2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 73 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 73 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 19 complaints, typically surfacing around 42,713 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 ML-Class | 66 | 0 |
| 2013 ML-Class | 62 | 0 |
| 2014 ML-Class (this page) | 73 | 0 |
| 2015 ML-Class | 66 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 42,713 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 22,035 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- airbags — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 30,333 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- fuel system — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 120,000 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 30,333 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 7 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Vehicle made a right-hand turn uphill and completely shut off for 25 minutes; engine and electrical components. Required to manually hold in the brake on an incline until vehicle restarted. Dealership cannot replicate the issue and is returning the vehicle.
After a weekend of incessant rain, while driving a short distance (10 minutes) , this low-mileage, well-maintained 8 year old SUV suddenly stalled, Engine appeared to have powered down and the yellow Engine light came up and pressing gas pedal didn't do anything. I was…
In my neighborhood approaching a stop sign about 20 yards away. The car all of a sudden accelerated at a high rate of speed. I was going too fast to make the right turn and the brakes did not stop the car. I ended up running through the stop sign up an incline and into the woods…
It seems that this vehicle was not included in a brake booster recall which included this model from 2005 through 2015. The brakes are not working properly, and brake fluid has entered the master brake cylinder damaging the seal. It is extremely unsafe to operate this vehicle in…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 19 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 42,713 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 73 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 42,713 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 19 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 42,713 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 42,713 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 73 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.