2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
134
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
STEERING
23 complaints
HOUSE FROM POWER STEERING POMP IS LEAKING , DURING DRIVE I LOOSE POWER STEERING FLUID AND ALMOST I HIT CAT FROM ANOTHER LINE.
Apr 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS FRACTURED AND FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER MANUFACTURER SAFETY CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 2003-040005. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Jan 19, 2016
I BOUGHT THIS CAR YESTERDAY FROM AN INDIVIDUAL OFF CRAIGSLIST AND THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT 5 TIMES. SO FAR ONLY AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, BUT I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND SEEN NUMBERS COMPLAINTS WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE AT FASTER SPEEDS TOO. VERY UNSETTLING. THERE WERE A COUPLE OF RECALLS REGARDING THE CLAMPS AND HOSES, BUT UPON RESEARCH I FOUND THAT Y CAR HAS NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS. I GUESS THAT MEANS THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM STILL AND I NEED IT FIXED OR I NEED A NEW CAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Nov 22, 2014
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING IN SMALL DRIPS WHEN PARKED. HARD TO STEER AT TIMES AND MAKES LOUD NOISE. HAVE CONCERNS THAT STEERING MAY BE AFFECTED AND CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. *TR
Mar 19, 2013
POWER STEERING O RING AND HOSE RECALL. *TR
Feb 10, 2013
+ 18 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 complaints
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 ML320 INTO MY LOCAL MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP (FAIRFIELD, CT) TO HAVE SOME WORK DONE. WHEN I COLLECTED THE VEHICLE AND AS I WAS LEAVING, THE ESP/BAS, ETS AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. THIS HAD HAPPENED ON MANY PREVIOUS OCCASIONS OVER THE YEARS AND EVERY TIME I HAD MENTIONED IT TO THE MERCEDES SERVICE PEOPLE THEY HAVE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAULT AND THAT I SHOULD TURN OFF THE ENGINE, WAIT AND THEN RE-START AND THIS SHOULD CLEAR THE ISSUE. THIS HAD MOSTLY WORKED UNTIL THIS RECENT OCCASION. INSTEAD IT THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON AND SO I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE CAR BACK INTO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS TRYING TO ISOLATE THE CAUSE. EVENTUALLY THEY FOUND SOME SERIOUS CORROSION IN THE ESP/HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO AN ACCIDENT THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT MY INSURER. THE INSURANCE ASSESSOR EXAMINED THE CAR IN DETAIL AND CONCLUDED THAT THE FAULT WAS ENTIRELY UNRELATED AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE UNIT WAS FLAWED. IN OTHER WORDS THIS IS A DESIGN FAULT. THEY SAID THAT GIVEN THAT THIS UNIT CONTROLS THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM, ANY FAILURE COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED AT A COST OF NEARLY $2,400 BUT IF AS THE GEICO INSURANCE ASSESSOR BELIEVES, THIS IS A DESIGN FAULT THEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. ADDITIONALLY, IT SEEMS THAT THE UNIT HAD BEEN CORRODED FOR SOME TIME AND COULD HAVE FAILED AT ANY TIME BUT BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THESE WARNING LIGHTS TO COME ON, NO-ONE INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE WITH THE UNIT UNTIL RECENTLY. MY RELATED CONCERN IS THAT THE UNIT COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME AND THIS POSSIBILITY PLACES ME AND MY FAMILY IN POTENTIAL DANGER. MERCEDES DECLINED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR
Apr 03, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML55. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IDLE ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE YAW RATE CENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jun 14, 2011
2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING VEHICLE BRAKE FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE BRAKE LINES LEAKING. *JB
Dec 01, 2010
2002 ML 320 FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP BY THEMSELVES NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. BURNING SMELL DETECTED FROM FRONT WHEELS. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER WHO CLAIMED SENSORS HAD FAILED AND THAT THIS WAS A RARE PROBLEM; CONSUMER CHARGED TO REPLACE SENSORS. LESS THAN ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME THING OCCURRED, DEALER NOW STATES IT IS A PRESSURE ISSUE BUT WANTS TO KEEP VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TO DUPLICATE STATED PROBLEM. OWNER INITIALLY NOTICED THIS PROBLEM OVER 1 YEAR AGO, TAKING IT TO THE DEALER THINKING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS STICKING, CAUSING THE BURNING SMELL AND SLUGGISHNESS. DURING THAT VISIT THE DEALER STATED IT FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. OWNER PAID TO HAVE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED DUE TO PITTING AND GROVING CAUSED BY THE FRONT BRAKES SELF-ENGAGING; THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING A PRESSURE ISSUE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 24K MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER BRAND NEW. *TR
Jun 17, 2010
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE ON ALL FOUR WHEELS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF APOLLA HIGH SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS. MERCEDES SAYS MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *JB
Apr 05, 2006
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
I, 12 YEARS AGO WAS DRIVING MY ML 500 MERCEDES ON US 23 BETWEEN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN AND SYLVANIA, IN OHIO. MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. I FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE. I HAVE SINCE SOLD MY CAR SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IN SYLVANIA AT THE TIME, AND THEY CHECKED WITH MERCEDES, WHO RELAYED THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE KEYS ON MY KEYCHAIN. THIS SOUNDED EERILY SIMILAR TO WHAT APPARENTLY HAS OCCURRED WITH THE GM CARS BEING RECALLED. PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS ISSUE IS INVESTIGATED FURTHER SO THAT NO INJURIES THAT CAN BE PREVENTED HAPPEN . REGARDS, *TR
Apr 04, 2014
