2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430Mercedes-benz Ml430 2001

Complaint Information: Investigations, Consumer Complaints, Service Bulletins, Recall Investigations, OBD II Codes

NHTSA Mandated Recalls

No recalls could be found for this vehicle. To ensure accuracy and for your safety, do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • LI91.18-P-077075 - SEATS: Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ??A?A? Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ??A?A? Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.G. Seat bel
  • LI27.50-P-071658 - POWER TRAIN: Harsh engagement when changing gear range from p to d or r
  • LI27.50-P-049281 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL): Harsh engagement when changing gear range from p to d
  • S-B-67.00-29 - VISIBILITY: Since 12/2012 (model 166) and since 06/2013 (model 242) the glass breakage loops are no longer in the side windows and rear window. Suitable interior protection ensures that the interior monitoring function continues to operate correctly.
  • LI82.95-P-056655 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
  • LI82.85-P-055695 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The comand unit does not start or the comand display remains dark. The comand unit cannot be operated. Note: the problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
  • LI32.20-P-057942 - SUSPENSION: Thumping noises from front axle when driving over bumps on road.
  • GI88.40-P-057430 - EQUIPMENT: Message in instrument cluster "distronic pluscurrently unavailable - see owner's manual"
  • C1A140101 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL: This customer 1 action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the verizon
  • LI07.08-P-060993 - ENGINE (PWS): Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
  • TB-46-30-13-B - STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS: Mercedes: see document search button for owner letter. The lower power steering hose and clamp should be replace, under extended warranty, due to power steering leakage from connection to power steering cooler. Models 1998-2003 163.154,
  • LI-82-10/598B - EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Xentry (mercedes benz): replacing exterior light bulbs. Exterior lights. Li did not match dtb from which it was created. (main remedy for repair was missing.) *pe
  • SB-91-60-193 - AIR BAGS: Mercedes: airbag durability and reliability. Air bag srs control module (n2/2) does not have a set shelf life and will normally be reliable for the life of a vehicle. With 164, 216 221, 251 and newer, the airbag control unit can be reset
  • P-049567 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY: Mercedes: battery symbol and service required (in white). Fault message is displayed if the charge level is too low or the park pawl additional battery is defective. In addition fault code fc 9061 and/or fc 9062 is stored in the front sa
  • RSB-2009100002 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Mercedes benz: check for installation of spacer between brake and fuel line, install if necessary. The spacer between the brake line and fuel line may not have been installed. Check for presence of a spacer, and if missing, install the s
  • LI-72-00-P - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR : Xentry: outside door handle no longer returns to end position. Due to a bent pin in the dynamic balancer, the support spring of the bearing bracket can slide out of place or become unhooked. Models 164, 251, 166, 204, 212. No model years
  • TB-46-20-61 - STEERING: Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. Model years unknown. *pe
  • TB 83 10 112 - STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS: Water entry into vehicle interior for all model 164 vehicles. *pe
  • 033008 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Check engine light on / fault codes fC1200 / fC1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls550, s600, and sl550. Equipped with m272 engine or m273 engine. *nj
  • 462046 - STEERING:RACK AND PINION: Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe
  • 463041 - STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP: Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ml and r class models. *ak
  • TB472019 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Subject regarding buzzing noise from the fuel filter. (up to and including years listed) *jg
  • 16M012 - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Some vehicles may exhibit 1-2 second delay upon release of the brake pedal and / or application of the accelerator pedal until the actuator moves to the new accelerator pedal input position. This is a design characteristic incorporated in
Known Recall Investigations
  • Brake lamp switch failure. investigation as of 20101221

