Car is extremely hard to turn/loss of power steering. Noticed that there was a recall on these vehicles but my vin was not included. Mechanic said Power steering rack is bad. This has been an ongoing issue with this car since purchased with only 70,000 miles - not sure why this VIN was not included in the recall? Car stock radio screen also has intermittent issues with displaying properly.

- Spokane, WA, USA

The contact owned a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, she began to smell an abnormal, burning odor emitting from the vehicle. As the contact came to a complete stop, the passenger seat erupted in flames without warning. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and a local bystander called the authorities. Once the fire department arrived, they were able to extinguish the fire. The contact was uncertain if a fire report was filed. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The fire department verbally informed that contact at the scene that the cause of the fire was due to an electrical failure; she was also informed that the vehicle had been destroyed. The contact had the vehicle towed to her home due to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shut off, the hatch door latch would erroneously lock and unlocked independently and the brake lights would continuously blink off and on. The following day while driving approximately 30 mph, the horn erroneously activated and could not be turn off. The contact mentioned that moment later smoke started to emit inside the vehicle from the rear hatch area. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle flames were discovered coming from the brake light and fuse compartment. The fire department was called to the scene to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was destroyed during the incident. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 97,000.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

2006 Mercedes Benz ml 500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical issues. The consumer stated he saw on the news there was a potential recall on the C class Mercedes Benz due to electrical issues in the rear tail lights which short out and catch fire. The consumer stated he had the same issue with his vehicle. Two years ago, the entire rear tail light compartment, wiring and bulbs had to be replaced, due to corrosion. Shortly after the replacement of the tail lights, the lock on the tailgate door began to open and close, the computer panel on the dash began to blink indicating a complete electrical failure. He was able to make it home. However, the next the day, the battery was dead. Aaa came out and replaced the battery, but the charge did not hold for very long. He was able to charge the battery long enough, to get to the dealer. Once at the dealer, a diagnosis revealed a complete electrical shortage. Two weeks after the repair, while driving down the road, the wipers, lights, blinkers and locks stopped working. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer once again, and a diagnosis revealed another electrical shortage. The repair was done free of charge.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

On an out of town trip on the highway, our SUV brake, ABS, esp lights went on, the instrument panel show that ABS, esp, display malfunction, contract service. Power steering and brake are both very tight. Speedometer went to zero. After we report the incidence to M-brace service, we manage got off the highway from the next immediate exit to the closest gas station, and the check engine light went on, the car was totally off by itself. We spent one night with a friend nearby. The next morning, the 25th, we took off from friends drive way, the instrument panel shows normal, we had 43,432 miles on the car. After 12 miles traveling, all the issues we had previous day happened again. We managed get home by referencing RPM and some slow driver's speed. And when we reach home, the mileage is 43,448. The whole trip only recorded 18 miles from carmel, id to metro detroit area. We contacted the dealer and Mercedes customer service, the problem was identified as esp module failure. Our concern is even with a electronic part malfunction, the speedometer and odometer shouldn't stop. Please looking into this issue. Thank you.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

While driving a brand new 2006 ml-350, the car suddenly shut down in the middle of the road. All the warning lights came on. It displayed the following message: Esp malfunction, headlight malfunction, speedtronic inoperative. Tried to restart the car, with no luck. Had to wait for 20 - 25 minutes before the car can be restarted. This happened 3 times to me. The car is currently sitting at a mb dealership for 2 days, and they are trying to figure oiut the problem. It seems that esp malfunction causes the new ml-350 to stop while driving, which is extremely dangerous. This is brand new car with only 500 miles.

- South Riding, VA, USA

2006 Mercedes ml 350 - water got spilled on floor in passenger rear seat area; unknown to us, there is electrical circuitry - referred to as the frt sam in the invoice. This caused the entire car to shut down, and at one point the car stalled in traffic while being driven. Also caused a short in a power window that created a lot of smoke. There is a cup holder in the back seat, and that is where kids sit, but we did not know that a liquid spill in the rear seat could cause the entire electrical system and thus the car to shut down (even the transmission is electronic, and was inoperable). If the electrical circuits are on the floor, where almost all spills land, then it should be water tight, or in the alternative, the owners should know because if you are on a major highway and a child spills their drink in the back seat, you car could shut down completely.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA