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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2008–2014

Mercedes-Benz ML550 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 39 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz ML550, covering model years 2008 to 2014. The 2008 model year drew the most complaints (18), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz ML550 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 39 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 7 model years with data (2008–2014)
  • most complaints: 2008 (18 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (9 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V298000 (reported Apr 26, 2024)
  • 1 complaint reporting a crash (2.6%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 1 complaint reporting an injury (2.6%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2008 model year has the most complaints: 18 of 39, or 46.2%. Next come 2011 (6) and 2009 (4). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz ML550 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2008–2014Column chart of 39 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2008 with 18. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2008: 18 complaints1820082009: 4 complaints420092010: 4 complaints420102011: 6 complaints620112012: 1 complaint120122013: 3 complaints320132014: 3 complaints32014
Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2008181010
200940000
201040000
201160000
201210000
201330000
201430000
All model years391010

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz ML550 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 9 complaints (23.1% of all 39), followed by Electrical System (8) and Steering (5).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags923.1%
Electrical System820.5%
Steering512.8%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic410.3%
Engine37.7%
Exterior Lighting37.7%
Unknown or Other37.7%
Seat Belts25.1%
Service Brakes25.1%
Tires25.1%
Back Over Prevention12.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling12.6%
Fuel/Propulsion System12.6%
Lane Departure12.6%
Power Train12.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz ML550 recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name ML550, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2008 to 2014. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 6 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Do Not Drive” advisories
  • 1 over-the-air remedy
Mercedes-Benz ML550 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2008: 2 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V298000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2008–2011

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

    Consequence:
    Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V955000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module; Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module

    Model years 2012–2014

    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.

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

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V315000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2008–2011

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

    Consequence:
    Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V787000

    Reported

    Communication

    Model years 2013–2014 · Over-the-air fix

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

    Consequence:
    An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V272000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front

    Model years 2012–2014

    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.

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

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V081000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2011

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz ML550 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz ML550 have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz ML550, covering model years 2008 to 2014. The most recent, 24V298000, was reported on April 26, 2024 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”.

Which Mercedes-Benz ML550 model year has the most complaints?

The 2008 model year, with 18 of the 39 complaints in NHTSA’s file (46.2%). The next are 2011 (6) and 2009 (4). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 9 complaints, or 23.1% of all 39. Electrical System (8) and Steering (5) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz ML550?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 39 complaints, 1 report a crash, 0 a fire, 1 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.