1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls (8.3% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls complaints here are 1.6× the median for that category across the 409 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls | 11 · 8.3% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 7 · 5.3% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 7 · 5.3% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys | 7 · 5.3% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip | 6 · 4.5% | No official action | — |
| Structure:body:door | 6 · 4.5% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 133 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“WHILE ROLLING UP THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW IT SHATTERED.”NHTSA complaint 10051831 — filed 12/19/2003 · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
“MY 1998 MLK 320 IS GOING INTO THE SHOP FOR THE TENTH TIME IN 31 MONTHS, AND THE ONLY REASON IT HASN'T BEEN IN MORE…”NHTSA complaint 741865 — filed 03/03/2001 · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
“THE ELECTRIC WINDOW SWITCH FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE WINDOW REMAINED OPEN IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. NLM”NHTSA complaint 553863 — filed 08/18/2000 · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
Visibility:power window devices and controls issues are the most-reported category, cited in 11 of 133 NHTSA complaints (8.3%), followed by electrical system (7), engine and engine cooling:engine (7), engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
133 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
