2006 Mercedes Benz ML500
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.
- Complaints
- 37
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 37 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 13 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
22% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, she began to smell an abnormal, burning odor emitting from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-22
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shut off, the hatch door latch would erroneously lock and unlocked independently and the brake lights would continuously blink off and on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-21
Service brakes
19% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The esp and ABS malfunctioned and the vehicle went out of control and hit parked vehicles causing multiple damages and injuries to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-17
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Power train
19% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Steering
14% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing pump and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Vehicle speed control
11% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My wife has had 4 incidents where the SUV has felt like is wants to accelerate while stopping. The most recent incident was 23 November, where as she was coming to a stop, the car downshifted and it felt like she had been hit in the rear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-23
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2022-06-30Service brakes, hydraulic22V315000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
-
R
2024-05-24Service brakes, hydraulic24V298000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Mercedes Benz ML500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V315000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 24V298000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 2006 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 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.