ML 320 GOT IN FIRE ITSELF SUDDENLY START AT THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE ENGINE,I WAS DRIVING MY CAR FOR 5 MIN ON FWY, WHEN A CAR NEXT LINE HONK ON ME AND YELLED ME MY CAR HAS FIRE UNDER THE ENGINE AFTER THAT TRY TO STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT WORK I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE PARKING BRAKE AND RUN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 10, 2010
VEHICLE'S DRIVE AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM FAILS TO RECOGNIZE KEY RESULTING IN A 'START ERROR' DISPLAYING ON DASH AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THIS ITEM CAN ONLY BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AND IS A KNOWN DEFECT BY MERCEDES BENZ. THE DASH CONTROL UNIT IS PART # A163 545 28 32 AND IS REPLACED BY A MODIFIED VERSION A163 545 07 06. MERCEDES REQUIRES OWNERS TO BEAR FULL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT WHICH CAN RESULT IN STALLS AND NO START SITUATION, POTENTIALLY PUTTING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN DANGER. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR IS APPROX. $800 TO $1000. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED BY MERCEDES BENZ AND THAT BULLETIN IS T-B-80.57/32 AND WAS ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 7, 2005. IT COVERS ALL M CLASS MODELS FROM 2000 TO 2005 MODEL YEAR. *TR
Dec 02, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A BLOWN FUSE CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER BLOWN FUSE AND MADE THE REPLACEMENT AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 27 TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 4, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Aug 04, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DASHBOARD FAILURE. THE HAZARD LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING ON AND OFF. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED A DEFECT IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THEY REPLACED A FUSE, WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH, BUT THE FAILURE EVENTUALLY RECURRED. WHEN ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN, THEY REMAINED LIT AND LOCKED THE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND EVEN STALLED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AT LEAST ONCE PER MONTH AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSE EACH TIME, OR ATTEMPTED TO REPROGRAM THE SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NEVER PERMANENT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Jul 28, 2008
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED UP TO 90 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL ALTHOUGH SHE WAS DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL AND THE ELECTRIC KIT WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,367 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Jun 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 60MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 70 MPH WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE THEN APPLIED ABRUPT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL USING BOTH FEET AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOWLY DECREASE IN SPEED. SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 88,000.
Jun 21, 2010
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON ESP/BAS LIGHT CAME ON. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED TO SLOW VEHICLE, CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE FORCING VEHICLE TO SPEED UP ALMOST CRASHING INTO VEHICLE AHEAD. CRUISE CONTROL COULD ONLY BE DISENGAGED BY PUTTING TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND DEPRESSING BRAKE. THIS IS FIRST TIME FAILURE OCCURRED. DEALER REPLACES STOP LAMP SWITCH (PART IS AVAILABLE), RECOMMENDED REPLACING BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR AND BAS RELEASE SWITCH AT A COST TO ME OVER $1,000. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER. *TR
Feb 12, 2010
DRIVING ON RT 30 IN CAMDEN NJ WHEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED (I WAS TRAVELING AT 50MPH AND VEHICLE SPED UP TO ABOUT 80 AND I COULD NOT STOP IT). I HAD TO PUT EMERGENCY BRAKES AND ULTIMATELY PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. NOTHING IN VEHICLE CAUSED VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND NEARLY CAUSED ME TO DRIVE INTO TRAFFIC. MERCEDES DENIES HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLES AND BLAMED ME FOR OPERATION. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD AS A POLICE OFFICER FOR 14 YEARS AND KNOW THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM
Jun 12, 2007
MB ML 320 CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE EXITING A PARKING RAMP WHILE NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR AND WITH BRAKING HAVING NO EFFECT ON REDUCING SPEED UNTIL CAR IMPACTED WALL. *JB
Sep 10, 2006
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
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 vehicle is well maintained. There are many many people that are having the same issue with their Mercedes ML's. Some people have experienced this happening to them at freeway speeds. The YAW rate sensors are at fault, and send a signal to the ABS pump which in turn locks up the brakes without even touching the brake pedal! This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to everyone in the vehicle, and to ANY other vehicle in the area. People can DIE! Again.. This is a terrible defective function of a sensor that will spontaneously apply the brakes fully to lock up automatically with no persuasion from the driver. It is extremely dangerous and can cause fatal injuries. This has been researched thru many Mercedes forums including benzworld.org, mbworld.org, Mercedesforum.com, and ml w163 Facebook forum, all of which many ML owners have experienced the braking system lockup, and in some cases accidents have occurred. Another unfortunate issue in this happening, is that the brake lights do not light up when this sudden braking happens due to the YAW rate sensor malfunction. If there is a vehicle behind a Mercedes ML when this sudden braking occurs, there is NO WARNING LIGHTS, and can cause a serious accident and injury or death! Many people, including myself, do not feel safe behind the wheel of our Mercedes ML's for fear of the brakes locking up in their own because of this poorly programmed default function of a possible faulty YAW rate sensor. This is the worst default function to ever have a vehicle do. I now steer clear of other Mercedes ML's in the road knowing they can automatically lock their brakes for no apparent reason. Please research this and take action!
