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1999 Mercedes Benz ML320

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most ML320 years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 28.

Counts are not adjusted for sales, age, mileage exposure or reporting. A lower count does not establish that a car is problem-free.

About this comparison →
125Owner complaints

Model-year median: 28

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

2Investigations

View investigation details →

Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗ Model-level counts do not show whether a particular VIN is affected or repaired.

Inspection summary

1999 Mercedes Benz ML320

NHTSA snapshot: September 18, 2026. 125 owner complaints · 0 recall campaigns · 2 investigations.

Counts are not failure probabilities and are not adjusted for sales, age, mileage exposure or reporting. One report may name several categories. Comparison method and limitations.

Top reported categories (up to 5)

  • Engine And Engine Cooling: 35 reports
  • Steering: 29 reports
  • Power Train: 19 reports
  • Fuel System, Gasoline: 11 reports
  • Vehicle Speed Control: 7 reports

Full reported-category list and vehicle report

Recall links

    No recall campaigns in this snapshot.

    Check a VIN with NHTSA. Model-level history does not establish whether a particular VIN is affected or repaired.

    Print the top reported categories, recall links, snapshot date and comparison limits.

    How this year compares

    Owner complaints by model year

    Other model years Selected year
    133
    1998    125
    1999    166
    2000    136
    2001    88
    2002
    Compare all ML320 years →

    Counts vary with age, sales, mileage exposure and reporting. They are not failure rates.

    What owners reported most

    Engine And Engine Cooling
    35    Steering
    29    Power Train
    19    Fuel System, Gasoline
    11    Vehicle Speed Control
    7
    All reported categories
    Visibility
    7    Service Brakes, Hydraulic
    6    Air Bags
    5    Service Brakes
    5    Suspension
    5    Structure
    4    Unknown Or Other
    4    Electrical System
    3    Electronic Stability Control (esc)
    3    Seat Belts
    3    Fuel System, Other
    2    Latches/locks/linkages
    2    Equipment
    1    Fuel/propulsion System
    1    Seats
    1

    Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

    When problems were reported

    Mileage at the reported incident

    72 reports with mileage · 53 unknown

    NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

    What to inspect

    Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

    • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
    • Steering. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
    • Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

    NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

    14 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

    Visibility complaints

    7 reports
    Clear category filter
    120,000 miles · Mar 13, 2011
    SteeringStructureVisibility

    CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AF…

    Read full complaint

    CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. MOONROOF UNABLE TO CLOSE 100% - TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THE PROBLEM WAS SEEN ROUTINELY WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOONROOF. ADVISED TO FORE-GO REPAIR DUE TO COST. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE CUSTOMARY AND UNSURE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED OR REPAIRS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER. WOULD LIKE A WRITTEN RESPONSE OUTLINING OPTIONS AND RESOURCES TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10389979

    Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2006
    Visibility

    I OWN A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. I WAS IN DRIVING IN I-5 NORTH FROM LAKE OSWEGO TO PORTLAND, OREGON. WITH MY WIFE AND MY SISTER-IN-LAW AND HER DAUGHTER WITH A FRIEND, IT STARTED TO RAIN AND IT STARTED TO BECOME FOGGY. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN ON THE DEFROST, THE NOSE CAME ON BUT NO AIR CAME OUT. THIS MADE ME HAVE ZERO VISIBILITY AN…

    Read full complaint

    I OWN A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. I WAS IN DRIVING IN I-5 NORTH FROM LAKE OSWEGO TO PORTLAND, OREGON. WITH MY WIFE AND MY SISTER-IN-LAW AND HER DAUGHTER WITH A FRIEND, IT STARTED TO RAIN AND IT STARTED TO BECOME FOGGY. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN ON THE DEFROST, THE NOSE CAME ON BUT NO AIR CAME OUT. THIS MADE ME HAVE ZERO VISIBILITY AND IT PUT US IN GRAVE DANGER WHEN I HAD TO WIPE THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD WITH MY HANDS. THE NEXT DAY WE WENT TO MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND GOT THE PROBLEM FIXED, BUT THERE MIGHT BE OTHERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WON'T BE AS LUCKY AS WE WERE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A CASE THAT IS HANDLED AND IF YOU HELP OUR COMMUNITY OUT, YOU WILL BE THE PREVENTION OF A FUTURE HAZARD. *NM

