Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2004 Mercedes Benz ML500 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2021.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 compares with every other Mercedes Benz ML500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Mercedes Benz ML500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
623.1%
Median failure at 116,500 miles
Electrical System
519.2%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 92,750 mi
Seats
311.5%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 95,600 mi
Brakes
311.5%
Median failure at 18,284 miles
Lights
27.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,000 mi
Stability & Traction Control
13.8%
Median failure at 125,500 miles
Tires
13.8%
Median failure at 8,900 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,200 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
13.8%
Body & Structure
13.8%
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.8%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
13.8%
Median failure at 125,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
315.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
210.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
525.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
735.0%
150,000+ miles
315.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2004peak 3Apr 2021
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 141,000 milesDublin, OH1 injured
SEATS
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MERCEDES ML 500 WITH MY 17 DAUGHTER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL AND MY DAUGHTERS SEAT FELT HOT TO HER. SHE TRIED TO MOVE HER SELF OVER AND BURNT THE PALM OF HER HAND ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN BURNING AT A VERY HOT TEMPERATURE AND WAS MELTING THE LEATHER ON THE SEAT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT AND OPENED THE WINDOWS TO HELP COOL IT OFF. IT TOOK 30 MINUTES OR MORE FOR THE SEAT TO COOL OFF IN THAT SPOT. MY DAUGHTER JUMPED TO THE BACK SEAT WHILE IT WAS STILL HOT SO THAT SHE WOULD NOT GET BURNED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10445967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJackson, NJFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10376372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJackson, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10376372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500 DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE HE SUFFERED MILD BURNS ON THE LEFT HIP. *KB THE HEATING PAD IN THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE LEATHER AND SEAT CUSHION TO BURN.
NHTSA complaint #10217175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500 DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE HE SUFFERED MILD BURNS ON THE LEFT HIP. *KB THE HEATING PAD IN THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE LEATHER AND SEAT CUSHION TO BURN.
NHTSA complaint #10217175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,200 milesBrooklyn, NYFire1 injured
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHILE THE WARMER FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WAS RED AND SMOKING. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR 30 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED IT AND DROVE HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BURNS ON HIS LEFT SIDE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,200. UPDATED 01-10-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. UPDATED 12/31/07
NHTSA complaint #10210172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 248,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE LOS CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED 360 DEGREES HOWEVER, THE WHEELS REMAINED IN A STRAIGHTFORWARD POSITION. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE TO DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED MERCEDES BENZ OF CARY (2400 AUTO PARK BLVD, CARY, NC 27511, 919-380-1800) BUT WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 248,000.
NHTSA complaint #11406909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesMiddletown, DE
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. A MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #10954293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swedesboro, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
SMELL GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. RUST AROUND FRONT AND REAR FENDERS
NHTSA complaint #10862907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swedesboro, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SMELL GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. RUST AROUND FRONT AND REAR FENDERS
NHTSA complaint #10862907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,500 milesBaltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS COULD BE RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN ALL ML CLASS. 1. OBD SYSTEM CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY 2. STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR CAUSE TO REPORT INCORRECTLY 3. THE SPEEDOMETER OUT OF TOLERANCE IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY 4. OBD SYSTEM IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY CAUSING FAULTS IN SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10668448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,500 milesBaltimore, MD
ENGINE
THIS COULD BE RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN ALL ML CLASS. 1. OBD SYSTEM CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY 2. STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR CAUSE TO REPORT INCORRECTLY 3. THE SPEEDOMETER OUT OF TOLERANCE IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY 4. OBD SYSTEM IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY CAUSING FAULTS IN SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10668448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,500 milesBaltimore, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THIS COULD BE RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN ALL ML CLASS. 1. OBD SYSTEM CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY 2. STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR CAUSE TO REPORT INCORRECTLY 3. THE SPEEDOMETER OUT OF TOLERANCE IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY 4. OBD SYSTEM IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY CAUSING FAULTS IN SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10668448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesBaltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BOSE DVD STEREO HAS NO SOUND EVERYTHING WORKS JUST NO SOUND THIS APPEAR TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10661074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesDublin, OH
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CONTROL THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOR THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V465000 (STEERING). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING FLUID WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE REPLENISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10641841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAnnandale, VA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10548273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesDublin, OH1 injured
SEATS
