CarRecallDB

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and problems

1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500.

1
recalls
27
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls

Suspension: front, control arm, upper arm

NHTSA campaign 01V290000 · reported September 10, 2001 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 870 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm may not meet the specified strength requirements.
The risk
The control arm could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 8, 2023 · Air bags · crash reported

Motor vehicle accident head on and the airbags did not deploy.

Dec 10, 2021 · Service brakes

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…

Aug 27, 2019 · Engine · 201,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND THE LOW RANGE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE KEY…

Apr 11, 2016 · Steering · 10,070 miles

HOUSE FROM POWER STEERING POMP IS LEAKING , DURING DRIVE I LOOSE POWER STEERING FLUID AND ALMOST I HIT CAT FROM ANOTHER LINE.

Aug 11, 2014 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 150,000 miles

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…

ML500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 12710
2003 01302
2004 01803
2005 0300

Across all years, the 2006 ML500 has the most complaints (37). All Mercedes-Benz ML500 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500, the most recent reported on September 10, 2001 (Suspension: front, control arm, upper arm). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (7 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (5).
How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 27 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 8, 2023.