2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 107. The most common issue is air bags problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: we purchased a new mercedes ml 350 in october of 2011, in the past year it has had three airbag failures. each time the diagnostics system alerts an airbag failure we have it replaced by the dealership, but i have lost all confidence in the vehicles safety equipment. will these airbags actually op. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
126
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
59 complaints- • WE PURCHASED A NEW MERCEDES ML 350 IN OCTOBER OF 2011, IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS HAD THREE AIRBAG FAILURES. EACH TIME THE DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM ALERTS AN AIRBAG FAILURE WE HAVE IT REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLES SAFETY EQUIPMENT. WILL THESE AIRBAGS ACTUALLY OP
- • TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY MERCEDES AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL AND A TIMELINE FOR WHEN I CAN GET AIRBAGS REPLACED.
- • TAKATA RECALL MERCEDES BENZ NOTIFIED BY USPS SAFETY RECALL 03/16.NO FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE OR OTHER ACTION/S TO INDICATE RECTIFY OF SAFETY RECALL SINCE. MERCEDES HOUSTON NORTH DEALERSHIP VISIT 10/29/16 AT WHICH I PURCHASED REFUSES VEHICLE RETURN IN LIGHT OF INDICATED AIRBAG RECALL, STATING I CANNOT
“WE PURCHASED A NEW MERCEDES ML 350 IN OCTOBER OF 2011, IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS HAD THREE AIRBAG FAILURES. EACH TIME THE DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM ALERTS AN AIRBAG FAILURE WE HAVE IT REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLES SAFETY EQUIPMENT. WILL THESE AIRBAGS ACTUALLY OP”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
Based on 46 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 63K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
AIR BAGS
TRANSMISSION
BRAKES
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 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
How this estimate is calculated
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
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
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 2011 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 126 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: WE PURCHASED A NEW MERCEDES ML 350 IN OCTOBER OF 2011, IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS HAD THREE AIRBAG FAILURES. EACH TIME THE DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM ALERTS AN AIRBAG FAILURE WE HAVE IT REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLES SAFETY EQUIPMENT. WILL THESE AIRBAGS ACTUALLY OP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF BAKERSFIELD, 5600 GASOLINE ALLEY DR, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, (661) 451-1400) EVERY THIRTY DAYS TO DETERMINE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN AND THE TRUCK JERKED OVER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT ME DOING IT. ITS HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM. MY IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. MY KEYS WOULD N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: THE CAR WAS ON AN INCLINE IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT HAS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ON THE COLUMN, AND I HAD BEEN BACKING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING TO MOVE SOMETHING. THE CAR SAT IN PLACE FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AND THEN SPONTANEOUSLY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz ML350 — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 126
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 11
- Injury reports
- 11
- Segment avg
- 107
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350