2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 66 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 66 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 9 complaints, typically surfacing around 41,506 miles (~$3,100 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 | 73 | 0 |
| 2015 ML-Class (this page) | 66 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- 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.
Buying a used 2015 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
- engine — 9 owner reports · tends to show around 41,506 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 40,388 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- steering — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 28,700 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 14,433 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 40,388 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 2015 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 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I recently purchased a new ml350 from Mercedes benz of burlington, ma and I have a 'safety' related issue with the lift gate. I went to move the vehicle, not knowing that the lift gate was open.there was no warning or any indication that the lift gate was open!! I have owned 2…
Steering wheel tilt adjustment failed. Without adjustment it is impossible to steer the automobile safely due to hand placement for control. This is apparent especially when there are multiple drivers. There is not a manual over ride since the system is controled electrically
Going to work in the morning and pulling out of the garage my foot was on the brake not the accelerator in reverse suddenly the car surged by itself while I had my foot on the brake. The car went in reverse very fast hitting our side concrete side wall. (the distance is about…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-benz ml350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle crashed into a wall and the rear window broke. The contact stated that the vehicle…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 9 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 41,506 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 66 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 41,506 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 9 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 41,506 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 28,700 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 66 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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.