    Odi opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of electrical contacts and a (normally extended) spring loaded plunger that actuates the contacts as it moves.As installed in the vehicle, the plunger contacts the brake pedal arm and is pushed into the switch; as the driver applies the pedal the plunger extends.One set of contacts (bls) operates the stop lamps, a second set (ewm) controls the shift interlock system, and a third set (bs) is used by an on-board diagnostic (obd) system to monitor switch operation.The cruise control monitors the bls signal to determine when the brake is applied, the primary way the system is disabled when set.The relative timing of contact actuation in response to plunger movement allows the obd system to detect a switch fault.When a fault is detected a malfunction indication lamp (mil) is illuminated (driver alert), a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) is stored (for the service technician), and cruise control operation is inhibited (as a failsafe).In its response to odis january 2011 information request letter, mb explained its assessment of switch failures which was based primarily on evaluation of field return failures.Mb identified both 1) electrical contact and 2) mechanical switch failure mechanisms.According to mbs analysis, electrical contact failure is the predominate failure type and the failure consequence depends on which contact fails.For instance mb claims that bls contact failures are momentary in nature and do not affect brake light operation but are nonetheless detected by the obd system, resulting in a dtc and subsequent replacement.Electrical contact failures of the bs and ewm contacts result in a dtc also, and ewm contact failures result in the shifter being stuck in the park (which can be overridden by the consumer).Accordingly mb maintains that electrical contact failures of the switch have no safety consequence since the brake lamps remain operational and the cruise control is always disabled.Mb determined that mechanical failures of the switch, which are rare in their assessment, can result from internal wear and/or increased switch operating temperatures.High temperatures occur due to overheating of the bls contacts and can cause the internal plastic components to melt.In one scenario overheated bls contacts may melt to the extended plunger and are damaged when the brake pedal is released resulting in the brake lights staying on.In another scenario the increased temperatures and/or internal wear can cause the plunger to stick in the fully depressed position.In this case the cruise may not cancel when the brake is applied and the driver may have to use high brake pedal forces or other means (shifting to neutral or using the cruise master switch) to disengage the cruise.Additionally the vacuum assist can be depleted if the driver pumps the brakes resulting in reduced braking effectiveness and even higher pedal forces.In its march 31, 2011 defect notification, mb stated that to remediate the potential need for excessive brake force it would conduct a safety recall (11v-208) to replace the switch with a more robustly designed component.The recall includes 136,751 model year 2000 - 2002 m-class and model year 2000 - 2004 m-class amg vehicles.Owner notification letters will be mailed to consumers in september 2011.This action taken by mb is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.

  • Brake line chafe investigation as of 20080428

    Analysis of complaints to odi and mercedes and warranty claim data submitted by mercedes indicates that the alleged defect has occurred at a low rate (36.5 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and 0.29 percent warranty claim rate), with no discernable defect trend indicating that the rate of chafing related brake line failures is increasing.There have been no new complaints since january 2009.When the analysis is limited to incidents of brake line leakage that resulted in allegations of reduced brake effectiveness, the rate drops even further (22.3 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and 0.04 percent warranty claim rate). Mercedes provided data showing that in the rare instances when chafing did progress to brake line leakage the driver would be immediately alerted to a problem by illumination of the bright yellow "esp/bas" warning lamp and changes in brake pedal feel.Continued operation with a leaking brake line would result in illumination of the bright red "brake" warning lamp and an audible chime due to low master cylinder reservoir level. Continued operation with the brake warning lamp illuminated would ultimately drain the reservoir for the affected circuit, resulting in loss of the circuit and an approximately 80% increase in stopping distances. Surveys conducted by odi and vrtc indicate that routing anomalies may be more common than the complaint and warranty data suggest for the subject line bundle, with line contact or other routing anomaly noted in 13 of 51 vehicles surveyed by odi and vrtc (25.5%).While evidence of contact between the fuel line and subject brake in a particular vehicle is not necessarily predictive of eventual line failure/leakage, significant chafing wear was noted in two survey vehicles (3.9%).To address concerns with line routing and ensure that lines with evident chafing do not progress to a leak condition, mercedes will conduct an owner notification program instructing owners to bring the vehicles to a dealer for a free inspection and repair.Lines that do not have a spacer (rubber grommet or omega-clip) between the subject fuel and brake lines will have an omega-clip spacer installed to ensure adequate clearance between the lines.Brake lines with chafe marks will be replaced. Accordingly, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. For additional information regarding this engineering analysis refer to the ea08-009 closing report.

