BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz ML320
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
BMW X5
- Total complaints
- 3,058
- Avg per model year
- 114
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 103
- Most complained year
- 2012 (271)
Top problems: Engine, Air Bags, Electrical System
Mercedes-Benz ML320
- Total complaints
- 719
- Avg per model year
- 74
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 4
- Most complained year
- 2000 (166)
Top problems: Steering, Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System
Complaints by model year
| Year | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz ML320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 138 | 28 | ||
| 2008 | 215 | 21 | ||
| 2007 | 71 | 16 | ||
| 2005 | 82 | 5 | ||
| 2003 | 99 | 22 | ||
| 2002 | 102 | 88 | ||
| 2001 | 160 | 136 | ||
| 2000 | 29 | 166 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.