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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 66owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 1fire report
- 23%fail the UK MOT
66 complaints, against an average of 67 for the other 3 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The components named most often in the 66 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 66 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?14 owners · 21.2%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?7 owners · 10.6%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?6 owners · 9.1%
- Why is my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class burning or losing oil?3 owners · 4.5%
- Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class smell of fuel or gas?3 owners · 4.5%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?3 owners · 4.5%
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well.On affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well. The water could briefly come into contact with the fuel pump control unit impairing the fuel supply to the engine.
Risk: On affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well. The water could briefly come into contact with the fuel pump control unit impairing the fuel supply to the engine.
Fix: Install a water drain plug in the spare wheel well check for water infiltration and replace the fuel pump control unit if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Replace brake booster in vehicles that have not passed XENTRY test and require part replacement.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Replace brake booster in vehicles that have not passed XENTRY test and require part replacement.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Check the brake booster on the affected vehicles and - depending on the result of this inspection - replace it where necessary.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Check the brake booster on the affected vehicles and - depending on the result of this inspection - replace it where necessary.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSASoftware update to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace N0x sensor if necessary.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAFloor mat may impede accelerator pedalYears estimated
Risk: If the vehicle is equipped with all weather or ribbed accessory mats it is possible that the mats may impede the operation of the throttle pedal to the extent that it could cause a delay in the throttle pedal returning when released.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles check and if fitted remove the accessory mats.
UK DVSAAccelerator pedal may be impeded by floor matYears estimated
Risk: With the use of all weather or ribbed accessory floor mats temporary contract between the floor mat and accelerator pedal cannot be completely ruled out. In the event of contact between the floor mat and accelerator pedal the accelerator pedal may possibly be released with a delay.
Fix: Check whether the vehicle is equipped with an all weather or ribbed accessory floor mat. If one of the affected floor mats is inserted in the driver footwell the floor mat must be removed from the vehicle so that the above complaint can no longer occur.
UK DVSAFloor mat may impede accelerator pedal
Risk: It has been established that if the vehicle is fitted with all weather or ribbed floor mats the accelerator/throttle pedal may contact the floor mat. Although this will just be a temporary contact this could delay the accelerator/throttle pedal releasing.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check if the vehicle is fitted with all weather/ribbed floor mats. If fitted remove from the vehicle.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSevere corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force…Severe corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force required to decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a possible increase in stopping distance. Moreover, due to severe corrosion, a particularly strong or severe braking manoeuvre may cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, preventing the vehicle from decelerating through the service brake and thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under…The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe sealing cap of the Active Curve System's oil reservoir does not prevent oil from leaking out.Oil may leak out and spray onto hot components. As a consequence it may ignite and lead to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners report?
12 of the 66 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later. The contact was called by his wife, and the vehicle was driven to the residence after the brake fluid reservoir was refilled. The contact stated that a half mile later, the message was displayed again…
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 RECALL. UPON CALLING MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS MATTER FOR MY VEHICLE CONTRADICTING THIS ISSUE PREVIOUSLY RECOGNIZED BY MERCEDES BENZ.
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 ECM causing oil to get into module and cause it to shut down but it did start back up. This is very dangerous and could cause serious injury to someone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 to replace the fuel pump control unit as the defect was intermittent and subject to occur at any time the vehicle was being driven. There is no available solution save the replacement. I had the fuel pump control unit replaced at my cost and after replacing it found information concerning the NHTSA recall campaign online. The defective fuel pump control unit was discarded upon…
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 cruise control (even without adaptive mode) is not working at all. This is a big safety issue and it is illegal to even drive this car without the seat belt working.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the abnormal shaking occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no…
Turn signals will not operate, dealership quoted me $1400 3 years ago, had the work performed and now the issue is happening again and I am being quoted the same amount of money. This is a safety concern if I cannot signal to others where I am turning!!!!! This could cause an accident!!!!! This is highly unsafe!!! What if my kids were in the car?! Talking to customers in waiting lounge at dealership other people have had same issue!! The one time they stopped working I had a person hit me going 30 mph, could have been much much worse.
My indicators stopped working a month prior to accident, then they started working again. On March 10th the issue happened again where I turned my signal on and no light appeared and no light on the dash with the indicator sound either. Boom, I had sideswipe someone on a major road causing an accident. NHTSA needs to do something about this because corporate won’t do anything!
Steering column module is intermittently not working as intended, therefore the blinkers will sometimes not work causing it to be a safety concern if I can not signal where I am going. When looking this issue up online I have seen numerous different forums and posts where people have had the same issue. When I took my vehicle to the dealership they had told me that this is very common with the vehicle I have and they do the fix all of the time, just for the issue to happen yet again later down the road.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and then stalled. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while driving. The contact's husband coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you start going off for no reason while driving down any road, all the "safety" and lane assist features seem to have a ghost controlling them. The radio will also glitch out from time to time. It will swap through the channels or pull up list of channels when there is Nobody in the vehicle messing with…
HELLO, REF: ML350 CAMSHAFT SOLENOID LEAK! I AM SEEKING OUT FOR YOUR HELP WRT TO A SITUATION WITH 2012 ML350. ENCLOSED HEREWITH IS AN INSPECTION REPORT FROM A RECENT SERVICE VISIT REQUIRING CLOSE OF $8K IN REPAIRS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. ENGINE HARNESS (OIL LLED HARNESS AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS HAVE OIL IN THEM, ALL COMPONENTS WITH OIL SHOULD BE REPLACED, QUICK INSP FOUND A FEW COMPONENTS BUT THERE MAY BE MORE THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED) AFTER REVIEWING THE INSPECTION REPORT, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND CAME ACROSS CAMPAIGN NO. 2012070002, SEPTEMBER 2012 (COPY ENCLOSED FOR YOUR REFERENCE), WHEREIN MERCEDES…
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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; the most common categories were engine (22, 33.3%), electrical system (12, 18.2%), fuel/propulsion system (12, 18.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Across 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (33.3% of complaints), electrical system (18.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (18.2% of complaints), exterior lighting (13.6% of complaints), steering (10.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
14 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (21.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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 RECALL." (NHTSA complaint 11731177, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
7 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (10.6%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Turn signals will not operate, dealership quoted me $1400 3 years ago, had the work performed and now the issue is happening again and I am being quoted the same amount of money. This is a safety concern if I cannot signal to others where I am turning!!!!!" (NHTSA complaint 11603923, July 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
6 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (9.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Our 2012 mb has 42500 miles on the engine warning light came on it is related to the blue additive emission apparently this has been a common occurrence from what i read on line, mb will not cover this and they charge $3000.00 to fix, after researching online…" (NHTSA complaint 10876458, June 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class burning or losing oil?
3 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "2012 mercedes benz ml350. consumer writes in regards to oil leak. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but stated the vehicle was out of warranty. the consumer was offered a 15% discount on the repair. *js" (NHTSA complaint 11096250, May 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class smell of fuel or gas?
3 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.5%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "After being into authorized mercedes benz dealership only for an strong diesel fuel smell and oil leak 3 times in less than 4 months on our ml350 bluetec engine fuel smell is strong enough that we have a sever headache ,nauseous feeling and have to stop the…" (NHTSA complaint 11090864, April 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
3 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.5%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11629538, December 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own ML-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.