  • Electronic stability control malfunction investigation as of 20070201

    Odi opened pe07-007 after receiving 4 complaints within a 6 week period alleging incidents of uncommanded brake application in model year (my) 2000 through 2001 mercedes m class sport utility vehicles.Information contained in the reports or gathered in subsequent consumer interviews indicated that the incidents were caused by faults in the electronic stability program (esp) system which were repaired by replacing the yaw rate sensors.Although the same yaw rate sensor is used in approximately 800,000 other mercedes m-class, c-class and slk models, to date there has been only one related complaint to odi in those vehicles. During this investigation mercedes benz provided odi with 327 complaints related to the esp system in the my 2000 through 2001 m class vehicles.Seven of the complaints submitted by mercedes alleged incidents of uncommanded brake activation while driving, with two of these involving vehicles identified in the odi complaints.None of the incidents resulted in crash or injury.However, the owners did express safety concerns due to the sudden, unexpected change in vehicle speed and direction. On may 10, 2007 mercedes benz met with nhtsa to provide a technical presentation and conduct a driving demonstration of the esp system performance with simulated electrical faults in the yaw rate sensor.Mercedes showed that the esp system is programmed to diagnose electrical faults and that brake applications resulting from yaw rate sensor electrical faults are very short in duration (0.3 seconds or less) and do not affect vehicle control or stability. Nine of the consumer complaints to odi and mercedes alleged brake activations longer than 0.3 seconds, with several alleging that the incident lasted until the vehicle came to a stop.A complaint vehicle that alleged multiple incidents was evaluated by odi at the vehicle research and test center (vrtc) in east liberty, ohio.Vrtc was unable to duplicate the condition.Due to the low complaint rate and only one new complaint to odi or mercedes since january 2007, this investigation has been closed.Odi will continue to monitor complaints in the subject vehicles and other mercedes products using the same yaw rate sensor and mercedes will provide updates on field experience (complaints, field reports and warranty claims) through the end of 2007.

OBD-II Error Codes

Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

  • U1454 [1] U1454
  • C1200 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery
  • C1208 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20171013

Re: 2001 mb ml430 electronic braking sensor the front passenger brake initially locked up at low speed upon acceleration. After stopping and turning the vehicle off and back on the system was back to normal. Then one day i was traveling at near 70 mph in the passing lane of an interstate highway when the front driver brake locked up and brake tire smoke billowed from my vehicle which caused traffic behind me to swerve and brake behind and on the side of me. I proceeded to pull off onto the shoulder of the highway and turned my vehicle off and back on, after which my vehicle operated normally. I proceeded to do an online search and learned that this was a common sort of problem for this model.. Particularly at low speeds. In my case it happened at low speeds and then the one time at 70 mph. I learned that the yaw sensor which is part of the abs system was commonly reported as the likely cause of the problem.. I proceeded to disconnect the yaw sensor and have had no further problems. I am fortunate that it was not a rainy day, otherwise the results may have been catastrophic with so many vehicles behind me and traveling at such a high speed. Theyaw sensor mb part # is a 002 542 94 18 q01 systron donner inertia division usa

NoNoN NoneNone20170909

Twice now while driving and going over minor bumps (dots on the road to warn of crosswalks and a driveway entrance curb) the bas/esp and hazard lights have come on and the car has automatically applied violent breaking that took control of the direction the car was heading. This breaking continued until the vehicle came to a complete stop. Both times the car was going less than 20 mph, but control of the car was limited during the event. At freeway speeds, it would be very likely to cause an accident. Bas/esp light turns off after the car is turned off.

NoNoN NoneNone20170516

I was driving on the highway, going about 60 mph, and the car suddenly started applying the brakes on its own. Nearly got me into an accident. I was able to get over to the shoulder luckily. I had my toddler in the car and it was a very scary thing. When the brakes started engaging by itself, a yellow triangle warning light displayed on the dash followed by the bas/esp light after the vehicle came to a complete stop. I have seen others that have had this very same issue and seems to be the yaw rate sensor. I am shocked this hasn't been recalled with all the issues i've read on this. I barely just bought the car and it's already not drivable. Very huge safety issue.

NoNoN NoneNone20170506

Vehicle's front wheel brakes by itself while driving and the eps warning light comes on afterwards. Extremely dangerous in highway driving. Had the brakes checked, but nothing wrong. Online complaints suggests a failure in yaw rate sensor.

NoNoN NoneNone20161205

The all activity module (aam) does not function properly to which neither side mirrors can be adjusted because the windows no go up and down or longer operate. Then the door locks no longer functions and various other components rely solely off of this middle instrument cluster. When i took it to the dealer they said there is a malfunction in the aam controls which are the causing affect of this issue.

NoNoN NoneNone20150802

2001 mercedes benz ml 430. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake pedal issues. *smd the consumer stated the brake pedal lost pressure due to the fuel tube coming in contact with the brake line. The brake line was leaking fluid.*jb

NoNoN NoneNone20150509

I was driving on interstate 285 east at a speed of 70mph suddenly the the bas/esp warning light came on and my car automatically applied brakes and the car couldn't run. So i turned of the engine and started the car again and everything went back to normal except the cruise control stopped working and bas/esp waring lights are still on but the car is running. How do i fix the cruise control and the bas/esp warning lights?

