Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 4,936 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1998 and 2016.
In a sample of 397 cars, 60.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (15.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 14 recalls for this model; 40.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 15.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 13.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.6% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 6.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4.3% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 3.5% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 3.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 3% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 21.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 4,936 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 40.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1998 to 2016 |
All Mercedes-Benz ML-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2023-01-30 | electrical system | serious | 3,767 |
| 2022-05-24 | brakes | serious | 6,986 |
| 2022-01-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2,061 |
| 2021-10-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 18,568 |
| 2018-10-18 | suspension | serious | 462 |
| 2017-03-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 11 |
| 2017-02-20 | suspension | serious | 1 |
| 2016-12-20 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 338 |
| 2016-06-29 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 8 |
| 2016-02-15 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 34 |
| 2016-01-13 | suspension | – | 5 |
| 2015-01-05 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 1,767 |
| 2013-05-22 | bodywork | serious | 499 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 60.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (15.1%), excessive leak of other fluids (13.6%), tyre pressure incorrect (11.1%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 14 recalls. 40.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.