    NHTSA ODI #10174030

    20,000 miles · May 28, 2004
    Visibility

    WINDSHIELD TANK CRACKED/DEFECTIVE PART/NO CLEANING OF WINDSHIELD IN WINTER/REPLACED TANK. *LA

    NHTSA ODI #10074442

    65,000 miles · Nov 29, 2003
    Visibility

    SUN ROOF PARTS FAILED, WIND DEFLECTOR COMPONENTS FAILED WHILE MOON ROOF WAS BEING OPENED. WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE THE ROOF, IT WOULD NOT DO SO UNTIL I REMOVED THE BENT PART ALONG WITH DEFLECTOR. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND ISSUE WITH THIS ROOF. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHEN NEW TO GET THE HEIGHT ADJUSTED WITH ROOF LINE.*AK

    NHTSA ODI #10048826

    Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2003
    Visibility

    1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML 320 HAS DEFECTIVE WIND SHIELD WIPER WATER TANKS. THE LACK OF HAVING FLUID TO CLEAR YOUR WINDOW IN ADVERSE WEATHER OR ROAD CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR DEATH. *LA

    NHTSA ODI #10045186

    36,200 miles · Oct 27, 2003
    SteeringVisibility

    DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW STUCK OR STOPPED WHILE OPERATING. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT ALL FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO, LOST OF POWER STEERING FLUID. FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE HOSES/CLAMPS AND CONNECTORS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK…

    Read full complaint

    DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW STUCK OR STOPPED WHILE OPERATING. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT ALL FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO, LOST OF POWER STEERING FLUID. FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE HOSES/CLAMPS AND CONNECTORS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT NOTIFY THE OWNERS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. *SCC *JB

    NHTSA ODI #10041985

    Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2000
    EquipmentFuel System, OtherSeats

    WIRES ON THE FUEL SENDING UNITS CORRODE IN GASOLINE AND SEND FALSE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS TO THE FUEL GAUGE. *SLC

    NHTSA ODI #553625

    Recall campaigns

    0

    No recalls in this snapshot.

    Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

    Defect investigations

    2

    PE03058 · Engine Crankshaft Pulley Failure

    Opened Dec 17, 2003 · Closed Apr 22, 2004

    Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

    THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF 55 ODI COMPLAINTS REFERENCE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT).THERE HAVE BEEN NO CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.

    PE03006 · Power Steering Hose Assembly Leakage

    Opened Feb 13, 2003 · Closed Apr 4, 2003

    Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid

    THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE CONNECTION.THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN GRADUAL REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST (I.E., INCREASED STEERING EFFORT) OVER TIME, WITH POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS OF HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FITTING, THAT HAVE RESULTED IN MORE RAPID REDUCTIONS OF POWER STEERING.TESTING CONDUCTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ INDICATES THAT THE LEAKED FLUID IS NOT LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.THERE ARE NO KNOWN ALLEGATIONS THAT THE DEFECT CONDITION HAS CAUSED A VEHICLE FIRE. MERCEDES-BENZ WILL CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUBJECT M-CLASS VEHICLES.MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY.

    Additional source detail variants (2)

    Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

    THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE CONNECTION.THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN GRADUAL REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST (I.E., INCREASED STEERING EFFORT) OVER TIME, WITH POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS OF HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FITTING, THAT HAVE RESULTED IN MORE RAPID REDUCTIONS OF POWER STEERING.TESTING CONDUCTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ INDICATES THAT THE LEAKED FLUID IS NOT LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.THERE ARE NO KNOWN ALLEGATIONS THAT THE DEFECT CONDITION HAS CAUSED A VEHICLE FIRE. MERCEDES-BENZ WILL CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUBJECT M-CLASS VEHICLES.MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY.

    Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid

    THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE CONNECTION.THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN GRADUAL REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST (I.E., INCREASED STEERING EFFORT) OVER TIME, WITH POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS OF HOSE SEPARATION FROM THE FITTING, THAT HAVE RESULTED IN MORE RAPID REDUCTIONS OF POWER STEERING.TESTING CONDUCTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ INDICATES THAT THE LEAKED FLUID IS NOT LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.THERE ARE NO KNOWN ALLEGATIONS THAT THE DEFECT CONDITION HAS CAUSED A VEHICLE FIRE. MERCEDES-BENZ WILL CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUBJECT M-CLASS VEHICLES.MERCEDES-BENZ WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY.

    An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and closure does not prove a vehicle is problem-free.