2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has 1 safety recall and 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls

Recall 01V-290: Suspension

Reported Sep 10, 2001 · 870 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm may not meet the specified strength requirements.

Risk: The control arm could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Electrical System	3
Visibility	3
Power Train	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Equipment	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,726 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Dec 10, 2021

There is a serious defect in the YAW rate sensors in these Mercedes ML W163's. Thank God I was driving down a secluded road and nobody was behind me, but my vehicles brakes locked up, on their own, even with my foot on the accelerator pedal, with no warning lights or warning signals. I have no error codes, and my vehicle is well maintained. There are many many people that are having the same issue with their Mercedes ML's. Some people have experienced this happening to them at freeway speeds. The YAW rate sensors are at fault, and send a signal to the ABS pump which in turn locks up the brakes…

Steering · at 10,070 miles · reported Apr 11, 2016

House from power steering pomp is leaking , during drive I loose power steering fluid and almost I hit cat from another line.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 150,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2014

This was the 3rd time it happened, this time on the freeway in california and lasted until the car came to a stop. The car went into break mode on its own, the car fishtailed and came to a stop before recovering. Luckily the car behind me was able to stop, I heard breaks screeching, but no known crashes. I scared me to death as this could have it could have cause a multi-car crash. I pulled off the fwy and into a nearby gas station and called aaa to tow my vehicle to the mercedes repair center. They cannot re-create the problem and I will not take my car back until I AM sure the problem has…

Electrical System · at 50,000 miles · reported Apr 4, 2014

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 sylvania at the time, and they checked with mercedes, who relayed that it has to do with the weight of the keys on my keychain. This sounded eerily similar to what apparently has occurred with the GM cars being recalled. Please make sure this issue is investigated further so that no injuries that can…

Steering · at 169,700 miles · reported Mar 19, 2013

Power steering fluid leaking in small drips when parked. Hard to steer at times and makes loud noise. Have concerns that steering may be affected and cause total loss of steering.

Other Mercedes-Benz ML500 years

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 20032002

Compare all Mercedes-Benz ML500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500: 01V-290 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500?

Owners report steering problems most often (7 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,726 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.