NoNoN NoneNone20150204

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that the service engine and the bas esp warning lights flickered. The contact mentioned that when the warning lights illuminated, the brakes engaged and there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the electric power door lock function was making an abnormal noise. The contact discovered that the a/c line fractured and the windshield wipers plastic piece fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v208000 (vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 186,675. Updated 11/23/15*lj the consumer fixed the vehicle at his/her expense. Updated 01/29/16.*jb

NoNoN NoneNone20131024

There is an active recall for the all activity module on 2001 m class vehicles. There is an extensive amount of data that owners from the release of the mercedes benz ml430 have had problems identical to those in the active recall. When i call mercedes, they say my car is not impacted. Based on the number of issues and history on 2001 m class all activity modules, i feel this recall should extend to all 2001 m class cars.

NoNoN NoneNone20130827

I was driving at about 35 mph and all of a sudden i heard screeching sound from my tires and the orange triangle warning light in my dash light up. I pulled over and shut off the engine. I notices tire skid marks from on the passenger side. After a few minutes i started and drove and the car drove normal. This same thing happened to my wife also. Basically it is like applying the brakes hard while driving but with out even touching the brake. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20130430

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that the fobik utilized and the locks began to lock and unlock several times until it eventually stopped and unlocked. The contact also stated that the door lock on the drivers side door, locked and unlock several times when the fobik was utilized to lock the door. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be locked manually. The failure recurred each time the fobik or door lock was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the all activity module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 01v061000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20130212

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz ml430. The contact stated the abs hydraulic unit system malfunctioned. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the abs warning light illuminated as the braking system independently actived. The contact had to pull over to the side of the road and shut the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle and the braking system was working normal. The contact called the dealer regarding the abs system. The dealer stated the abs hydraulic unit needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 175,000. The vin was not available.

NoNoN NoneNone20121129

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle shook violently and made a loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the switch brake light and the air mass sensor were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer for a second opinion where the technician stated that the yaw rate electrical sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 103,249 and the current mileage was 103,976. ..Updated 04/24/13 *bf the consumer stated several components were replaced on the vehicle. However, none of them have rectified the problem. The consumer referenced nhtsa action # pe07007. Updated 06/13/13

CrashNoN NoneNone20120930

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that when driving from 50 to 80 mph, the vehicle brakes would sporadically engage independently and without warning. There were several warning lights illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle as taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined based on the failure codes provided by the diagnostic. The failure later recurred while the contact was driving 50 mph. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 102,000. The vin was not available.

NoNoN NoneNone20120702

I was driving home came to a curve in the road about 15 mph the car started to jerk as if the brakes were being engaged, i pulled over turned the car off turned it back on the esp-bas light came on. Ever since then the car is unpredictable it happens everyday but when it wants to. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20111027

While driving vehicle a 45 mph at 5pm in traffic, vehicle automatically started engaging brakes in a jerking motion, repeatedly, subsequently coming to a complete stop. Smoke was coming from tire area. This has happened repeatedly and vehicle was being driven by my 16 year old. Fortunately, this has not caused an accident. After much research, i have found this has happened to several other people over a period of time in mercedes benz's. This is a serious safety concern. *js

NoNoN NoneNone20110317

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. The contact stated that the all activity module ii, which operates all electrical components on the vehicle, failed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 01v061000 (electrical system: wiring) which the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that his vin was not included. They offered no further assistance. The contact stated that he would repair the vehicle himself. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20100830

In approximately august 2010, i had an esp light on. Took it to the dealership (3 hours away) and they replaced the steering column. I picked up the car and drove approx 20 mins when i noticed the steering wheel was not aligned. Called the dealership and had to bring it back in because they forgot to align the wheels. Started off on my drive back home, stopped for gas and on the way out the driveway (10 mph), i heard a grinding/squeaking noise. Got my car home and found that it was leaking power steering fluid from a clamp. I kept ps fluid in the car. Took the car back to the dealership in approx. November and they told me that i needed to have a new ps pump and rack/pinions resealed, the cost of approx $1800.00, of which i cannot afford. I have been driving the car, just keeping ps fluid in it, but it leaks out. I have no power steering. I have had the recall clamp replace twice, once in 2003 and then in 2007. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100812

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. While driving approximately 20-25 mph, the abs and traction warning lights illuminated. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal when the brakes independently engaged and the vehicle came to a complete stop unexpectedly. The contact accelerated and the failure recurred with the bas and esp warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then drove as normal. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic who advised that the yaw rate sensor would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,190 and the current mileage was 136,590.

