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2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints272 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage101kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 8, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has problems

27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering70
Service brakes, hydraulic50
Electrical system30
Vehicle speed control30
Visibility30
Engine and engine cooling20
Power train20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
5 other systems51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 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 ML500 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 ML500 median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LINE CHAFEEA08009 · closed Dec 16, 2009
    No recall
  2. BRAKE LINE RUPTUREPE08002 · closed Apr 28, 2008
    No recall
  3. Brake lamp switch failure.PE10050 · closed May 4, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-208
In owners' words

What ML500 owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HOUSE FROM POWER STEERING POMP IS LEAKING, DURING DRIVE I LOOSE POWER STEERING FLUID AND ALMOST I HIT CAT FROM ANOTHER LINE.
Complaint 10854963 · Apr 11, 2016 · 10,070 miles
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. *TR
Complaint 10503612 · Mar 19, 2013 · 169,700 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V465000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). WHEN RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, THE…
Complaint 10369294 · Dec 6, 2010 · 100,726 miles

Own a 2002 ML500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.