The Mercedes-Benz M-Class Years To Avoid
Mercedes-Benz M-Class by Navigator84 - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, also known as the GLE-Class since 2015, is a luxury midsize SUV that has been a prominent player in the automotive market for several years. Over the years, it went through multiple generations, each refining and improving upon its predecessor’s features.
The M-Class/GLE-Class sits comfortably in the midsize luxury SUV segment, catering to consumers who want a perfect balance of luxury, performance, and practicality. It competes with other prominent luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Lexus RX, but the M-Class has established itself as a strong contender in this fiercely competitive market.
More impressively, the M-Class has continuously evolved to keep up with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. However, is it a good luxury SUV for used car buyers?
Today, we rounded up some of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class years to avoid if you’re looking to buy a used model. Plus, we offer insights into why these model years should be cautiously approached. Let’s take a look.
Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class Years To Avoid?
We’ll focus on the old M-Class model years (with the ML nomenclature) for this roundup. With that said, below are the Mercedes-Benz M-Class years to avoid due to reliability issues and the high number of owner complaints:
- 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320
- 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
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2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320
The 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 is one of the most problematic iterations of this luxury SUV. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2000 ML320 has accumulated 296 complaints and five recalls. It struggled with electrical, engine, and transmission problems – and with a two-decade-old model, you’re better off looking elsewhere and avoiding expensive repairs.
One of the primary issues of this model year is its electronic stability control (ESC) feature. One user reported that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light came on, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The problem persisted even after the car was turned off and restarted. Meanwhile, another person reported that the ESC light came on, and the vehicle would not go over 20 mph. The user had to stop the car, turn it off, and restart it to get it to function normally again.
Steering is another sore spot for the 2000 ML320. The BenzWorld forum is riddled with posts describing the ML320’s problematic steering. The original poster experienced difficulty turning the steering wheel when stationary or parking, but this issue was resolved after acceleration. They suspected hose clogging or problems with the power steering rack but confirmed the power steering pump and fluid were fine. On a related note, many users have shared the same experiences with the steering.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS
The second generation of this vehicle is especially valued in the used car market, leading many car shoppers to seek out the most reliable Mercedes-Benz M-Class year possible.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
Based on the number of complaints, the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 might be more reliable than the 2000 model – but that’s not saying much. CarComplaints says that the 2001 ML320 has collected 216 complaints and four recalls.
Unfortunately, Benz’s ESC system continued to inconvenience many ML320 drivers. According to many reports, the ESC light comes on, stays on, and can occur randomly and without any apparent trigger. When the ESC light is on, the vehicle may lose power, and the engine may run roughly. This can decrease the vehicle’s performance and be particularly problematic when driving at high speeds or in challenging conditions. It’s a widespread issue and hardly an isolated case.
In addition, steering is also a significant issue for the 2001 ML320. One user reported that the vehicle experienced sudden acceleration, and the brakes did not work. The steering wheel also failed to turn. Another user said the steering wheel was making a loud noise when turned. According to a recall, the steering wheel was repaired in 2003, but the issue was not corrected properly.
2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350
The 2006 version is another one of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class years to avoid because of serious reliability woes. CarComplaints has documented 253 complaints and three recalls for this model year, with issues that result in high repair costs.
Stalling and illuminated checking engine light are some of the issues you’ll have to keep an eye out for in this model. Users reported instances of the vehicle stalling with the check engine light remaining on. This issue was typically resolved temporarily by turning the car off and on. In addition, the failure of the balance gear shift also contributed to the check engine light issues. The balance shaft gear was reported to fail prematurely, causing significant vehicle performance issues.
The repair costs associated with the balance shaft gear failure were reported to be high, often exceeding $5,000. Many users expressed dissatisfaction with Mercedes-Benz’s offer to cover only a tiny percentage of these costs.
In addition, owners were also frustrated with the SUV’s electrical system, including alternator failure, stalling, system failure during rainstorms, faulty seat warmers, etc. For instance, a user reported alternator failure and subsequent battery discharge. After the vehicle was restarted, it failed to shut down even after removing the key from the ignition, indicating a potential firmware or computer system error.
As such, we highly recommend skipping the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350
Lastly, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is best avoided due to several serious issues that may cost you a lot in unexpected repairs. According to RepairPal, the ML350’s camshaft adjuster solenoid may fail or give in early wear and tear. This may cause the persistent check engine light issue. Despite replacing the camshaft, many owners claimed the check engine light remained on.
Oil leaks are also a significant concern for the 2012 ML350. Several frustrated owners reported that oil leaked through the wiring harness into the ECU and O2 sensors, causing massive damage to the car’s harness. Meanwhile, another user said a diesel and oil leak during a vehicle inspection.
Moreover, there have been instances of the vehicle stalling suddenly on the freeway, with suggestions of engine replacement – which is commonly very expensive, especially for a luxury vehicle. Additionally, this model also reportedly loses power after a few hours of driving without any error message on the dashboard. Dealers have been unable to fix this problem after multiple attempts.
Overall, the 2012 ML350 has significant engine problems that most used car buyers should avoid.
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