Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems
Share of the 88 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz ML320 complaints by model year
Best ML320 years: 2005, 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm May not meet the specified strength requirements.
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320:
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of…
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners say
Brakes all 25 →
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the driver's side front wheel independently braked. The contact stated he had not depressed the brake pedal but heard an abnormal sound from the tire screeching as the wheel had stopped rolling. The contact stated that the ESP traction warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred several minutes later. The contact stated that the failure occurred one other time and had not happened again. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
The car brakes suddenly by itself just after the ESB/ABS lights come on along with an exclamation point (!). This has happened randomly at least 4 times since we purchased the car. Once at high speeds on the highway. It appears this problem is common with other owners of Mercedes 2001-2002 ML's. According to the forums below, the problem seems to be a "YAW RATE SENSOR" malfunction or defect. My Mercedes mechanic saw no error codes for this component and it seem extremely expensive (forum states part is $3000) to replace. The https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/233486-big-problems-ml320-pls-help-2.html
Steering all 24 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. After the vehicle was started, the contact heard an abnormal sound under the hood of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and discovered that the power steering hose was fractured and fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under manufacturer safety campaign number: 2003-040005. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
I was pulling away from the curb, steering wheel started making whining noises and harder to turn. I continued on city streets then to a freeway where my car began to overheat. I pulled over at a gas station opened the hood and could see fluid all over right lower driver side. It seemed to be coming from a hose by the power steering cap and the right side of the radiator. Under the car same spot right passenger side I could see power steering and radiator coolant leaking from that area.
Electrical system
I was driving on a busy intersection in my 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 when driving the yellow triangle in the speedometer starts to flash and all the breaks lock up, this is followed by a stall, thankfully I was able to pull off to the side of the road without being hit. After doing some research I discovered that many Mercedes ML320 owners were having this same problem. Specifically the yaw rate sensor. This is a serious life threatening issue that can injure or worse yet kill someone. You guys need to do a recall before someone dies!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle felt as if it slammed on the brakes without the contact depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the ebs and ABS warning lights remained illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle made a loud screeching sound when being driven. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 a good car?
Based on 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 ML320 rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the ML320 at the same age. It is one of the ML320 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
The brakes — 25 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about power assist. Next are the steering (24) and electrical system (19).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, the most recent from September 10, 2001 (upper arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz ML320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001 and 2002. See the full Mercedes-Benz ML320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.