Makes›Mercedes-Benz›ML-Class›2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 23 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway), 5% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2012

  • No hybrid version any more
  • Engines added: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 5.5L 8-cyl and 6.3L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG down from 22 to 20

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 ML-Class →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
ML350 4matic FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+5%$4,100444
ML350 4matic3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 190%$4,350468
ML550 4matic4.7L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-11%$4,850523
ML63 AMG5.5L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-21%$5,500592
Spend $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (this car)20 MPGNot rated0
2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class13 MPGNot rated0
2012 Land Rover Range Rover22 MPGNot rated7
2012 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated5
2012 BMW X521 MPGNot rated14
2012 BMW X321 MPGNot rated2
2012 Cadillac Escalade21 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other ML-Class years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2015 ML-Class25–★★★★★00
2014 ML-Class20–★★★★★00
2013 ML-Class20–Not rated00
2011 ML-Class22–Not rated00
2010 ML-Class22–Not rated00
2009 ML-Class18–Not rated00
2008 ML-Class21–Not rated00
2007 ML-Class21–Not rated00
2006 ML-Class16–Not rated00
2005 ML-Class15–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →