2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350: 3 recalls, 65 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Airbags Vehicle recall #17V177000 · 2017 · 51 vehicles
What's wrong: Various control units on these vehicles May have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Why it matters: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017.
Suspension Vehicle recall #18V272000 · 2018 · 9,725 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ml350 bluetec 4matic and ml550 4matic, 2012-2015 ml63 amg 4matic and ml350 4matic, 2013-2016 gl350 bluetec 4matic, gl550 4matic and gl63 amg 4matic, 2017 gls350d 4matic, gls450 4matic, gls550 4matic and gls63 amg 4matic, 2015 ml400 4matic, 2016 gle400 4matic, gle350 4matic, gle63 amg 4matic, gle63s amg 4matic, gle450 4matic coupe and gle63s amg 4matic…
Why it matters: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018.
Fuel system, Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #22V955000 · 2022 · 348,183 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ml550, 2012-2015 ml350, amg ml63, 2015 ml250, ml400, 2016 gle450, gle300, 2016-2018 gle350, gle550, 2016-2019 gle400, 2017-2019 amg gle43, and 2016-2020 amg gle63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Why it matters: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #12E028000 · 2012 · 8,879 vehicles
What's wrong: This all-season floor mat May not fully conform to the contour of the vehicle's floor plan as intended. Clearance between the mat and the gas pedal May be reduced, possibly allowing the pedal to become trapped.
Why it matters: This interference could prevent the gas pedal from retracting and the vehicle May not decelerate as expected when the driver lifts their foot from the gas pedal, which could increase the risk of a crash. Should the pedal become trapped, steady application of the brakes will allow the vehicle to be…
The fix: Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the floor mats free of charge. Until replacement mats become available, consumers are advised to remove their floor mats from the vehicle. The safety recall began on December 21, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the accessory floor mats…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (21): the most common themes are leaks (6), warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Fuel & propulsion (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (3), leaks (3).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are leaks (2), electrical failure (2).
- Exterior lights (9): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 65 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 14 ML350 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 68). Complaints peaked in 2024 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 48,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (111 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (56 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Premium or E85 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (21), fuel & propulsion (12), electrical (11).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.