Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz M-Class

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Mercedes-Benz M-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (36%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (29%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 867 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class suspension repair cost distribution

$2500+ (11%)

$1000 - $2499 (22%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (21%)

< $100 (31%)

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Chart based on 120 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

14000 mi Replaced blown strut. 

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2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

29000 mi Clunking noise in front end, right front strut replaced. 
85560 mi

C $250
Rear Wheel bearing 
39680 mi Left front wheel bearing replacement 

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2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

22000 mi

US $1400
Upper front strut mounts worn out, major rattling noise. Dealer diagnosis and refused to repair under warranty at only 22,000 miles. Called MBUSA and no help there. MB sucks and we had repair done at local shop for less than 50% of dealer. Out of warranty by three months. Mercedes after much insisting offered to pay 40%. 
22000 mi Never repaired a rattling in the steering column that had a TSB on it. This MB was totally unreliable and we were afraid to drive it to our Florida winter home as something always went wrong from sensors and it seemed like we always got at least one I warning light each trip.  

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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

69300 mi

US $1500
air suspension failed. Dealer had car in twice to complete repair. 

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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

15000 mi Creaking noise when turning. Wheel bearings repaired on right front. 
22000 mi Cv Joint repair for the 2nd time 
86200 mi

US $325
replaced suspension links to cure clunking noise replace hub and bearing 
149000 mi

US $1200
Replace rear struts due to rough ride with occasional bottoming, also did 4 wheel alignment at same time 
37000 mi Creaking noise from front strut. 

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2011.5 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Engine not specified

2060 mi Knocking noise from suspension. Bushings abnormally worn. Replaced. 

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2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

503-horsepower 6.2L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

55800 mi

C $2000
Airmatic suspension pump gave up. Replaced. Also changed all fluids in the ML at the same time, hence the $2000 bill. Totally worth it. 

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2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 228hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

18600 mi Replace steering angle sensor under warranty 

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2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

96720 mi the valves for the air suspension had to be replaced 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 221hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

76880 mi

$90
Change shock absorbers 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

32477 mi Previous repair (right front bearing) didn't fix problem; replaced left strut assembly Previous repair (right front bearing) didn't fix problem; replaced left strut assembly; replaced buttons at steering wheel due to squeaky noise. 
27670 mi Replaced right front bearing N/C;That took several attempts to fix until the correct item was determined. This would have been a really expensive repair for the owner if this would not have been covered by warranty. 
81000 mi

US $5384
2 collapsed air suspension front struts and defective air compressor; all replaced; slow leak on right strut caused left strut & compressor to fail. Tire wear due to consequent bad wheel alignment required 4 new tires not incl. in cost above 
99200 mi Wheel bearing 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

503-horsepower 6.2L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

86000 mi

US $50
whining noise coming from power steering pump... replace reservoir 
120000 mi

US $2300
Rear air shocks 
143000 mi

US $2000
Front air shocks 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

43400 mi

$2800
Rear air springs replaced. 
47120 mi

$500
Steering pump didn't work. Replaced for a new one. 
65720 mi

$1000
Some parts replaced 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

49900 mi

US $19
Leakage in power steering fluid reservoir 
116000 mi

US $800
Power steering pump replaced 

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

80000 mi

US $300
Replaced Coil Springs 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 221hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

24480 mi Front end shake when driving >100 kph. Dealership balanced all 4 wheels. Mechanic could not test drive at highway speeds due to excessive traffic. Owner still found shake at highway speeds. Return trip planned. 
46060 mi Power steering pump failed intermittingly while on a 2500kms. trip, very unsafe situation. 
49680 mi Steering shaft coupler to power steering gear seized completely when turning. Very dangerous and a recall is needed as this is common. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

64200 mi

US $1000
Rack and Pinion Oil Leak - $2100.00 (Warranty). 
50000 mi Squeak from rear suspension. Bad ball joints. Replaced but had to keep car overnight. Dealer provided loaner. 
84000 mi It appears that the shocks are shot. Will come back for in-depth inspection. 
84000 mi

US $1400
Replaced both front struts. Left one was blown. Replaced cabin filter. Aligned. Changed oil (synthetic). Fixed tire sensors. 
141000 mi

US $1200
Rear shocks replaced, leaking. Original equipment about 14 years old. 
95220 mi

C $122
Right front wheel bearing was noisy. Replaced bearing with new bearing. Part cost $121.70. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

40700 mi when you do aggressive turns, it makes a squeaking sound. It sounded like an "American" car. Nasty. 
57660 mi

C $4400
Mercedes infamous piss poor air suspension blew apart and took out the shocks (rear). An inherent design problem that Mercedes refuses to recognize. In 3 yrs,spent more money on the Benz than i have spent on ALL 5 of my vehicles. YES, all 5. 
65720 mi

C $4500
adjust shocks-rough ride front wheel bearing replaced, brakes replaced 
88040 mi

