2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500.

Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems

Problem areas named in the 13 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	5
Seats	3
Steering	3
Electrical System	3
Service Brakes	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Tires	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

What owners report

2019-07-22, Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED FOR OVER A YEAR DUE TO THE RISK OF A POTENTIAL CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

2018-02-14, Engine
ENGINE KEEPS GETTING OVER-HEATED EVEN AFTER A NEW ENGINE FAN HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER, AFTER ITS REPLACEMENT I TOOK IT TO TWO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TO RE-INSPECT AND MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO THEIR INSTALLMENT OF THE FAN BUT IT KEEPS GETTING OVERHEATED. I ALSO HAD A NEW WATER COOLANT TANK INSTALLED BUT IT IS ALSO LEAKING OUT THE COOLANT AND SHOWING THE WARNING LIGHT. THESE EVENTS HAPPEN AFTER I TOP UP THE COOLANT TANK AND DRIVE AROUND 50 MILES, THEN THE OVERHEATING STARTS AND THE TANK STARTS BECOMING EMPTY.

2017-03-12, Engine
LOSS OF POWER STEERING DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO SUDDEN BREAK OF IDLER ARM PULLEY AND SUBSEQUENT SHREDDING OF BELT. PROBLEM IS THE PULLEY IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRACKED IN TWO, LEAVING 1/2 THE PULLEY AND SHREDDING THE BELT. THIS OCCURRED AT DRIVING SPEED OF 50 MPH AND MILEAGE AROUND 169,650 ON 2003 ML500. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE LANE NEAREST FREEWAY EXITS. ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE BUT ABLE TO STEER INTO A PARKING LOT. LUCKY IT WAS 'RUSH' HOUR AND TRAFFIC WAS SLOW ON SURFACE STREETS. INCREDIBLE SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO DIFFICULTY TO STEER WITHOUT POWER STEERING. CAR IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY GERMAN MECHANIC FAMILIAR WITH REPAIR OF MB ENGINE

2016-07-22, Electrical System
TAKATA RECALL. POWER STEERING BRAKE ISSUE, POWER STEERING HOSE BECAME DETACHED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, COULD NOT STEER VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION AND RADIO DRAIN, CAR CUT OFF ON ME DURING DRIVING.

2015-06-26, Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND INTERMITTENTLY. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000...UPDATED 08/06/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TWO LINES FROM THE RESERVOIR TO THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED ALL THE BRAKE LINES HAD SEVERE PITTING AND CORROSION , AS WELL AS THE FUEL LINES. UPDATED 08/13/15*JB UPDATED 8/28/15*CN UPDATED 09/01/15*LJ UPDATED 09/08/15*JB UPDATED 10/01/15*LJ UPDATED 10/31/2017*CN

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500?

Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (5), Seats (3), Steering (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.