2015 Mercedes Benz Ml Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Mercedes Benz Ml Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sunroof and panoramic roof glass detachment or shattering.” 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 2015 Mercedes Benz Ml Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Sunroof and panoramic roof glass detachment or shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2026-02

In early February, while driving on the highway, the entire sunroof panel catastrophically detached and flew off the vehicle. This created an immediate and severe road hazard for other drivers
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719355
HI I CURRENTLY OWN 2015 ML 350 BLUETEC, WAS DRIVING THE ML AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE PANORAMIC ROOF SHATTERED WITH GLASS PIECES RAINING LUCKILY MY KIDS WEREN'T IN THE CAR AND I WAS BY MYSELF
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11082024
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A POP SOUND. LATER THAT NIGHT, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075957

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Liftgate warning light activates only above a set speed

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2016-03

CAR WAS IN MOTION ON STREET AND SUDDENLY REAR PASSENGER DOOR SWUNG OPEN AND ITEMS ON BACK SEAT FELL OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY CAUSING VEHICLES TO SWERVE TO THE OTHER SIDE OF ROADWAY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10840281
REAR TAILGATE WAS LEFT OPEN. STARTED CAR AND NO WARNING THAT TAILGATE WAS OPEN WAS GIVEN. STARTED TO MOVE CAR INTO GARAGE AND OPEN TAILGATE STRUCK GARAGE OPENING. DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $1000. NO WARNING IS GIVEN UNTIL CAR EXCEEDS 6-7MPH!!!
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817440
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 ACURA MDX'S AND BOTH GAVE LOUD WARNINGS WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE AND THE LIFT GATE IS OPEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10811571

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Fuel pump failures causing stalling or loss of power

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2026-05

The failed/malfunctioning component appears to be the fuel pump controller / fuel pump control unit, and possibly the fuel pump system. The Mercedes-Benz dealer identified water/moisture-related damage and corrosion at the fuel pump controller area
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739473
The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589651
The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power and was making an abnormal sputtering sound as if the vehicle was running out of gasoline. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523279

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Unintended acceleration during gear shifts causing crashes

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2021-04

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 ACCELERATED UP TO 19 MPH IN REVERSE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10934032
I WAS DRIVING THE THE VEHICLE ON 12/26/2019.THEVEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED ACCLERATING AND I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO THE FRONT OF A COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291755
THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT WITHIN FIVE DAYS, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE GEAR SLIPPED INTO DRIVE AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10676584

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Engine oil leaks and camshaft failures

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2025-07

Cam Shaft replacement diagnosed after week and half visit to Mercedes Benz dealership for engine rattling at cold start up. We are left with a $10,000 repair after performing all scheduled maintenance at the Mercedes Benz dealership since owning in 2015
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676806
The cam shaft adjuster failed, causing a loss of power in the engine. Vehicle could not maintain speed on hills or merge onto interstates in this condition
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522582
The leak was due to a crack in the sealing cap. My car 2015 Mercedes ML350 4Matic is in the recall for 2018070015 but my VIN number was not included in the recall although I am having the exact issues the recall covers
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11508373

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Steering control loss leading to crashes

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2020-07

THE CONTACT WAS TOWING AN UNKNOWN TRAVEL TRAILER WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO A DITCH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340376
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED STEERING HORIZONTALLY ON THE RIGHT. CAR WAS AUTO CONTROLLED AND OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND AND STEER. I GOT INTO A MAJOR LIFE THREATENING CAR CRASH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11129683
IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND A SQUEALING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10947483

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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)

12 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.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2015 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.