Five problems related to vehicle speed control have been reported for the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Pulling out into lane of traffic accelerating where car abruptly starts to run very very rough. Check engine lights come on and can become unsafe with no power and oncoming traffic approaching. Similarly while driving over 60mph same scenario causing cel to come on and car to disengage cruise and slow extremely fast. Very rough running and idle. Terrible feeling of being unsafe and at risk. Finding p0016 and p0017 codes and all symptoms of balance shaft issue that the mb m272 is known for. My wife and I are afraid to drive this vehicle now knowing it had a known defective engine component in a software balance shaft gear.
There is a systemic problem with the Mercedes Benz 7g tronic 722. 9 transmission control module which causes the vehicle's transmission to, without notice, fail to shift out of 2nd gear which creates a serious safety hazard while driving including entering the freeway and attempting to merge into traffic. The issue is well documented on a number of website on the internet which includes support groups including one advocating and soliciting a class action suit in the state of CA. The NHTSA needs to look into this manufacturer's defect so as to prevent serious injury including the loss of life. Mb USA is very much aware of the issue which requires the replacement of transmission control module (tcm). Adding insult to injury, mb restricts the sale of the tcm so that the repair can only be made at an authorized mb dealership adding to the consumer's cost to repair the vehicle. The estimate repair cost is $1,500 at the dealership. Cost estimates outside of the dealership, if the item was able to be purchased, is less than half that. I was nearly rear ended by a tractor trailer while entering I-91 in CT just last week when the vehicle unexpectedly went into what mb calls "limp mode" when the check engine light comes on and the vehicle speed is restricted to 30 mph immediately. This near death experience was quite alarming. I contacted mb USA and they denied any knowledge that the problem was at all due to defective manufacturing. As an individual consumer we have no rights in this matter to eliminate this manufacturers safety defect while mb restricts and monopolizes the repair of a problem that they created. The failure of this part can happen at any time regardless of vehicle miles.
The vehicle is getting stuck in 7 gear on the freeway and not down-shifting to allow passing. Even when coming to a stop, the car will remain in 7th gear. This is a dangerous condition because the consumer does not know the car is not shifting correctly. Mercedes is aware of valvebody and conductor plate issues with these cars.
While traveling in the center lane on a major parkway at the posted speed limit, our 2006 mercedes-benz Ml350 experienced a complete engine failure. The car would not accelerate; steering was compromised, as was braking. Braking and steering were very difficult, but possible allowing the car to be guided to the shoulder. All four family members were present including our two young sons. After being towed to a local authorized dealer repair shop, 4 days after the incident. . . The problem was reported as “engine jumped time” and the repair department would have to “remove engine and tear down to find cause of failure…most likely needs engine assembly”. As that the quoted price of the diagnostics and repair exceeds the current value of the car by several thousand dollars, the car was returned without further diagnostics or repairs. At no time in the past 4 years has there been a “check engine” light nor were there any indicators of any serious mechanical issues as per the car’s onboard computer reporting system or in general daily operations. Again, it is important to note, that there were no indicator lights or warnings prior to the failure. It is also important to note that in January of 2010, the same authorized dealer repair department mentioned above conducted the following repairs: “removed engine, replaced balance shaft, replaced oil pump, replaced cam solenoids, replaced gaskets…” in response to a persistent “check engine” light. Our records indicate that the 2010 “check engine light” occurred at 55,395 miles. This recent failure has occurred, minus the “check engine light” or any other indicators, at 99,424 miles. Our research indicates that this may be a known issue with this particular engine.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz Ml350. While shifting into reverse gear the vehicle surged backwards, resulting in a crash. Upon shifting the vehicle into drive, it then surged forward, resulting in another crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a serious injury and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a lot where the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 53,000. Updated 3/11/11.
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