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2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints186 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage93kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 7, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has problems

18 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
Electrical system52
Steering50
Seats33
Exterior lighting21
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Power train10
Engine10
Visibility11
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
3 other systems30

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

0 recalls

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and how many were fixed

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

Best & worst years

2004 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THIS COULD BE RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN ALL ML CLASS. 1. OBD SYSTEM CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY 2. STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR CAUSE TO REPORT INCORRECTLY 3. THE SPEEDOMETER OUT OF TOLERANCE IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY 4. OBD SYSTEM IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY CAUSING FAULTS…
Complaint 10668448 · Dec 27, 2014 · 125,500 miles
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. *TR
Complaint 10376372 · Jan 12, 2011 · 60,000 miles
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. *KB THE HEATING PAD IN THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE LEATHER AND SEAT CUSHION TO BURN. *JB
Complaint 10217175 · Jan 31, 2008

Own a 2004 ML500?

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