2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 recalls and problems

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 has 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Urgent: recall 24V-298, recall 22V-315 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 recalls

Recall 24V-298: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Recall 22V-315: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System5
Steering4
Seat Belts2
Air Bags2
Unknown or Other2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Back Over Prevention1
Exterior Lighting1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Aug 28, 2025
Engine died and won't run. Known issue with MB balance shaft that they refuse to repair or help with the cost of a $8k job. Highly disappointed.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tires · reported Sep 3, 2022
Cooper Tire Evolution 245/65R17 - Tire Tread Separation - the entire tread out layer came off of the driver side front tire while driving on the freeway - the tire was not deflated - the entire tread hit the driver side mirror breaking it completely off - hitting driver window and deploying all airbags on driver side of the vehicle. The tire itself still was fully aired and full circle entire outer layer of tread was off of the tire. Caused vehicle damage - Personal Injury
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat Belts · reported Mar 7, 2022
back sit the seat belt locks in place and it does not lose its locked mechanics. I have found that several people are having the same problem. here is a link to a website Video describing the problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwZmUSWNOlk. I have found the problem is a small baring locking the belt. Please let me know if you need more info. As of now we are down to a 2 back passenger car or 3 but one without a belt - no good. I do think this qualifies as a safety issue - What if it had locked and harm one of my kids? I had lower the seat and I was not able to pull it up until I disabled…

Other Mercedes-Benz ML550 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz ML550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550: 24V-298 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-315 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by steering (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 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.