2002 Mercedes Benz ML500
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.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 13 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
7 of 27 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-19
Service brakes
7 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a serious defect in the YAW rate sensors in these Mercedes ML W163's.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-10
Vehicle speed control
3 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Electrical system
3 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly.
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, 2014-04-04
Visibility
3 of 27 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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I
2008-01-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-04-28 Brake line rupture
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I
2008-04-28Engineering analysisClosed 2009-12-16 Brake line chafe
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I
2010-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-05-04 Brake lamp switch failure.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Mercedes Benz ML500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V290000 · Suspension
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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.