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2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2014 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
  • 74owner complaints
  • 7crash reports
  • 2fire reports
  • 18%fail the UK MOT

The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz ML-Class year on file: 74 complaints, against an average of 65 for the other 3 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

The components named most often in the 74 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Electrical System21 (28.4%)
  2. Engine19 (25.7%)
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System7 (9.5%)
  4. Fuel System6 (8.1%)
  5. Diesel5 (6.8%)
  6. Gasoline5 (6.8%)
  7. Lane Departure5 (6.8%)
  8. Structure5 (6.8%)

What symptoms do 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 74 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 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 2014 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. Recall R/2023/021 · Feb 20, 2023 · built Sep 2011 to Nov 2018 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture. Recall R/2023/023 · Feb 20, 2023 · built Oct 2010 to Feb 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time Recall R/2021/277 · Aug 17, 2021 · built Aug 2004 to Dec 2013 · Risk and fix

Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.

Fix: Replace the driver's airbag.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time Recall R/2021/279 · Aug 17, 2021 · built Aug 2004 to Dec 2013 · Risk and fix

Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.

Fix: Replace the driver's airbag

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated Recall R/2020/243 · Oct 6, 2020 · built Nov 2011 to May 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSASoftware update to improve emissions Recall R/2020/231 · Sep 3, 2020 · built Feb 2012 to Jun 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification Recall R/2017/124 · Apr 19, 2017 · built Jan 2004 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFront and/or rear axle bolts may not be tightened correctly Recall R/2017/012 · Feb 14, 2017 · built Sep 2014 to Mar 2015 · Risk and fix

Risk: The front and/or rear axle mounting bolts may not be tightened to the correct specification. The bolts may break and could affect control of the vehicle.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the front and rear axle carrier bolts.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may be deactivated Recall R/2016/299 · Jan 30, 2017 · built Jul 2014 to Sep 2016 · Risk and fix

Risk: Under certain conditions the front passenger air bag can be deactivated and may not deploy in the event of a collision.

Fix: On affected vehicles check and if necessary update software.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAOil may leak Recall R/2014/182 · Jan 16, 2015 · built Feb 2014 to Nov 2014 · Risk and fix

Risk: On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert SR/03711/24 · reported by Germany · Dec 20, 2024 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00830/22 · reported by Germany · Jun 10, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/01236/20 · reported by Germany · Sep 18, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/1385/18 · reported by Germany · Sep 28, 2018 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDue to incorrect functioning of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. Alert A12/0069/17 · reported by Germany · Jan 27, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe axle screws on the front/rear axle may not have been correctly secured which could lead to an overload on the remaining screw…The axle screws on the front/rear axle may not have been correctly secured which could lead to an overload on the remaining screw connections on the axle concerned. This overload may result in the rupture of the screws and under certain conditions, in loss of control over the vehicle. Alert A12/0083/17 · reported by Germany · Jan 27, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe fuel delivery module may not be fuel tight, as a result of which fuel might leak out during travel or if the vehicle is parked at an…The fuel delivery module may not be fuel tight, as a result of which fuel might leak out during travel or if the vehicle is parked at an angle, depending on how full the tank is. A risk of fire caused by an external ignition source may consequently arise. Alert A12/0285/16 · reported by Germany · Mar 11, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind. Alert A12/2167/14 · reported by Germany · Jan 9, 2015 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class fail its MOT?

18.4% of 3,913 MOT tests in 2023 on Mercedes-Benz ML-Classs first registered in 2014 were a fail9.9 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Tyres34%
  2. Suspension25%
  3. Lights and electrics23%
  4. Exhaust, emissions and leaks15%
  5. Brakes12%
  6. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)12%

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 2014, 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners report?

