2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class Safety Report

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Recurring Engine, Fuel System, and Structural Complaints with No Recalls

65Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
13Crash Reports
6Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Engine (8)Unknown Or Other (7)Fuel System, Gasoline,Fuel System, Diesel (5)Structure (4)Power Train (4)Air Bags (3)Suspension (3)Steering (3)Visibility (3)Service Brakes (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings, and a 4-star rollover rating from NHTSA, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 65 total complaints, including 13 crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death, there are clear areas of concern. A significant issue is the complete absence of recalls, which is unusual for a vehicle with this many complaints, especially given that some complaints directly reference known recall campaigns for other Mercedes models (e.g., 'Rear subframe rusted from the inside out causing structural failure. This matches the defect in Campaign #2023020002 for other Mercedes models.'). This suggests potential unaddressed safety defects. Common complaint patterns include engine issues (8 complaints), with specific mentions of 'engine rattling at cold start up' leading to a $10,000 camshaft replacement, 'loss of motive power' at various speeds, and 'engine seized' due to sludge. Fuel system problems (5 complaints) are also prevalent, with reports of 'fuel pump faulty' and 'loss of propulsion without warning on the freeway' due to water entering the spare wheel well and contacting the fuel pump control unit. Structural issues (4 complaints) are highlighted by the subframe rust complaint. Airbag deployment failures are also noted, with one complaint stating, 'On 8/15/23 on my parking explode air bag, completely make me blind...air bag push my legs from brake and Car still was driving and stop a the wall,' and another reporting airbags did not deploy in a 40-45 mph crash. Despite the strong crash test ratings, the recurring mechanical and structural complaints, coupled with the lack of recalls to address these issues, indicate potential long-term reliability and safety concerns. The high number of engine and fuel system complaints, some leading to complete loss of power, are particularly critical safety hazards. The absence of recalls for issues that appear to be systemic, such as the subframe rust or fuel pump control unit exposure, is a significant red flag for potential buyers.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Loss Of Power
Multiple complaints of engine rattling, camshaft failure, engine seizing, and sudden loss of motive power while driving.		 High Common unknown miles
Fuel Pump/Propulsion Loss
Reports of faulty fuel pumps and sudden loss of propulsion, sometimes linked to water ingress affecting the fuel pump control unit.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rear Subframe Rust/Structural Failure
One complaint explicitly states 'Rear subframe rusted from the inside out causing structural failure,' matching a known defect in other Mercedes models.		 High Rare unknown miles
Airbag Deployment Issues
Complaints of airbags exploding unexpectedly while parked and failing to deploy in a crash.		 High Rare unknown miles
Suspension Spring Corrosion/Breakage
Deteriorated suspension spring coating, corrosion, and breakage of coil springs found during service.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Door Lock Malfunction
Rear doors failing to lock properly, allowing them to be opened from the outside, and front passenger door registering as locked when insecure.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Steering Wheel Tilt Adjustment Failure
Electrical failure of the steering wheel tilt adjustment, making safe steering difficult.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class:

Engine 12% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine rattling, camshaft failure, loss of motive power, and engine seizing.

Fuel System, Gasoline,Fuel System, Diesel 8% of complaints

Issues with fuel pump failure and sudden loss of propulsion, sometimes due to water damage to the control unit.

Structure 6% of complaints

Concerns including rear subframe rust and sunroof panel issues.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Problems related to the vehicle losing motive power or stalling.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Reports of airbags deploying unexpectedly or failing to deploy in a crash.

Suspension 5% of complaints

Issues with corroded and broken suspension springs.

Steering 5% of complaints

Problems with steering wheel adjustment failure and sudden wheel lock-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class

Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side; 4-star rollover). However, it has 65 complaints, including 13 crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death, with recurring issues like engine failure, fuel pump problems, and even structural rust, none of which have been addressed by recalls. This suggests potential long-term safety and reliability concerns despite strong crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class are related to the ENGINE (8 complaints), including camshaft failure and loss of power. Other significant problems include FUEL SYSTEM issues (5 complaints) leading to loss of propulsion, STRUCTURE problems (4 complaints) like subframe rust, and POWER TRAIN issues (4 complaints) causing stalling.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

According to NHTSA data, there are currently no recalls issued for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. This is notable given the 65 complaints, some of which describe issues (like subframe rust) that have led to recalls for other Mercedes models.

How does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class perform in crash tests?

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

When considering a used 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, pay close attention to the engine for any rattling or signs of power loss, check for fuel system issues, and inspect the undercarriage for any signs of rust, particularly on the subframe. Also, verify the functionality of all door locks and the steering wheel adjustment mechanism.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, be aware of significant unaddressed mechanical and structural issues; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, fuel system, and undercarriage is highly recommended due to the lack of recalls for recurring complaints.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class. The data includes 65 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Ml-Class an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.