2006 ML350 transmission failure: While exiting from interstate, I notice that the car was jerking/knocking when I was slowing down. A couple of miles on the surface streets at 30-40 mph I noticed that the jerking became worse and finally the car went into neutral gear without any power delivered to the engine. The car stopped on the middle of the road. Later that evening I got it towed to the dealership and was informed that the transmission was blown out and need to be rebuilt or replaced with an ~$8000 bill. The car has 58K miles with all service records and not missing a single service. I am told that this is out of the warranty zone. I found that there is a transmission issue in most of ML3500 for 2006 models. I think that I am being ripped off and the Mercedes should fix this via recall.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

2006 ML500 was purchased in June, 2010 as a cpo, one week after purchase vehicle began to lurch forward while completely stopped at a stop light. The next day vehicle was taken to Mercedes service and mechanic was able to duplicate problem. Was told flushing transmission was answer, but problem continued for months. Vehicle then began to stick in neutral while attempting to shift to drive or reverse. Several times was stuck in traffic due to this problem. After many instances of this, vehicle was taken back to Mercedes service. Was told problem was due to snap ring coming loose. Refused to drive vehicle any longer and got rid of it.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

Transmission problem.

- Guaynabo, PR, USA

Accelerated after stopping at a lighted intersection. The transmission would not shift into gear therefore, the vehicle would not move. Vehicle was taken to dealer who replaced the transmission at the reduced cost of $2500, as a courtesy, since the vehicle was out of warranty by 3K miles.

- North East, MD, USA

After stopping at a traffic light, released brake and pressed gas; the RPM would go up, but the car would not move forward, instead the car started to roll backwards because it was on a hill. The gear indicator was on drive, but car was actually on neutral. The transmission would not change gears. This creates a dangerous situation as car is on neutral and cannot change transmission back to any gear. Car was take to a dealer repair shop, where transmission valve body was replaced. As car was out of warranty cost of repair over $1000.

- Carmel, NY, USA

The vehicle safety systems failures are detailed below: Dot safety recall for power steering clamp repaired by mbm in July catastrophic failure of power steering system occurred ~ 2 weeks later while rounding a corner with 4 other family members, barely avoided a head-on collision. Vehicle towed to mbm for repairs. I indicated to the service rep that I was also experiencing abrupt shifting. A promise by national service center of clean up of garage and drive from ps fluid did not occur. Power washing and 4 hours and $50 in cleaners were needed to complete the clean up. Mbm indicted permanent repairs would be made at a later date, and I would be called when a new part arrived. No such call or contact for the third safety systems service was ever received. Throughout July and August 7-speed electronic automatic transmission deteriorated, experienced abrupt downshifts primarily at slow speed and on inclines. On five occasions experienced complete disengagement of transmission, all occurred at ~20-45 mph. 4 times it reengaged after jerking and lurching motions over several seconds. 1 occasion it was necessary to shut off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to mbm in August diagnosed as needing reprogramming. Right outside mirror is not operable resulting in an uncorrectable (no manual adjustment was possible) blind spot. Repairs in progress. I drove the ml 350 into my garage ~9am Saturday morning, pushed in the transmission button, heard typical transmission sound and steeped out of vehicle to unload before heading for additional errands leaving the door open and engine running. I proceeded to the rear and noticed it moving rearward, immediately jumped back in drivers seat, and shut off engine. The vehicle impacted on appliance in garage and resulted in ~$3,000 in damage primarily to drivers door. No final resolution or repairs have been made.

- Madison, NJ, USA

2006 Mercedes ML350. Vehicle surges when starting/ pulling out and coming to a stop.. the dealership has vehicle for five weeks and they still haven't found the problem. This problem started occurring after two weeks after purchase. No accidents have occurred.

- New Port Coast, CA, USA