12 of the 74 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and accelerating above 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH before it lost automotive power. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, DieselNHTSA complaint 11729477 · Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing front suspension, coolant, and oil leak failures. The contact stated that the front suspension unexpectedly lowered while the vehicle was parked or while driving. The message "Active Curve System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where unknown repairs were performed. Additionally, the contact noticed a coolant leak in the garage, where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to two certified independent mechanics, where unknown repairs were performed…
Suspension, Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, GasolineNHTSA complaint 11724121 · Mar 13, 2026
As we were driving 50mph, the car stalled and lost all power. The dashboard lights all lit up and the car wouldn't start. I don't get unnerved easily and it was fairly intense not being able to move your car out of traffic. After about 5 mins, the car would start again only to stop a minute or so later. After taking the car to the dealer, the issue stemmed from the fuel pump electronics board getting wet in the spare tire wheel well where water was accumulating. This was part of the recall and the dealer installed a drain and replaced the board. HOWEVER, this issue again happened nearly one…
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11700540 · Nov 20, 2025
Vehicle: 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 VIN: [XXX] I have experienced repeated failures of the Blind Spot Assist / driver-assist system since purchasing this vehicle. When I first purchased the ML350 in Texas, the vehicle already showed warning messages (“Blind Spot Assist Inoperative / Pre-Safe Function Limited”). The dealer attempted repairs before delivery, but the defect persisted. After moving to New York, the problem continued. On June 26, 2023, I took the vehicle to The Automaster Mercedes-Benz in Shelburne, VT. Their diagnosis confirmed water intrusion into the blind spot radar sensors…
Electrical System, Lane DepartureNHTSA complaint 11688328 · Sep 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the blind spot warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to identify if another vehicle was nearby. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the blind spot detection system was inoperative. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,001.
Lane DepartureNHTSA complaint 11675826 · Jul 24, 2025
I purchased a used Mercedes-Benz from Freehold Mitsubishi in early 2024. Within hours, serious safety issues appeared, including a check engine light, cylinder misfire, EVAP leak, traction control failure, and blind spot assist malfunction. The vehicle’s ECM and wiring harness were later found damaged due to oil leaks and electrical shorts. Despite multiple repair attempts, the vehicle was returned in worse condition and remains unsafe to drive. I am reporting these issues due to their potential risk to vehicle safety.
Electrical System, Engine, Lane DepartureNHTSA complaint 11670372 · Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling in the driveway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that AAA added fuel to the vehicle, and the vehicle was able to restart and operated as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline), and the dealer installed a water drain plug on the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was later intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Complete…
Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, DieselNHTSA complaint 11668077 · Jun 20, 2025
I purchased my car used at the Mercedes dealership in Tyler Texas June 2023. I took all my savings and paid cash and was told that the car was impeccable shape and there were no current issues and all the service records were up to date. November 2023 is when everything started happening and my engine light came on. It was revealed to me by a service tech that I was sold the vehicle with an existing major oil leak /seals broke. Etc. SEE Attached invoices. I have endured driving down the road and my car just giving out and losing power steering. The car has been sputtering and there have been…
Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11657305 · Apr 28, 2025
Vehicle failed oil consumption test. Vehicle has been leaking and/or losing oil for months despite the issue being alleged fixed under NHTSA recall 18V272. The issue is ongoing and Mercedes Jacksonville is claiming the oil leak is from another issue not covered under warranty or recall order. I do not believe they are unrelated and they have not been able to identify the exact issue.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11634676 · Jan 7, 2025
ML350 engine stalled while driving on an expressway and would not turn back on. ML350 needed to be towed where it was determined that water accumulated in the spare tire wheel well, leading to the fuel pump short circuiting. This is directly related to NHTSA campaign 22V955000. That recall repair was completed prior to this incident. Per the technician, the recall repair installed a water drain plug to prevent the water accumulation. This repair effectively failed - the drain plugs malfunctioned and were not allowing water to drain. MBUSA deny’s responsibility for the failing drain plug…
Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11598349 · Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the recall repair was performed. Soon after the recall repair, while the contact's wife was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights had illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was moisture in the spare tire wheel well. The moisture damaged the fuel pump control unit which was…
Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, DieselNHTSA complaint 11573107 · Feb 21, 2024
Power Sun ROOF is coming off the tracks of the roof which it is attach to. I feel this is an extreme safety hazard because I believe it will eventually come off my vehicle and cause a serious accident flying into another vehicle or even a pedestrian. This was fixed by Mercedes Benz [ BENZE BUSCH of NJ ] back in to 2018 and now it is doing it again.I Contacted the dealer again about this and they refuse to repair saying Vehicle is out of warranty.I also contacted Mercedes Benz corporate Headquarters and they refuse to acknowledge the problem.Obviously this is a defect in the vehicle. I…
StructureNHTSA complaint 11505542 · Feb 4, 2023

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2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: questions owners ask

Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (21, 28.4%), engine (19, 25.7%), fuel/propulsion system (7, 9.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 7 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

Across 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (28.4% of complaints), engine (25.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.5% of complaints), fuel system (8.1% of complaints), diesel (6.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have any recalls?

As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

11 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (14.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "55,000 Miles now Engine shuts off while driving and steering wheel locks engine light comes on, we have had this problem starting at about 30,000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11483205, September 2022). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

7 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (9.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I purchased a used Mercedes-Benz from Freehold Mitsubishi in early 2024. Within hours, serious safety issues appeared, including a check engine light, cylinder misfire, EVAP leak, traction control failure, and blind spot assist malfunction." (NHTSA complaint 11670372, June 2025). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class burning or losing oil?

6 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (8.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "I purchased a used Mercedes-Benz from Freehold Mitsubishi in early 2024. Within hours, serious safety issues appeared, including a check engine light, cylinder misfire, EVAP leak, traction control failure, and blind spot assist malfunction." (NHTSA complaint 11670372, June 2025). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class idle rough, misfire or hesitate?

3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "I purchased a used Mercedes-Benz from Freehold Mitsubishi in early 2024. Within hours, serious safety issues appeared, including a check engine light, cylinder misfire, EVAP leak, traction control failure, and blind spot assist malfunction." (NHTSA complaint 11670372, June 2025). 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 airbag light on in my 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

3 of the 74 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.1%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Driver's side air bag warning light stays on, dealer says it's the wiring in steering column or the control module and wants about $1100 to fix. just all of a sudden came on with no other event happening." (NHTSA complaint 11144916, November 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.

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 2014 only.

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