NoNoN NoneNone20100523

Safety concern - yesterday while traveling at 65mph locked on cruise control, the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was pressed. Instead, upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began accelerating back to 65mph and almost caused me to ran into the truck in front of me. I slammed on the brakes to bring the car to a stop to avoid rear ending the car in front of me, at which time the bas/esp light came on. Again, the cruise failed to disengage since i could feel the car dragging while the brake pedal was pushed down. I manually turned off the cruise, and the bas/esp light remained on. Later, with the esp/bas light on, i reengage the cruise to see if it would reset, but again it failed to disengage when the brake pedal was pressed, and i had to manually turn off the cruise. When i parked the vehicle and turned the engine off, let it sit for about 20 min, and then restarted, bas/esp stayed on and gear shift locked up in park. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100103

Whenever it rains or it is the least bit wet, the brakes slip when depressed and all three yellow lights on the left side of the dash light up - i.E., abs, esp and i can't recall the other one. Usually the lights go off by themselves after a few miles of driving or if the car is turned off. The last time this happened, i drove straight to the mechanic. The mechanic said that the fault codes indicated that the pressure was high in the abs. I was advised that the codes could be reset but the brakes were functioning properly. In fact, they were not functioning properly because they slipped instead of stopped when i applied brake pressure when the street was wet. The brakes have slipped on multiple occasions when stopping on wet surfaces though they do stop the car. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20091109

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ml430 mercedes which was purchased brand new in 2000. While traveling at speeds of 65 mph and utilizing the cruise control she tapped on the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and it remained engaged. She continued to apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal in an attempt to stop the vehicle, to no avail. She was forced the shift gears into neutral until she coasted and stopped. She was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer who stated that a component failed to communicate with the pedal and disengage the cruise control. The contact is uncertain what the component was. Repairs were made by her local dealer. The failure mileage was 127,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20090831

After driving 2001 ml430 for approx. 30 min. There is uncommanded brake application and it will bring you to a complete stop. It will not take gas and it is hard to control vehicle because you can feel brake being applied to left and right wheels pulling you left and right at this time. Very dangerous. This happens every day the vehicle is driven about 30 min. In to drive time. As this is happening the bas/esp light comes on during braking and remains on. After you have come to complete stop and start to drive again over 10 miles per hour brakes are applied again and it stops you. Mercedes service dept has never heard of this problem. There are several complaints of this on different web sites and customers say they have spent alot af time and money on different parts with mercedes service dept. And vehicle still has same problem. I am not feeling confident in this problem being properly diagnosed and the vehicle has become hazardous. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20090821

The brakes engaged and had shimmy even though the pedal was not depressed on several occasions. The bas/esp light came on. The dealer determined that the "yaw sensor" was bad. *tr

CrashNoN NoneNone20081125

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. While attempting to exit the highway in rainy conditions, the steering wheel locked and could not be moved. She was driving less than 25 mph at the time of the failure. The vehicle spun out of control and crashed into the median. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries. Although there was a recall for the same failed component for this year, make, and model vehicle, the manufacturer would not assume liability for the damages referenced in nhtsa campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20081009

I have had 5 incidences, while driving, of uncommanded brake application of my mercedes 1002 ml430. While driving at high speeds, up to 40 or 60+ mph, my suv came to a sudden and abrupt halt causing the vehicle to lock up and stop. In order to unlock the mercedes to continue driving i had to shut of the vehicle and re-start it, sometimes on the highway. These incidences have been scary and could potentially cause a major accident, injury or death. The car was towed today, october 23rd, for a second replacement of bad parts causing this problem. After today, i will have spent over $1000 to deal with this defect. *tr

CrashNoN 2 InjuredNone20080511

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. While driving approximately 45 mph and applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact crashed into a bridge to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The vehicle sustained damages and the occupants received minor injuries. The police was called to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic. The insurance company has not determined if the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The vin was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 90,000. Vehicle vin [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(b)(6). *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080405

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml430. While driving 65 mph, the brakes failed to slow down the vehicle. The contact attempted to pull to the side of the road, but the vehicle fishtailed, slid sideways, and nearly rolled over. He was able to stop the vehicle eventually. The dealer stated that the entire brake line should be replaced at the contact's expense because it was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that the brake line and the fuel line crossed one another, causing both to fail over time. Both lines also crossed over the exhaust manifold, which could possibly result in a vehicle fire. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. The vin was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 82,686.

