2014 Mercedes Benz Ml Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Mercedes Benz Ml Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Blind spot and lane departure sensor failure.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Mercedes Benz Ml Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Blind spot and lane departure sensor failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-09

Vehicle: 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 VIN: [XXX] I have experienced repeated failures of the Blind Spot Assist / driver-assist system since purchasing this vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688328
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the blind spot warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to identify if another vehicle was nearby
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675826
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE FAILED. THE LANE ASSIST INOPERABLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207568

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Turn signal indicator failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-09

Turn signals stop functioning during drive cycles. This functionality is lost for the remainder of the current drive cycle and can be restored with a key cycle. It does not occur every drive cycles and is unpredictable
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11761320
The turn indicators stop working suddenly and randomly giving inaccurate/false indication to the driver of the vehicle that indicators are turned on and no indication of turn signal to the other drivers that can be hazardous especially at the 4 way stop signs where
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501553
After driving the car, the right/left turn signal switch fails to work (no signal is given both in the panel of the car and the external turn signal lights do not flash). However, the emergency flashers still work
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483939

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Sunroof shattering and track failure

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2026-05

The contact owns a 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the freeway, there was a popping noise coming from the sunroof and discovered it was shattered
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738634
Power Sun ROOF is coming off the tracks of the roof which it is attach to. I feel this is an extreme safety hazard because I believe it will eventually come off my vehicle and cause a serious accident flying into another vehicle or even a pedestrian
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505542
SUNROOF EXPLODING - WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 70MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I COULD TELL IT CAME FROM ABOVE AND COULD TELL THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091112

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Fuel pump control unit water intrusion causing stall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-04

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and accelerating above 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH before it lost automotive power. The vehicle was driven back to the residence
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729477
ML350 engine stalled while driving on an expressway and would not turn back on. ML350 needed to be towed where it was determined that water accumulated in the spare tire wheel well, leading to the fuel pump short circuiting. This is directly related to NHTSA campaign 22V955000
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598349
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and sometimes sputtered before accelerating. The contact stated that there was water inside the spare tire wheel well
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526021

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Oil leak and camshaft adjuster failure

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-01

Vehicle failed oil consumption test. Vehicle has been leaking and/or losing oil for months despite the issue being alleged fixed under NHTSA recall 18V272
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634676
The seals on oil cooler fail which causes leaks Oil dropping on roadway or oil leaking in engine compartment can cause a fire
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488880
I am writing in regards to my 2014 ML 350 Suv. The check engine light came on and upon taking it to the mercedes dealership, I was told the issue is that the camshaft adjusters have failed and need to be replaced. The cost quoted is over $11,000 to repair
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511621

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Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2025-07

Driver side airbag malfunction without notice .serious bodily injury incase of an accident
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675973
DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, DEALER SAYS IT'S THE WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN OR THE CONTROL MODULE AND WANTS ABOUT $1100 TO FIX
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144916
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOR THE PAST YEAR, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11092539

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Tailgate opening unexpectedly while parked or driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2018-12

TAILGATE OPENS WITHOUT BEING ACTIVATED. WHEN BACKING OF GARAGE TAILGATE CAME OPEN AND HIT GARAGEDOOR OPENING, CAUSING SHEETMETAL TO BEND. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161202
REAR TAILGATE OPENED WITHOUT BEING OPERATED AS I WAS ENTERING GARAGE. REAR WINDOW HIT GARAGE TRIM AND BROKE. THIS HAD HAPPENED BEFORE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144513
NO LIGHT OR WARNING ALARM IF TAILGATE IS OPEN. YOU MAY DRIVE CAR WITH NO LIGHT ON DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT TAILGATE IS OPEN. MAY CRASH TAILGATE AND BREAK THE GLASS IF DRIVE INTO A GARAGE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111375

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

9 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Mercedes Benz Ml Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.