2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and problems

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has 2 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Urgent: recall 24V-298, recall 22V-315 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
37
Crashes / fires
3 / 5
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls

Recall 24V-298: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-315: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Power Train7
Steering5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Air Bags4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Seats3
Unknown or Other3
Exterior Lighting2
Service Brakes2
Suspension1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion) — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Nov 17, 2025
The esp and ABS malfunctioned and the vehicle went out of control and hit parked vehicles causing multiple damages and injuries to me.
Electrical System · at 200,000 miles · reported Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side rear door glass had independently fallen into the door. The contact stated a burning odor was on the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed water underneath the front passenger's seat and the battery compartment was full of water. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electrical system due to…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 125,000 miles · reported Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a tree. The brake pedal was applied but it failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver-side air bag was deployed. The contact sustained bruises and injuries to her hands, knees, and shoulder, and medical attention was provided by her primary physician. There was no fire or police report filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. Then towed to another towing lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 132,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power whenever the ignition was bumped. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the cost to repair the vehicle would be out of pocket. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number…
Air Bags · reported Sep 6, 2022
When reviewing the vehicle for purchase I noticed the SRS light on. I brought it to the dealerships attention. They instructed me to bring it back in the morning after signing paperwork so they could fix it. After I brought it back they let me know that they didn't see any SRS lights and would not be servicing the vehicle. There has been multiple mechanical issues with the vehicle including but not limited to the transmission going out, break recalls, engine leaks and now I'm being informed that my passenger air bag is deactivated. I just want a safe vehicle.

Other Mercedes-Benz ML500 years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500: 24V-298 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-315 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by power train (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 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.