2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliability
Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class over 15 years — 5 per year. That is more complaints per year than most ML-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
66
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0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (22 of 66), then Electrical system (12) and Fuel and propulsion system (12). Those filings include 5 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
The 2013 ML-Class has 62 complaints, 4 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (66 total)
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4
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"Vehicle stalled without warning, and I was advised by a mechanic that the fuel pump control unit was reporting a fault through the onboard diagnostics port and the check engine light on the dashboard. It was necessary…"
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"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…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class over 15 years — 5 per year. That is more complaints per year than most ML-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (22 of 66), then Electrical system (12) and Fuel and propulsion system (12). Those filings include 5 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 ML-Class has 62 complaints, 4 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with NHTSA.
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.