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MERCEDES ML 500 WITH MY 17 DAUGHTER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL AND MY DAUGHTERS SEAT FELT HOT TO HER. SHE TRIED TO MOVE HER SELF OVER AND BURNT THE PALM OF HER HAND ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN BURNING AT A VERY HOT TEMPERATURE AND WAS MELTING THE LEATHER ON THE SEAT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT AND OPENED THE WINDOWS TO HELP COOL IT OFF. IT TOOK 30 MINUTES OR MORE FOR THE SEAT TO COOL OFF IN THAT SPOT. MY DAUGHTER JUMPED TO THE BACK SEAT WHILE IT WAS STILL HOT SO THAT SHE WOULD NOT GET BURNED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10445967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
STEERING
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED / REPAIRED BY ZEMBRICK MERCEDES IN ADISON WISCONSIN ON FEB 3 2011. THE REPAIRS / SERVICE INCLUDED REPLACING A SEAL ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP. WITHIN DAYS OF THE REPAIR THE POWER STEERING UNIT LEAKED ALL IT'S FLUID FROM A HOSE CLAMP. FOUND THE RECALL 08V465000 FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH PER THE RECALL COVERED ALL 1998-2004 MB ML'S . HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP AND MBUSA STATES THIS RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY STILL PRESENT AND ONGOING, HOWEVER MBUSA SEEMS TO BE APPLYING THIS RECALL TO SUIT THEIR INTERPRETATION. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND THE HAZARDS ORIGINALLY IDENTIFIED HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10382577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED / REPAIRED BY ZEMBRICK MERCEDES IN ADISON WISCONSIN ON FEB 3 2011. THE REPAIRS / SERVICE INCLUDED REPLACING A SEAL ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP. WITHIN DAYS OF THE REPAIR THE POWER STEERING UNIT LEAKED ALL IT'S FLUID FROM A HOSE CLAMP. FOUND THE RECALL 08V465000 FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH PER THE RECALL COVERED ALL 1998-2004 MB ML'S . HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP AND MBUSA STATES THIS RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY STILL PRESENT AND ONGOING, HOWEVER MBUSA SEEMS TO BE APPLYING THIS RECALL TO SUIT THEIR INTERPRETATION. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND THE HAZARDS ORIGINALLY IDENTIFIED HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10382577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJackson, NJFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10376372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJackson, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10376372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500 DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE HE SUFFERED MILD BURNS ON THE LEFT HIP. *KB THE HEATING PAD IN THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE LEATHER AND SEAT CUSHION TO BURN.
NHTSA complaint #10217175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500 DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO THE SEAT CATCHING FIRE HE SUFFERED MILD BURNS ON THE LEFT HIP. *KB THE HEATING PAD IN THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE LEATHER AND SEAT CUSHION TO BURN.
NHTSA complaint #10217175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,200 milesBrooklyn, NYFire1 injured
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHILE THE WARMER FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WAS RED AND SMOKING. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR 30 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED IT AND DROVE HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BURNS ON HIS LEFT SIDE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,200. UPDATED 01-10-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. UPDATED 12/31/07
NHTSA complaint #10210172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,200 milesBrooklyn, NYFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHILE THE WARMER FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WAS RED AND SMOKING. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR 30 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED IT AND DROVE HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BURNS ON HIS LEFT SIDE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,200. UPDATED 01-10-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. UPDATED 12/31/07
NHTSA complaint #10210172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesCharlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAR GETS STUCK IN THE PARK GEAR AND HAS TO BE TOWED. DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT, A MECHANIC PUT A PEN INTO A SLOT IN THE GEAR BOX AND IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS A DEFECT THE MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT, OTHERWISE HOW DID THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO?
NHTSA complaint #10175521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,284 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
OVERLY EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD AND BRAKE ROTOR WEAR ASSOCIATED WITH 2004 MERCEDES ML500 SUV. REPLACEMENT/REPAIR COST NOT COVERED BY MERCEDES NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY AND REPAIR COSTS IN EXCESS OF $1300.00.
NHTSA complaint #10155406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,284 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
OVERLY EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD AND BRAKE ROTOR WEAR ASSOCIATED WITH 2004 MERCEDES ML500 SUV. REPLACEMENT/REPAIR COST NOT COVERED BY MERCEDES NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY AND REPAIR COSTS IN EXCESS OF $1300.00.
NHTSA complaint #10155406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,900 milesBayside, NY
TIRES
DT:CONSUMER HAD TWO DUNLOP SP 5000 TIRES THAT WERE CUPPED. AS A RESULT OF THE CUPPING, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES. CONSUMER HAD AN ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING DONE. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THE VEHICLE OPERATED POORLY AT LOW SPEED, IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. AT 18 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE MADE HIM ILL TO DRIVE DUE TO THE VIBRATION. GOODYEAR GAVE CONSUMER MONEY BACK AND CONSUMER RETURNED THE TIRES TO GOODYEAR. CONSUMER WENT TO A MERCEDES DEALER AND THE DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT, BALANCING AND DIAGNOSTIC. DEALER PUT SAME TIRES ON VEHICLE AND CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NEW TIRES AS WITH THE PREVIOUS SET. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10126282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RYE, NH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE RETURNED MY SUV TO MERCEDES ABOUT 5 TIMES TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED BECAUSE THEY SQUEAL WHEN STOPPING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY MERCEDES THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE BECAUSE ALL DISC BRAKES SQUEAL. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE I HAVE HAD MANY CARS WITH DISC BRAKES OVER THE YEARS. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 2/3/05 AND IT WAS SQUEALING AGAIN ON 2/4/05.
NHTSA complaint #10109883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesSacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE LOST POWER DUE TO THE ESM TRACKING SYSTEM. AFTER ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10073748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.