MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mercedes Benz ML320

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz ML320
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:52:40.126Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
88
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 133 complaints 1998 1999: 125 complaints 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 88 2003: 22 complaints 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2009: 28 complaints 2009
1998: 133 complaints 1998 1999: 125 complaints 1999 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2001 2002: 88 complaints 2002 88 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2009
1998: 133 complaints 1998 1999: 125 complaints 1999 2000: 166 complaints 2000 2001: 136 complaints 2001 2002: 88 complaints 2002 88 2003: 22 complaints 2003 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 16 complaints 2007 2008: 21 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2009

2002: 88 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1998133
1999125
2000166
2001136
200288
200322
20055
20061
200716
200821
200928

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

27% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have a 2002 Mercedes Benz (Mb) ML320. The power steering fluid was depleting all the time from a leakage between the power steering pump and the hose.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-04-07

Service brakes

27% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the driver’s side front wheel independently braked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-03

Also filed under Wheels

Front passenger side wheel brake on it's own, pulling me off to the left of the road vehicle brake (Right side) stayed engaged until vehicle speed was down to about 20 MPH. Dealer said a bad yaw rate sensor was the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-08

Electrical system

22% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

13% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Mb ml 320 continued to accelerate while exiting a parking ramp while not touching the accelerator and with braking having no effect on reducing speed until car impacted wall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-10

Electronic stability control (esc)

11% · 10 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-09-29Suspension01V290000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm may not meet the specified strength requirements.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the left front upper control arm. Owner notification began September 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2010-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-05-04 Brake lamp switch failure.

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V290000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.