Owners have filed 49 complaints
about the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500 with NHTSA between 2007 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 89
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz ML500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 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 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
816.3%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 114,500 mi
Brakes
714.3%
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 128,500 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
714.3%
Median failure at 53,000 miles
Steering
510.2%
Median failure at 68,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
48.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,763 mi
Airbags
48.2%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
36.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi
Seats
36.1%
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 71,000 mi
Lights
24.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 55,000 mi
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 40,000 mi
Stability & Traction Control
12.0%
Median failure at 43,444 miles
Seat Belts
12.0%
Suspension
12.0%
Median failure at 23,000 miles
Body & Structure
12.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
12.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
25.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1028.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
720.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
514.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
822.9%
150,000+ miles
38.6%
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.
Feb 2007peak 4Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V298000
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.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
22V315000
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.
Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLos Gatos, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact was concerned that he was not notified previously about the do not drive notice.
NHTSA complaint #11519293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBoulder, CO1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND HADN'T MOVED SINCE THE DAY BEFORE. I WAS JUST SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, OPENED DOOR TO EXIT WHEN SAB DEPLOYED HITTING ME SQUARE ON MY FRONTAL LOBE ANEURISM COIL.AMBULANCE TOOK ME TO HOSPITAL. JUST HAD FULLY SERVICED BY MERCEDES 2 WKS PRIOR. SUDDEN DRASTIC EYESIGHT DECLINE
NHTSA complaint #11385363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesInglewood, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SHE BEGAN TO SMELL AN ABNORMAL, BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE PASSENGER SEAT ERUPTED IN FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND A LOCAL BYSTANDER CALLED THE AUTHORITIES. ONCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THEY WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT VERBALLY INFORMED THAT CONTACT AT THE SCENE THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE; SHE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11365782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11699958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTracy, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 water leaking into the rear taillight assembly. The contact was informed that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN information was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11580508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alsip, IL
SEAT BELTS
I am experiencing malfunctions of the Seat Belt, electrical and breaking system
NHTSA complaint #11565990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alsip, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am experiencing malfunctions of the Seat Belt, electrical and breaking system
NHTSA complaint #11565990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alsip, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
I am experiencing malfunctions of the Seat Belt, electrical and breaking system
NHTSA complaint #11565990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLos Gatos, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact was concerned that he was not notified previously about the do not drive notice.
NHTSA complaint #11519293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesNewport Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to speak with the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesNewport Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to speak with the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorhead, MN
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11482998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorhead, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11482998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorhead, MN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11482998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11482203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGoldsboro, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle responded. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to his residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11474558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
STEERING
Car is extremely hard to turn/loss of power steering. Noticed that there was a recall on these vehicles but my vin was not included. Mechanic said Power steering rack is bad. This has been an ongoing issue with this car since purchased with only 70,000 miles - not sure why this VIN was not included in the recall? Car stock radio screen also has intermittent issues with displaying properly.
NHTSA complaint #11450281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car is extremely hard to turn/loss of power steering. Noticed that there was a recall on these vehicles but my vin was not included. Mechanic said Power steering rack is bad. This has been an ongoing issue with this car since purchased with only 70,000 miles - not sure why this VIN was not included in the recall? Car stock radio screen also has intermittent issues with displaying properly.
NHTSA complaint #11450281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesJacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the SRS warning light would remain illuminated and a whining noise was present coming from the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11439510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBoulder, CO1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND HADN'T MOVED SINCE THE DAY BEFORE. I WAS JUST SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, OPENED DOOR TO EXIT WHEN SAB DEPLOYED HITTING ME SQUARE ON MY FRONTAL LOBE ANEURISM COIL.AMBULANCE TOOK ME TO HOSPITAL. JUST HAD FULLY SERVICED BY MERCEDES 2 WKS PRIOR. SUDDEN DRASTIC EYESIGHT DECLINE
NHTSA complaint #11385363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesInglewood, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SHE BEGAN TO SMELL AN ABNORMAL, BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE PASSENGER SEAT ERUPTED IN FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND A LOCAL BYSTANDER CALLED THE AUTHORITIES. ONCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THEY WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT VERBALLY INFORMED THAT CONTACT AT THE SCENE THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE; SHE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11365782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesRedwood City, CA
STEERING
I CONTACTED MERCEDES ABOUT THE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE & PROBLEMS ON MY ML500 2006 SUV, I SEE A RECALL WAS MADE, BUT MY VIN# IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTARY RECALL BY MERCEDES
NHTSA complaint #11139739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, A GRINDING NOISE WAS DETECTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF STEVENS CREEK (4500 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129, (408) 641-4610) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11119737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVING ON PUBLIC ROADS AND WITHOUT NOTICE THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO LIMP MODE AND WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS, CAN ONLY GO 15-20 MPH OR THE RPMS WILL REV TO 4-5K. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11073859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesWaco, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OUR 2006 MERCEDES ML500 HAS HAD BOTH INTERNAL MECHANICAL LATCHES TO DOORS BREAK APART INSIDE THE FRONT DOORS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT WHEN USE USE THE ELECTRONIC SWITCH TO OPEN THE VEHICLE DOORS, THEY UNLOCK OK BUT THE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE OR LOCK AFTER INITIAL OPENING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, YOU CANNOT CLOSE THE DOOR (THE LATCH IS BROKEN). THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM IF YOU HAVE TO DRIVE ANY DISTANCE TO GET TO A MERCEDES DEALER. OF COURSE THEY NEVER HAVE THE PARTS IN STOCK. ON ONE OCCASION, I HAD TO TRY TO PHYSICALLY HOLD THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT DOOR CLOSED UNTIL WE COULD GET SOME ROPE TO TIE FROM ONE DOOR TO ANOTHER. FORTUNATELY WE NOW HAVE A ROPE IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. MY WIFE WAS ALONE IN THE VEHICLE YESTERDAY AND HAD TO TIE THE DIVERS DOOR TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. FORTUNATELY SHE WORKS 1 1/2 MILE FROM THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER. IT WAS STILL VERY SCARY FOR HER BECAUSE WHENEVER SHE TURNED A CORNER, THE DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD SWING OPEN SLIGHTLY. AGAIN THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND IS A $1,000.00 REPAIR. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10836706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS SOCKETS ARE GETTING BURNT CAUSING THE BRAKES LIGHT TO FAIL. CORROSION ON A CONNECTOR CAN CAUSE THE TAIL, BRAKE OR REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS TO DIM OR FAIL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT CAN MAKE CARS LESS VISIBLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE 2008 - 2011 MERCEDES C CLASS WHICH RECENTLY HAD A RECALL ISSUED.
NHTSA complaint #10748892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.