VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Ml500 year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 8 Ml500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), steering (7), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ml500 years?

Ml500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted49 complaints2002: 33 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 26 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints
Ml500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ml500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering721%
Brakes721%
Electrical System412%
Visibility & Wipers39%
Speed Control39%
Engine39%
Transmission26%
Fuel System13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Airbags13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 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.

“2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING VEHICLE BRAKE FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE BRAKE LINES LEAKING. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 13, 2010

“MY CAR LOST ALL OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. I LOST ALMOST ALL STEERING CONTROL. IT IS RELATED TO MERCEDES BENZ RECALL #2003-040005. I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT THIS RECALL AND IT SAID MY CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED. THEY SAID THAT IS WHAT THEIR RECORDS SHOW. THAT IS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 6, 2009

“I, 12 YEARS AGO WAS DRIVING MY ML 500 MERCEDES ON US 23 BETWEEN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN AND SYLVANIA, IN OHIO. MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. I FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE. I HAVE SINCE SOLD MY CAR SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 11, 2002

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND AN HOUR LATER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK AND THAT THERE ARE NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 16, 2009

“WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON ESP/BAS LIGHT CAME ON. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED TO SLOW VEHICLE, CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE FORCING VEHICLE TO SPEED UP ALMOST CRASHING INTO VEHICLE AHEAD. CRUISE CONTROL COULD ONLY BE DISENGAGED BY PUTTING TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 11, 2010

2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 8 Ml500 years. It is one of the Ml500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Ml500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), steering (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Ml500. 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 Ml500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz Ml500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ml500 years to avoid are 2006, 2002. The cleanest record among Ml500 years belongs to 2008.

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.