CarBrief

The 2015 ML-Class has 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, but it also has 5 recalls, the most of any model year[1][2]. One of them is a fuel pump recall that can stall the engine while driving[3].

52owner complaints[1]
5recalls[2]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on file for the 2015 ML-Class[1]. Ten of them mention a crash, none a fire, 4 mention injuries and none a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

By component group, the engine is named most often.

Component group Complaints Crashes named
Engine[5] 11 0
Unknown or other[6] 9 1
Power train[7] 7 4
Brakes[8] 6 1
Structure[9] 4 3
Steering[10] 4 2
Electrical system[11] 4 0
Fuel/propulsion system[12] 4 0

Engine. The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 17,375[5]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, 3 of 11 describe the engine stalling, shutting off or losing power while driving[5]. One describes an engine that seized without warning, and that same report appears twice in the sample[5]. Two mention oil on or leaking from the engine[5].

Power train. The median mileage at failure is 11,550[7]. In the sample we read, 5 of 7 power train complaints describe the car moving when the owner did not expect it[7]. Owners describe rolling after the parking mechanism was engaged, the gear changing on its own, or the car surging in reverse or at a stop light[7]. Two of the 7 describe a noise or a failed driveshaft[7].

Brakes. In the sample we read, 4 of 6 brake complaints are really about the parking mechanism or gear behavior, such as the car rolling after park or the parking brake warning with a locked wheel[8]. One describes collision warning beeps and self-braking with nothing nearby[8].

Stalling and the fuel pump recall. In the small sample of fuel system complaints that mention recall 22V955, all 4 describe a loss of power or a stall[12]. One owner said repair parts were not available[12]. Another said the failure returned about two weeks after the recall repair[12]. Read the recall section below before you buy.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 ML-Class[2]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls cover only certain vehicles, based on build dates or equipment. In the complaint sample, three owners said their VIN was not included in a recall for a problem they were having[5][7][14][15]. Mercedes-Benz USA customer service handles recall questions for each of these recalls[3][13][14][15][16].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
ML250 Bluetec 4matic, 2.1L 4-cyl turbo, diesel[4] 22 / 29 / 25 $3,850
ML350, 3.5L 6-cyl, rear-wheel drive[17] 18 / 23 / 20 $4,100
ML400 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo[18] 18 / 22 / 20 $4,100
ML350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, four-wheel drive[19] 18 / 22 / 19 $4,350
ML63 AMG, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo[20] 13 / 17 / 15 $5,500

The ML350 4matic also has a listing that allows Premium or E85 fuel, with the same 19 combined MPG[21]. The fuel costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list gives these horsepower ratings for the 2015 ML-Class:

Engine Rated horsepower
2.1L 4-cylinder[22] 201 hp
3.0L 6-cylinder[23] 329 hp
3.5L 6-cylinder[24] 302 hp
5.5L 8-cylinder[25] 518 hp

How 2015 compares with other years

1998: 133 complaints, 0 recalls19981999: 169 complaints, 0 recalls2000: 214 complaints, 0 recalls20002001: 190 complaints, 0 recalls2002: 117 complaints, 1 recalls20022003: 61 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 53 complaints, 0 recalls20042005: 31 complaints, 0 recalls2006: 210 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 108 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 88 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 121 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 101 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 113 complaints, 3 recalls2012: 65 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 56 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 68 complaints, 4 recalls20142015: 52 complaints, 5 recalls522015
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each ML-Class model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19981330
19991690
20002140
20011900
20021171
2003610
2004530
2005310
20062102
20071082
2008882
20091213
20101013
20111133
2012653
2013564
2014684
2015525

The 2015 model year has 52 complaints and 5 recalls[2]. Across the 18 ML-Class years in NHTSA data, only 2005 has fewer complaints, with 31[2]. 2004 has 53, and 2013 has 56[2]. No other year has as many recalls. 2013 and 2014 have 4 each, and every year from 2009 to 2012 has 3[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2015 ML-Class?

The complaint count is lower than every other ML-Class year except 2005, but this year has the most recalls[2]. The one to take seriously is the fuel pump control unit recall, because a stall while driving raises the risk of a crash[3]. One owner in the small sample we read said the loss of power came back after the recall repair[12]. Before you buy, ask for the VIN and have a Mercedes-Benz dealer confirm that every recall is done. Ask whether the 22V955 repair included the drain plug.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Engine is the component group named most often, with 11 of 52 complaints, followed by unknown or other with 9 and power train with 7[1][5][6][7].
Does the 2015 ML-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5, covering the fuel pump control unit, emergency call software, Active Curve System oil, axle bolts and a rear seat belt anchor[3][13][14][15][16].
How many miles per gallon does a 2015 ML350 get?
The rear-wheel drive ML350 is rated 18 city, 23 highway and 20 combined MPG, and the 4matic is rated 18, 22 and 19[17][19].
Is the 2015 ML-Class a better year than other ML-Class years?
Its 52 complaints are the second lowest of 18 model years, but its 5 recalls are the most of any year[2].
How much horsepower does a 2015 ML-Class have?
EPA lists 201 hp for the 2.1L, 329 hp for the 3.0L, 302 hp for the 3.5L and 518 hp for the 5.5L[22][23][24][25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (10 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 22V955, filed December 23, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control / Drive Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for ML250 Bluetec 4matic, 2.1L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 11 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,375). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 7 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,550). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 6 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 4 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 4 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 4 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 4 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 19V787, filed November 1, 2019: Communication. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V272, filed April 27, 2018: Suspension › Front. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 16V900, filed December 14, 2016: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V442, filed June 16, 2016: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for ML350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for ML400 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for ML350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for ML63 AMG, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for ML350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with 2.1L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 329 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 302 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with 5.5L 8-cylinder: rated 518 hp. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.