2001 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 — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (24.3% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) complaints here are 5.2× the median for that category across the 345 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 33 · 24.3% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 26 · 19.1% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 · 10.3% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 · 8.8% | No official action | — |
| Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections | 10 · 7.4% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 10 · 7.4% | 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 136 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 DRIVING ON HIGHWAY THE CAR BRAKES COME ON AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKES, IT HAPPENED FEW TIMES, THE CAR HAS TO COME TO STOP…”NHTSA complaint 11209613 — filed 05/24/2019 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELT AS ID THE BRAKE…”NHTSA complaint 11081603 — filed 03/27/2018 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
“WHILE DRIVING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP RELEASE AND LOCK UP AGAIN.THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON.”NHTSA complaint 11042721 — filed 11/02/2017 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
Electronic stability control (esc) issues are the most-reported category, cited in 33 of 136 NHTSA complaints (24.3%), followed by service brakes (26), vehicle speed control (14), service brakes, hydraulic (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
136 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2001 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 2001 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.
