VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 139 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Ml320 year — the 2002 model ranks #5 of 13 Ml320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (29), brakes (25), and steering (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

139

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ml320 years?

Ml320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted258 complaints1998: 200 complaints1999: 164 complaints2000: 258 complaints2001: 196 complaints2002: 139 complaints2003: 31 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 30 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints
Ml320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ml320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2921%
Brakes2518%
Steering2417%
Speed Control118%
Engine86%
Lighting75%
Seats64%
Suspension54%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Other43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Latches & Locks21%
Body & Structure21%
Fuel System21%
Transmission21%
Airbags21%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V290000SuspensionSeptember 10, 2001 · 870 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence

THE CONTROL ARM COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH WHEN I NOTICED AN ORANGE GLOW UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW, AND SUDDENLY I NOTICED FLAMES ARE SHOOTING OUT OF THE SIDE MIRROR ALONG WITH THICK BLACK SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A GAS STATION AND PUT OFF THE FIRE WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 4, 2009 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 29, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 18, 2017

“MB ML 320 CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE EXITING A PARKING RAMP WHILE NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR AND WITH BRAKING HAVING NO EFFECT ON REDUCING SPEED UNTIL CAR IMPACTED WALL. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 8, 2006 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE VERY SLOWLY. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED SMOKE. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HE WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 25, 2009 · fire

2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 139 complaints put the 2002 model at #5 of 13 Ml320 years. It is one of the Ml320 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Ml320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (29 complaints), brakes (25 complaints), steering (24 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz Ml320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ml320 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Ml320 years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.