C $5500
needed new rear shocks, 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

62000 mi Ball joint 
21000 mi loud noise from power steering system. belt actuator replaced. 
66000 mi

US $700
Rear spring broke, replaced both,4hrs of labor. took 2 days for replacement springs to arrive from discount part broker. 
83000 mi

US $2300
Replaced worn lower control arms (left & right). 
51300 mi Strut was leaking and replaced 
31000 mi Rumbling/loud noise from the suspension when driving on rough roads (asphalt with cracks or bad surface). Dealership blamed the tires, tires were changed and did not fix the issue. After that they claimed it to be normal. 
84800 mi

US $600
Front passenger side ride adjustment 

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2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

143800 mi

C $848
Left front wheel bearing started to howl. Had to replace ABS sensor on same wheel due to rust preventing removal of sensor 
126000 mi

US $1000
Replaced all shocks with Bilstein hd. Original shocks leaking. 
164939 mi

C $420
replace right front wheel bearing 
187686 mi

C $430
replace left rear wheel bearing 
187894 mi

C $1390
Replace rear shocks and coil springs 
119000 mi

US $1215
RR wheel hub replacement 
50220 mi

C $600
Air suspension failure, replaced one rear air shock. 
98580 mi

C $1200
Rear airmatic shock blew out, making the car unsafe to drive. Fourth (or fifth) shock blown in six years. Makes car unreliable if away from an urban centre. Traded car in after this since warranty was expiring. 

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2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

503-horsepower 6.2L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

122000 mi

US $450
Steering angle sensor 
61000 mi Front struts were making noise like a tennis ball bouncing around at slow speeds over bumps. Front struts were replaced for free under CPO warranty. 

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2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

59000 mi

US $100
Power steering control diminished. no warning lights. took to dealer - power steering resevoir cracked and pump broken. Covered under extra warranty (post manufacturer warranty) 
50840 mi

A $5
leaking O-ring at power steering fluid reservoir (common Mercedes problem) 

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2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

44340 mi Rear shock failed (leaked) so both replaced under warranty guidelines from Mercedes Had to replace rear shocks ( right rear) although both were replaced per Mercedes Benz instructions. Transmission was adjusted for smoothness of shifting in controller (per latest software) 
59200 mi

US $180
Replace power steering reservoir and O-ring seals 
16000 mi Leaking rear shock..both replaced under warranty 
48000 mi

US $80
Leaking o-ring where PS reservoir meets PS pump 
56000 mi

US $79
Replaced Power Steering pump and reservoir because of seal leak. 
104467 mi

US $173
Power Steering fluid leak. Replaced the reservoir o-ring. Steering Fluid Resevoir O-ring Replacement 
121000 mi

US $834
Replaced rear shocks 
192301 mi

US $830
Power Steering Pump Replacement 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic 4WD

81840 mi

A $3500
Air suspension on drivers side front needed replacing. Had to order genuine MB parts through Singapore because local MB dealership was going to charge far too much. 
92380 mi

A $360
We had the right rear wheel bearing replaced in early July 2011- a humming noise while going straight and turning left but quiet turning right.  
124620 mi

A $8500
Front left air shock failed and caused compressor pump failure. Both rear shocks leaking Sway bar knocking noise 
136400 mi

A $1000
Rear air bag suspension 
143480 mi

A $900
Other rear air suspension bag failed. 
207700 mi

A $1296
Replace driver's side front air strut. 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

98000 mi

US $500
noisy the loosen sway bar 
94440 mi

A $200
rear airbag d/side 
36000 mi

US $5000
Leaks in Airmatic pump, it was replaced. R/R strut air leak, replaced. 
45300 mi

US $3000
Another leak in the air suspension 
46000 mi

US $2000
More problem with air suspension. Rear lights issues also. 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

44000 mi Rattle in steering column. 
66000 mi

US $250
The service trip was for routine maintenance. I asked the mechanic to investigate a noise in the suspension and a defective bearing in the steering column was discovered and repaired. 
79000 mi

US $300
The level sensor on the passenger side front would cause the suspension to adjust one side of the car to be higher than the other. 
96000 mi Air suspension problems. 
182000 mi

US $650
New front struts after one started to fail. 
92000 mi

US $1418
Evidence of leaking fluid on garage floor and occasional smell of burning oil. Dealer determined that the Power steering reservoir was leaking. Dealer replaced the power steering oil tank 000-460-25-83 and gasket 000-466-18-80, $398. 
81800 mi

US $300
Leaking steering fluid reservoir 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

57660 mi Airmatic pneumatic suspension compressor has been replaced after check light appeared. Before the repair, the defective compressor was running for long time even when I was stopping the car. 
66340 mi Airmatic air compressor destroyed due to air leak on suspension system after non conform previous repair 
79360 mi

€750
Scary noisy front drivetrain when driving. Took long time at dealer to finaly detect a defective front left wheel bearing. Really not accceptable for a car driven only on nice roads for 128,000 km... 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic 4WD

116560 mi

A $3800
Right hand rear air suspension replaced. Rear brake rotors and pads. 

