Selling a junk or non-running Mercedes ML-Class

We buy whole non-running and junk cars, ML-Class SUVs included. Free pickup anywhere in the US, and nothing has to come off first.

The brake booster recalls

Recall 22V315, filed May 9, 2022, covers 350,294 vehicles across the ML, GL and R-Class. NHTSA lists it for the 2006-2011 ML in our data. Recall 24V298, filed April 26, 2024, covers 15,604 more in the same three model lines. Both carry the same instruction: don't drive it until the remedy is done. Dealers remove the rubber sleeve and inspect the brake booster.

On top of that, Wikipedia's Mercedes-Benz article covers a recall across the brand: in June 2022, close to one million vehicles built from 2004 to 2015 were called back for possible "advanced corrosion" in the braking system.

What owners reported, by model year group

The ML-Class ran from the 1998 to the 2015 model year in EPA data, and the newest one is now more than a decade old. We pulled these ML complaints from NHTSA's records on October 10, 2026.

1998-2005: steering, cooling and brakes

968 complaints, almost half the ML's total. The pattern shifts year to year:

• 1998 and 1999: engine and engine cooling lead (26 and 45 complaints).
• 2000: steering leads with 49 of 214. Steering stays the top component through 2005, except on the 2001.
• 2001: service brakes lead with 35 of 190, and hydraulic brakes add 23 more.
• 2003 and 2004: seats make the top three.

NHTSA lists only one recall for these years, 01V290, a left front upper control arm on 870 2002 models.

2006-2011: power train, fires and air bags

798 complaints. The 2006 has the most of any ML year, 225, led by the power train (47) and the engine (32). Recall 05V224 replaced a power steering cooler hose clamp on 7,191 2006 models.

The 2006 and 2007 also stand out for fire. On the 2007, 34 of its 111 complaints are flagged as involving a fire, the highest share of any ML year. Seats are its top component (37).

From 2009 to 2011, air bags take over: 44, 71 and 62 complaints. Recall 16V081 replaced driver air bag inflators on 2009-2011 ML350, ML550 and ML63 models, among others; its 711,159 vehicles include other Mercedes and Chrysler models. Recall 09V076 fixed a tail lamp seal that could let water reach the power liftgate control unit on 16,130 2009 models.

2012-2015: engine and fuel pump

269 complaints, with the engine leading on the 2012, 2013 and 2015. Three recalls matter here:

• 22V955: water can get into the fuel pump control unit. Dealers add a drain plug and replace the unit if needed. The 348,183 vehicles include GLE models.
• 18V272: oil foam leaking from a front suspension reservoir on 2012-2015 ML350 4Matic and ML63 models, among others. The 9,725 count includes the GL.
• 14V762: a chain tensioner gasket on the 2015 ML250 BlueTec diesel, in a 4,871-vehicle campaign shared with E-Class and GLK diesels.

The 2015 also has 13 complaints flagged for a crash, out of 66.

ML-Class complaints by model year

Source: NHTSA, October 10, 2026. Each ML campaign appears under every year it applies to.

Fix it or sell it

An ML under a do-not-drive recall is not necessarily done, but getting the SUV to a dealer may mean a tow. Here is how to think about the rest:

1. 2006-2012 with the brake notice? Run the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup. If the dealer finds damage past what the recall covers, ask for the quote in writing. Our bad brakes guide helps you weigh it.
2. 2012-2015 with fuel pump trouble? Ask whether recall 22V955 on the fuel pump control unit was done before paying for diagnosis.
3. Older ML with steering, cooling or transmission trouble? On a 1998-2005, a big quote often outruns what the SUV sells for running. Compare the two before you commit.

Selling the ML whole

1. Before you call: grab the VIN, the miles on it, and a note on what broke.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe how your ML sits. A big SUV that won't roll needs the right truck, so note flat tires, locked brakes or a tight driveway.
4. Keep it complete. Tell us about anything already pulled.
5. Have the title and ID at pickup. See after you sell for plates and insurance.

Selling a different big Mercedes? See the GL-Class, R-Class and GLE-Class, or our junk truck or SUV guide.