NoNoN NoneNone20061124

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, a warning light illuminated on the dash and the brakes locked without depressing the brake pedal. When it was turned off and restarted, the vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined a yaw sensor needed to be replaced.

NoNoN NoneNone20041219

The brakes would make a squealing noise when the consumer applied them. The vehicle was equipped with a brake pad warning indicator, which failed to indicate a problem. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20040506

Cruise control did not disengage while driving at 60 mph and without pressing the on the accelerator. Vehicle surged by applying the brakes. Consumer disengaged manually the cruise control. Dealer notified. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20040411

Consumer was traveling with cruise control on at 60 mph. When consumer applied the brakes cruise control did not deactivate. Vehicle continued to accelerate. Consumer had to manually turn off cruise control. Driver believed that brake switch interacted with the cruise control. Dealer was contacted. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20040109

This happened to one of my car pool buddies and i think should be of concern to everyone who drives a mercedes ml430 and uses dog restraints that clip to the seat belts. He has 2 large labrador retrievers, the dogs were in the rear of the car (seats folded down and a bed of luggage) the dogs were clipped to the rear seatbelts using one the many products available for this purpose. These are big active dogs. After about 4 hours driving he heard one of the seat belts retracting a few hours later the other one did the same thing. When we investigated the problem, we noticed that the seat belt appeared to have been cleanly cut - not a single tooth mark (his first thought was the dogs chewed their way out). When we looked more closely at the car, the reason why this happened became clear - the ml seatbelts come out of a slot in the door pillar, the top of this slot is very sharp. The dogs are large and on top of baggage, so the seat belts were in contact with the top of the slot. After a few hours of wear, the belts were sliced clean through. Other cars in our carpool fleet have a different design, typically the seat belt emerges from the door pillar lower down and is guided over a roller at the top, because there are no sharp edges, this would not be a problem. What concerns me is that if the road trip had been shorter the belts could have been weakened by not sheared. In the event of an accident, they would have been ineffective. If they had failed it is unlikely that anyone would have been able to make a connection back to the dog restraints. The mercedes dealer was happy to take his money to replace the seat belt (as by carpool buddy put it, the repair cost him $200 a paw), but mercedes did not see this as a larger issue. I think that this could result in serious injuries or fatalities and is serious enough to warrant a recall. Thanks, ray *la

NoNoN NoneNone20031107

Drivers window stuck in the open position, leaving me to travel for 2 hours in 34 degree temp. Outside because i was not within 30 miles of a mercedes tech. Let me tell you about this wonderful roadside assistance program that is pushed upon purchase...They tell you all about how you will have 24 hour coverage with any problem you may have and a tech. Will come to your aid (and this is true, trust me i have used them often enough) but what they don't tell you is you better make sure you break down within 30 miles of a tech. Here is a list of the other problems i have had in the past... I have had 2 new radio/navagation systems put in i have had 2 batteries because they have boiled over and shut down the car.Ew heating sensor in pass. Seatew computer chip those are the big things that i can think of right now i could type for hours if i listed everything. I have never been more dissappointed in a car purchase as i am with this one. *ak

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Left windshield washer spray hits bottom of glass at highway speeds and does not clean glass, driver must stop vehicle and physically clean windshield in order to maintain safe visibility, this is a very dangerous problem. Contacted dealer and was told "they are all like that>" "we cannot fix it." *ak

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At the slightest hint of humidity, side windows fog up to the point that you cannot see outside nor use side view mirrors. Following manual instructions on defogging just is too late. This failure of proper defogging is the worse than i have ever seen in my 50 years of driving and god knows how many cars. *ak

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Consumer contines to experience problems with the navigation system, navigation system either goes off course, tracks incorrectly, gives incorrect information or goes off completely, causing the radio, cd and all other system with regards to music or information not to operate, this problem has been on going since purchased date. *cj

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Vehicle lost steering resulting in fluid spraying over engine. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.*ak

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Vehicle's brakes makes an extremely loud noise. This occurs when brakes are depressed in cold temperature while in reverse. This has resulted in brake failure. As a result consumer lost control of vehicle and went on the side walk. The dealership has replaced the entire brake system twice, but the problem recurred. *nlm

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