MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercedes Benz ML500

○ Not enough data
2004 Mercedes Benz ML500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:19:46.635Z

Only 18 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 18 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, 2004 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
2004: 18 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200227
200313
200418
20053
200637
20079
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

5 of 18 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE LOS CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED 360 DEGREES HOWEVER, THE WHEELS REMAINED IN A STRAIGHTFORWARD POSITION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210407

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CONTROL THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141006

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE BOSE DVD STEREO HAS NO SOUND EVERYTHING WORKS JUST NO SOUND THIS APPEAR TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20141126

SEATS

2 of 18 total reports mention: seats.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500 DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE HE SUFFERED MILD BURNS ON THE LEFT HIP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080131

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHILE THE WARMER FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WAS RED AND SMOKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20071128

VISIBILITY

1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHILE THE WARMER FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WAS RED AND SMOKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20071128

TIRES

1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Mercedes Benz ML500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes Benz ML500?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 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.