VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Ml500 year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 8 Ml500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), brakes (7), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Ml500 years?

Ml500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted49 complaints2002: 33 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 26 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints
Ml500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ml500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System918%
Brakes714%
Transmission714%
Steering510%
Airbags48%
Speed Control48%
Seats36%
Other36%
Lighting24%
Engine12%
Latches & Locks12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V298000BrakesApril 26, 2024 · 15,604 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

22V315000BrakesMay 9, 2022 · 350,294 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE HATCH DOOR LATCH WOULD ERRONEOUSLY LOCK AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BLINK OFF AND ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE HORN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 19, 2014 · fire

“ACCELERATED AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHTED INTERSECTION. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT THE REDUCED COST OF $2500, AS A COURTESY, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3K MILES. *TR ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 17, 2007

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE DRIVER JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND SUSTAINED SCRATCHES AND CUTS. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 8, 2007 · crash

“Car is extremely hard to turn/loss of power steering. Noticed that there was a recall on these vehicles but my vin was not included. Mechanic said Power steering rack is bad. This has been an ongoing issue with this car since purchased with only 70,000 miles - not sure why this VIN was not included…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 3, 2014

“THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 20, 2025 · crash

2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 8 Ml500 years. It is one of the Ml500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Ml500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Ml500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.