2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls and problems

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 3 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
65
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls

Recall 22V-955: Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 348,183 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

Recall 18V-272: Suspension

Reported Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

Recall 17V-177: Electrical System, Air Bags

Reported Mar 14, 2017 · 51 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine21
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Electrical System11
Exterior Lighting9
Steering7
Power Train6
Lane Departure4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Seat Belts3
Structure3
Unknown or Other2
Engine and Engine Cooling2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 49,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 122,000 miles · reported Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later. The contact was called by his wife, and the vehicle was driven to the residence after the brake fluid reservoir was refilled. The contact stated that a half mile later, the message was displayed…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 14, 2026
Engine stalled driving on interstate highway at 70mph. Mechanic diagnostic indicated to be faulty fuel pump and/or fuel pump control unit. This issue has been recognized by mercedes benz as a faulty issue and subject to recall. Upon calling mercedes benz dealer was told there was no recall on this matter for my vehicle contradicting this issue previously recognized by mercedes benz.
Engine · reported Jan 23, 2025
My name is [XXX] My vehicle cut off on me 3 times twice while stationary and once at an intersection. Found oil in engine control module due to failed cam position sensors. Oil has traveled through the engine harness to ECM causing oil to get into module and cause it to shut down but it did start back up. This is very dangerous and could cause serious injury to someone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat Belts · reported Dec 8, 2024
The driver's seat belt is locked and the retractor is not working without any reason. The front adaptive cruise control radar is also not working, along with the crucial blind spot sensor. Because of this, the vehicle cruise control (even without adaptive mode) is not working at all. This is a big safety issue and it is illegal to even drive this car without the seat belt working.
Engine · at 65,000 miles · reported Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the abnormal shaking occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no…

Other Mercedes-Benz ML350 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz ML350 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350: 22V-955 (fuel system, gasoline, fuel system, diesel), 18V-272 (suspension), 17V-177 (electrical system, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Owners report engine problems most often (21 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 49,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.