no report yet
Control arm: upper arm
Risk. THE CONTROL ARM COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 88 owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 3, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has problems
88 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Steering1 crash/fire/injury
19Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
15Service brakes
11Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
10Electronic stability control (ESC)
9Service brakes, hydraulic
6Exterior lighting
5Seats
5Engine and engine cooling
2914 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 24 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 19 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 9 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 1 |
| Seats | 5 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| 14 other systems | 29 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other ML320 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the ML320 median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, and the recalls they led to.
- Brake lamp switch failure.Led to recall 11V-208
In owners' words
What ML320 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BAS AND ESP WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT AND HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED…
I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM THE CURB, STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISES AND HARDER TO TURN. I CONTINUED ON CITY STREETS THEN TO A FREEWAY WHERE MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION OPENED THE HOOD AND COULD SEE FLUID ALL OVER RIGHT LOWER DRIVER SIDE. IT SEEMED TO BE…
I HAVE A 2002 ML320, THE RADIO IS OUT AND THE HOLE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING CAUSING A LEAK, ESP/BAS STAYS ON CAUSING LOW TRACTION AND THE DOOR LOCK. THESE ITEMS WERE RECALLED ON THE M-CLASS 320, WHAT HAPPENED TO THES RECALLS.
Own a 2002 ML320?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.