MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz ML500

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz ML500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:19:48.247Z

Only 13 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 13 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, 2003 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
2003: 13 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200227
200313
200418
20053
200637
20079
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE

5 of 13 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE KEEPS GETTING OVER-HEATED EVEN AFTER A NEW ENGINE FAN HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER, AFTER ITS REPLACEMENT I TOOK IT TO TWO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TO RE-INSPECT AND MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO THEIR INSTALLMENT OF THE FAN BUT IT KEEPS GETTING OVERHEATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180214

NOTES TAKEN ON PHONE BY BOWMAN, ODI, NHTSA: VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AFTER IMPACT WITH IRREGULAR ROAD SURFACES CONDITION SUCH AS POTHOLE, TRANSVERSING A CHANGE ROAD GRADES / SURFACES SUCH AS SPEED BUMPS, ETAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120608

STEERING

3 of 13 total reports mention: steering.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130320

DRIVING 45MPH ON HIGHWAY, CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY. TOWED TO CLOSEST GAS STATION, WHO PUT A COMPUTER ON IT TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. AFTER COMPLETELY COOLING IT WILL START AGAIN, BUT IN LESS THAN 10 MIN IT CUTS OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140815

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190722

SEATS

2 of 13 total reports mention: seats.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AS HIS LEFT PANT LEG CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SMALL BURN TO THE LEG.

NHTSA ODI report, 20111116

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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