Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Problems
Engine Performance Problems Due to Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
The crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to stall. In most cases the engine will need to cool down a bit before it will restart but in some cases it may restart right away.
Heater Blower Motor May Become Noisy
The heater blower motor can become abnormally noisy. Replacement of the blower motor is commonly necessary to correct this concern.
Power Steering Return Hose May Leak at Radiator Cooler Fitting
The power steering return hose may leak at the radiator cooler fitting. If the clamp is not properly tightened, the hose can blow off, causing increased steering effort and a mess under the hood.
Door Storage Pockets May Become Upglued and Fall
The door storage pocket can become unglued and fall into the door.
Power Window Main Switch May Fail
The power window switch may fail and the windows will not raise. The main switch at the front center console is commonly at fault. A failed switch will require replacement.
Insulation Near Sunroof/Inside of Doors Can Peel Off
The insulation at the sunroof and on the inside of each door window glass can peel off. The loose insulation will then scrape the sunroof or window glass as it is operated. Replacement of the damaged insulation will be necessary to correct this concern.
Covering For Center Console May Bubble/Discolor
The covering for the center console can bubble and discolor. Replacement of the affected part is most commonly only way to repair this concern.
Brake Light Switch Failure May Cause ESP/BAS Warning Lights
The ESP and BAS warning lights may illuminate due to a failed brake light switch. Replacement of the failed switch should correct this concern. A recall on certain 2000-2001 models have been recalled for a related issue - for more information please click here»
Driving With Parking Brake Applied
Pad life varies and is dependent upon driving style and terrain. One common problem our technicians report is that motorists will drive with the parking brake applied; this burns up the parking brake lining and wears out the brake rotors.
Worn spark plug wires may develop micro cracks in insulation
As the spark plug wires age and are exposed to heat cycling, they start to develop micro cracks in the insulation around the resistors, which causes misfires and poor fuel economy.
Replace air filter when replacing failed mass air flow sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tends to fail. The engine air filter should be replaced when the mass air flow sensor is replaced; a dirty filter can allow debris to damage the new sensor.
The Sunroof May Jam or Not Close Correctly
The arms for the sunroof wind deflector may break; if the broken pieces are not removed, they can jam the sunroof.
Air Conditioning Not Cold
AC system leaks and/or a faulty evaporator temperature sensor can cause poor AC cooling. The failed sensor can prevent the AC compressor from coming on. Leaks cause a low refrigerant level, which reduces the ability to cool.
Engine Oil Leak From PCV Vent Housing and/or Engine Inspection Plate
An engine Oil leak may develop from the PCV vent housing on the valve cover and/or the inspection plate on the front of the engine.
Harmonic Balancer May Fail and Damage Timing Cover
The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way toward the timing cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the cover and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.