the transmission needs replacement, and will cost me $6,800.00. I believe there is a defect; while the car is still with the dealer, I received safety recall letter #2003-040005 from another branch of mercedes-benz for this same car. The car is still with the dealer they do not want to repair it and I do not have $6,800.00 to repair it.

Filed Jun 5, 2007 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · MD

Complaint warrants an investigation on the sudden onset of 1999 ml 430 mercedes benz SUV failure of transmission without any prior warning. This vehicle make and model did have a recall on the engine and engine cooling specific to the harmonic pulley which was replaced. Upon driving vehicle to work on 6/1/07 the car sudden began to stall several times. I had the car towed immediately to the dealership to find the transmission needs to be replaced (no prior warning or symptoms were present.)

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Electrical, Transmission · 66,000 miles · NY · crash

Ln late august, the "check engine" light was illuminated on the dashboard of a 1999 mercedes benzml430. Car was delivered to the dealer to remedy this problem. After several weeks and tests, mercedes benz decided to replace transmission. Owner incurred cost of labor. In november, driver was parking car and removed key from ignition while transmission was in drive. Key released in error causing car to roll into a ravine and hit a tree. Mercedes has done nothing to correct the failure of this important safety feature. In fact, they state that the keys(3)are worn down and no longer provide the safety by limiting the release of the key unless the car is in park mode. Car was delivered to mercedes benz for investigation. After a two week investigation, mercedes claims the keys(3) were worn out and that is why this important safety feature failed. Mercedes is taking no responsibility for correcting the problem or fixing the car. The result of this "defect" could involve several fatalities. If a driver can remove the key from the ignition when the transmission is not in park, this feature can not be claimed as safe. If mercedes claims this is a key issue, then additional safety features should be in place to alert the consumer to this problem. While submitting this complaint, it was necessary to fill in the field of "headlight lenses." writer was not given any options and so inputted this information in order to proceed. As you can see the headlight lens have nothing to do with the problem. According to mercedes this is an ignition/transmission problem.

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 Aug 8, 2003 · Brakes, Transmission · 116,000 miles · GA

I own an ml 430 mercedes benz 1999. The transmission failed with only 116,000 miles on it. I called mbusa and they refused to offer "goodwill" in assisting with repair. The cost of repair is over $5,000.00. The owner's manual states that the ml430 supposedly has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid so regular checks and changes are not required and for this reason the dipstick has been omitted. How can the consumer be responsible for this if we cannot perform maintenance on the part? (consumer also reports a ruptured brake line and a problem with the catalytic converter. *mjj)