MotorDeets

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550: 2 recalls, 18 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
18owner complaints
1mention a crash
15best combined mpg
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Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #22V315000 · 2022 · 350,294 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture May accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Why it matters: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #24V298000 · 2024 · 15,604 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture May accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Why it matters: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical5
Steering4
Seat belts2
Airbags2
Other / unknown2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Engine & cooling1
Suspension1

What owners describe

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 has 18 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 ML550 model years for complaints (3.2× the average ML550 year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 13 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (4 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.5 L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131815Premium

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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (5), steering (4), seat belts (2).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 get?

EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (5.5 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 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.

Other ML550 years

2008200920102011201220132014