There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, but owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Service Brakes | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 6 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid — 1
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
- Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 105,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · reported Jan 20, 2025
Was driving 50 miles per hour when the car slammed on the brakes, nearly getting me rear ended. The throttle would not respond until the car was doing maybe5 miles per hour - on an interstate! The BAS/ESP light was on solid. I got onto an off ramp, called the dealer, was told it could be several causes, drove home carefully, and took it to the dealer. The dealer found nothing. Several times since, the car was being driven at speeds in the 20-30 miles per hour range, and the system would slam on the brakes and pull hard to the left. I could smell the brake dust in the car. Other times, it will…
Service Brakes · at 125,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2017
Re: 2001 mb ml430 electronic braking sensor the front passenger brake initially locked up at low speed upon acceleration. After stopping and turning the vehicle off and back on the system was back to normal. Then one day I was traveling at near 70 MPH in the passing lane of an interstate highway when the front driver brake locked up and brake tire smoke billowed from my vehicle which caused traffic behind me to swerve and brake behind and on the side of me. I proceeded to pull off onto the shoulder of the highway and turned my vehicle off and back on, after which my vehicle operated normally.…
Service Brakes · at 170,000 miles · reported Sep 12, 2017
Twice now while driving and going over minor bumps (Dots on the road to warn of crosswalks and a driveway entrance curb) the bas/esp and hazard lights have come on and the car has automatically applied violent breaking that took control of the direction the car was heading. This breaking continued until the vehicle came to a complete stop. Both times the car was going less than 20 MPH, but control of the car was limited during the event. At freeway speeds, it would be very likely to cause an accident. Bas/esp light turns off after the car is turned off.
Service Brakes · at 105,000 miles · reported Jul 16, 2017
Vehicle's front wheel brakes by itself while driving and the eps warning light comes on afterwards. Extremely dangerous in highway driving. Had the brakes checked, but nothing wrong. Online complaints suggests a failure in yaw rate sensor.
Service Brakes · reported May 28, 2017
I was driving on the highway, going about 60 MPH, and the car suddenly started applying the brakes on its own. Nearly got me into an accident. I was able to get over to the shoulder luckily. I had my toddler in the car and it was a very scary thing. When the brakes started engaging by itself, a yellow triangle warning light displayed on the dash followed by the bas/esp light after the vehicle came to a complete stop. I have seen others that have had this very same issue and seems to be the yaw rate sensor. I AM shocked this hasn't been recalled with all the issues I've read on this. I barely…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430?
Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (12 reports), followed by service brakes (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 105,000 miles.
Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.