Engine died and won't run. Known issue with MB balance shaft that they refuse to repair or help with the cost of a $8k job. Highly disappointed.
The worst 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical5
- Steering4
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Engine2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical5
- Steering4
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Seat belts2
- Driver assistance1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- 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: vacuum
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 78
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 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)
- The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking 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
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
What 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
unknown
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Cooper Tire Evolution 245/65R17 - Tire Tread Separation - the entire tread out layer came off of the driver side front tire while driving on the freeway - the tire was not deflated - the entire tread hit the driver side mirror breaking it completely off - hitting driver window and deploying all airbags on driver side of the vehicle. The tire itself still was fully aired and full circle entire outer layer of tread was off of the tire. Caused vehicle damage - Personal Injury
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
back sit the seat belt locks in place and it does not lose its locked mechanics. I have found that several people are having the same problem. here is a link to a website Video describing the problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwZmUSWNOlk. I have found the problem is a small baring locking the belt. Please let me know if you need more info. As of now we are down to a 2 back passenger car or 3 but one without a belt - no good. I do think this qualifies as a safety issue - What if it had locked and harm one of my kids? I had lower the seat and I was not able to pull it up until I disabled the mechanics and neutralized the belt - that should not be the case - specially since many others are having the same problem. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
safety defect rear sam acting up after rain . no lights no fuel gauge no remote no turn signal while driving almost had an accident
My the federal safety agency #11431874 I have made a complaint about my back computer was damage by water where the is installed on the right side of my car now I found out that the reason my chairs are not moving is because the electrical is also damage this is so unfair the problem is not my car but the ways and place they installed the computer??
The back computer seat on the top of the was supposed to be draining out of the car instead the water retrain in the cause damage to my the computer I complained about it but never got a solution until the water damage the and saw for the first time where was the water on back of my car this was careless why put computer on the top of water that caused the damage and problem for my car?
smells badly for gas in cabin and outside
Compare the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550
Other model years
20082009
Questions about the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550
Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 reliable?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550, close to a typical ML550 model year.
What is the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 year score?
The 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz ML550: 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 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550?
Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is steering (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550 have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Mercedes Benz ML550?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history