Is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable?

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 112 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (67 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (10 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

No recalls have been issued for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is approximately $1,921/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 107. The most common issue is air bags problems (60% of all complaints), specifically: when making a left hand turn on city road, aprox 25mph the passenger headrest srs system malfunctioned and sprung open hitting passenger in back of head causing neck injury. *tr. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 8 crash reports 1 injury

112

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

67 complaints

60%

• WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON CITY ROAD, APROX 25MPH THE PASSENGER HEADREST SRS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND SPRUNG OPEN HITTING PASSENGER IN BACK OF HEAD CAUSING NECK INJURY. *TR
• WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: A) FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED, SEE OPERATORS MANUAL B) FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ENABLED, SEE OPERATORS MANUAL C) ESP WARNING LIGHT ALSO COMES ON ADULT PASSENGER IS ALWAYS SEATED AND WITH SEAT BELT ON WHEN THESE ERROR MESSAGES COME ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE D
• TAKATA RECALL FOR TAKATA INFLATORS. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE AND I NEED THE RECALL WORK DONE. IT IS A MATTER OF SAFETY AND I AND MY FAMILY REALLY WOULD NEED TO GET THE RECALL WOK DONE, THANK YOU

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON CITY ROAD, APROX 25MPH THE PASSENGER HEADREST SRS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND SPRUNG OPEN HITTING PASSENGER IN BACK OF HEAD CAUSING NECK INJURY. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 67K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Earlier than typicalmedian 47K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Reported earliermedian 54K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 85K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 70K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,921

Full coverage / month

$160

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+15%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1921

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz ML350 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2010 ML350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 112 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON CITY ROAD, APROX 25MPH THE PASSENGER HEADREST SRS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND SPRUNG OPEN HITTING PASSENGER IN BACK OF HEAD CAUSING NECK INJURY. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT. THIS LEAVES THE BELTS LOOSE AND INEFFECTIVE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. INSTEAD OF BLOWING A FUSE , FUSE HOUSING MELTED FROM FIRE AND HEAT REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE HOUSING WITH ALL FUSES AND RELAYS. I BROUGHT IT UP TO MERCEDES BENZ ATTENTION AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS AS THE PART GOT REPLACED AT THIS POINT IT IS ONLY AN "ALLEGED" PROBLEM. THEY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: REAR SEATBELT STOPPED RETRACTING,PASSENGER SIDE.ALSO HAD ABS AND ESP WARNING INDICATORS COME ON,WAS TOLD ALL SENSORS SHOULD BE CHANGED BUT DUE TO AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BOUGHT THROUGH A USED CAR DEALER ONLY ONE SENSOR WAS CHANGED.THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES IN THREE YEARS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)