Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 9 | −71% | 2 | Seat | Good |
| 2006 | 37 | 2.2× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2004 | 18 | typical | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2003 | 13 | −59% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 27 | 2.1× | 1 | Steering | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median ML500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz ML500 should you avoid?
2006 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other ML500 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2006.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz ML500?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other ML500 years at the same age, followed by 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (21), electrical system (20) and brakes (19). Steering complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz ML500 had?
3 recalls across 2002–2007. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls by year.
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.