2002 Mercedes Benz ML500

○ Not enough data
2002 Mercedes Benz ML500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:19:43.311Z

Only 27 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz ML500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 2002: 27 complaints 2002 2003: 13 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 9 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2002: 27 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200227
200313
200418
20053
200637
20079
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

6 of 27 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING IN SMALL DRIPS WHEN PARKED. HARD TO STEER AT TIMES AND MAKES LOUD NOISE. HAVE CONCERNS THAT STEERING MAY BE AFFECTED AND CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130319

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

WARRANTY ISSUES AND/OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. *PH AT THE FIRST 10,000 MILES, THE CONSUMER NOTICED BRAKE TRAVEL WAS TOO LONG AND WAS ADVISED BY AN SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THIS WAS NORMAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040206

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

I, 12 YEARS AGO WAS DRIVING MY ML 500 MERCEDES ON US 23 BETWEEN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN AND SYLVANIA, IN OHIO. MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. I FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140404

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20010929 — suspension

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 NOT

Campaign 01V290000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20080110 — PE (closed 20080428)

BRAKE LINE RUPTURE

I 20080428 — EA (closed 20091216)

BRAKE LINE CHAFE

I 20101221 — PE (closed 20110504)

Brake lamp switch failure.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Mercedes Benz ML500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 01V290000 (suspension) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML500 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 ML500?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.