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2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

288-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

9920 mi

$14000
Replacement of both rear air dampers 

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2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

232-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

24633 mi Replaced leaking power steering pump. Extended warranty covered $941.75 repair cost. 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

288-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

105000 mi

US $1100
Torsion bar bearing broke, when replacing the bearing the captive nut on torsion bar cage had welds break loose and didn't allow torsion bolt to be loosened or tightened. Had to replace whole torsion bar assembly. 
45000 mi Power Steering hose burst. Covered by factory under unwritten part specific warranty. 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

232-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

176000 mi

US $250
Both lower ball joints, front end, plus had to buy a set of ball joint passes, but what I bought works on another car I own. I included the cost of the tool in the repair 
149500 mi

US $650
Rack oil hose to cooler leeking Replaced both inner and outer tie rods, both sides, and both lower ball joints, front 
144460 mi 1 lower front ball joint, 2 inner tie rods and 2 outer tie rods, steering rack boot kits needs to be replaced. And alignment is expected after the job. estimated total parts and labour cost $1250. 
230640 mi

¤2000
Oil leak reported. Found to be problem with Steering pump. Steering box was changed and steering pump was repaired 
235600 mi

¤250
Steering rack leakage. I've been topping up steering oil every week (500 ML per month) which costs me $3 a month. New rack would cost 400-500 and not easy to get. 
272800 mi

¤500
Still Leaking from Steering Kit Twice the Steering Kit was changed; Both times from scrap (trustworthy accident cars, which is common in this part of the world to get parts from scrap) without warranty. Now the cost of changing actually reached at least 30-35% of cost of new part Need to replace tie-rod ends, But waiting to resolve Steering issue 
143300 mi

US $1000
two new rear struts with springs, two new tires 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

109000 mi

US $475
Power steering pump, hoses, etc. There was a recall but vehicle had passed the acceptable date. 
105000 mi

US $1400
steering pump failure and leak. 

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2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel automatic 4WD

89000 mi Took for mot, broken rear spring found. 

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2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

288-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

99000 mi

US $300
Power steering line severed. Battery replaced. Attempted to repair motoring lock issue, but unsuccessful before pickup. Owner took terrible care of car. 

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2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

144000 mi

US $1400
motor mount 
71000 mi

US $200
Sudden PS fluid leak. R&R power steering fluid reservoir and O-ring - Mercedes-Benz OEM Fill with Mercedes-Benz OEM power steering oil Bleed system 

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2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 4.3L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

102200 mi

US $4900
Suspension repaired 
107000 mi

US $800
shocks and alignment 

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2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Engine not specified

152000 mi

US $400
power steering fixed; part of it was cracked and was leaking fluid 

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2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

113000 mi

US $400
deteriorated hydraulic lines on steering rack. 
122000 mi

US $120
Drivers side outer tie rod end is worn out. Needs replacement. Part ordered online for $49 plus shipping 
93000 mi noticed a slight vibration thru steering wheel, after another 50km steering produced noise, vibrations hard steering. diagnosed leaking steering hose at radiator joint. Cut hose back, reattached, refilled with fluid all ok 
122140 mi

A $514
Scrubbing out tyres, poor handling. A wheel alignment was carried out with the finding that the upper right hand control arm bolts were loose. Previous wheel aligner failed to torque the bolts. 
156800 mi

US $700
Needed new springs. 
119000 mi

US $200
Power steering pump leaking. R & R pump. Also replaced serpentine belt. 

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2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

128000 mi

€1200
Rear coil springs have snapped. Must replace shock absorber and coilover on both sides. Left front, upper control arm ball joint loose, failed in annual safety inspection. Must replace whole upper control arm. 
149420 mi

€50
Car felt a little bit restless while cornering. After replacement goes like on rails. 
195920 mi

€170
Front tyres excess wear on outside, too much toe in because of bad tie-rod end. Tie-rod end replaced and 4-wheel alignment done. 

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2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

145700 mi

C $1800
front-end suspension (tie-rods, ball joints, etc.) 

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1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

200700 mi

US $511
The car made a loud hydraulic noise whenever I turned the wheel. I took it to the shop and they had to replace the Power Steering fluid, power steering reservoir seal, accessory drive belt and idler pulley. 
207000 mi

US $500
Replaced outer tie rod end, conducted a wheel alignment and adjusted the ride height. 
207500 mi

US $1600
Replaced slightly leaking power steering rack. Replaced rear suspension 
210000 mi

US $1200
Replaced power steering pump as dealer did not bleed PS system properly, leading to pump failure. 

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1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

210000 mi

US $3500
Rack failed. Replace hoses, rack and flush. Oreilly supplied rack failed one week after installation. ZF rack from dealer installed second time. 

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Mercedes-Benz M-Class Suspension Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.