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2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500, most often about the engine. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints133 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage150kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 22, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has problems

13 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
Engine50
Electrical system31
Steering30
Seats31
Service brakes20
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Tires10

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

0 recalls

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2003 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
In owners' words

What ML500 owners report

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

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. I ALSO HAD A NEW WATER COOLANT TANK INSTALLED BUT IT…
Complaint 11072930 · Feb 14, 2018
LOSS OF POWER STEERING DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO SUDDEN BREAK OF IDLER ARM PULLEY AND SUBSEQUENT SHREDDING OF BELT. PROBLEM IS THE PULLEY IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRACKED IN TWO, LEAVING 1/2 THE PULLEY AND SHREDDING THE BELT. THIS OCCURRED AT DRIVING SPEED OF 50 MPH AND MILEAGE AROUND 169,650 ON…
Complaint 10960216 · Mar 12, 2017 · 169,650 miles
TAKATA RECALL. POWER STEERING BRAKE ISSUE, POWER STEERING HOSE BECAME DETACHED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, COULD NOT STEER VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION AND RADIO DRAIN, CAR CUT OFF ON ME DURING DRIVING.
Complaint 10887829 · Jul 22, 2016 · 150,000 miles

Own a 2003 ML500?

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