Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (66 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 74 complaints), 2013 at 4 (from 62 complaints), and 2012 at 5 (from 66 complaints). On the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, 8 of 66 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 → Most | 7 | 66 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2014 → Fewest | 3 | 74 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2013 → Fewest | 4 | 62 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2012 → Fewest | 5 | 66 | 0 | Engine | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB-Approval oils; other viscosities by temperature) · 8.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R19 or 265/45R20 (ML350 common packages; other wheels vary)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints on 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W166) vehicles most often name the engine, followed by fuel/propulsion and powertrain. Confirm open recalls by VIN using the specific ML trim string (for example ML350); some Mercedes campaigns are filed under trim-level model names rather than ML-Class.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 74 complaints), 2013 at 4 (from 62 complaints), and 2012 at 5 (from 66 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz ML-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (66 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. On the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, 8 of 66 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What engine oil does a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class use?
MB-Approval oils such as 0W-40 or 5W-40 are commonly listed for this W166 generation; capacity is about 8.5 qt with filter on typical gasoline fills.
What tire sizes does an ML350 commonly use?
Common OEM packages include 255/50R19 and 265/45R20; confirm the door placard for your wheel option.
What do NHTSA complaints most often name on 2012-2015 ML-Class vehicles?
NHTSA complaints on 2012-2015 ML-Class (W166) vehicles most often name the engine, followed by fuel/propulsion and powertrain; confirm open recalls by VIN.