Dec 10, 2021
BRAKES APPLIED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT PEDAL PRESSURE WHILE CAR WAS MOVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FRONT BRAKES WERE SMOKING BY THE TIME I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP OFF THE 4-LANE ROAD ON A SIDE ROAD. REAR BRAKES SEEMED HOT, BUT NOT SMOKING. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THIS HIGHWAY EVENT, CAR HAD JUST BEEN TRAVELING AROUND 35 MPH ON HILLY SIDE ROADS WITH STEEP ASCENTS AND DESCENTS. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME BRAKES HAVE SELF-APPLIED IN A SIMILAR MANNER. AFTER SECOND EVENT, DEALER EXAMINED CAR BUT COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM OR FIND ANY FAULTS ON COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS. WHEN BRAKES COOL, CAR RESTARTS WITHOUT BRAKES COMING ON. BRAKE PADS AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED 6,000 MILES EARLIER; SIGNIFICANT BRAKE DRAG WAS PRESENT FOR AROUND TWO HUNDRED MILES AFTER THAT REPAIR; DEALER SAID BRAKES WERE SELF-ADJUSTING AND DECLINED TO EXAMINE CAR AT THAT TIME. IT WAS ABOUT 4,000 MILES AFTER BRAKE PAD/SENSOR REPLACEMENT THAT THE SELF-BRAKING PROBLEM STARTED.
Jul 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE AND ABRUPTLY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THE BAS/ESP SENSOR LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
May 05, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Feb 10, 2015
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MY ABS LIGHT SHOWN UP AND ALL 4 TIRES LOCK UP. ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Sep 08, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, A LOUD NOISE HEARD AS THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF GLASS SHARDS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BOTH SUSTAINED LACERATIONS FROM THE BROKEN GLASS. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO GO TO A SALVAGE YARD FOR PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. ...UPDATED 06-19-13 *BF UPDATED 06/26/2013*JS
Apr 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES ML500. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OPTICAL DISTORTION ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHICH AFFECTED HIS VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE INTERIOR OF THE MIRROR CONTAINED LIQUID WHICH DETERIORATED OVER TIME AND CAUSED THE DISTORTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Nov 30, 2011
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON HOT, HUMID DAYS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON, THE SIDE WINDOWS AND REARVIEW MIRROR FOGGED UP CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE OF THE VEHICLE WINDOWS AND REARVIEW MIRRORS IN HUMID CONDITIONS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Oct 20, 2006
I OWN A MERCEDES BENZE ML320 SUV. IT IS NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING (AT THE SEED OF EVEN AT 35 - 40 MILE PER HOUR) IF THERE IS ANY WATER ON THE ROAD THERE OCCURS A HUGE FASH AND MOST OF IT COMES TO THE WINDSHIELD AND MAKES THE DRIVER VIEW OF SIDE AND FRONT BLIND. WE HAVE EXPERIMENTED THE SAME WITH OTHER MINI VAN AND CARS THAT WE OWN, NONE OF THEM DOES IT LIKE THIS ONE. WE ALMOST HAD FEW ACCIDENT BY LUCKY TO BE SAVED OUT OF IT. WE CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY SUGGESETED EITHER NOT TO DRIVE OR TO DRIVE BELLOW 25 MILE PER HOUR. WHICH WE FELT IS NOT A VALUABLE SUSSESSION. SPECIALLY THE CITY I LIVE (HOUSTON, TX) ROADS WILL HAVE SOME WATER IF IT JUST RAINS FOR FEW MINUTS. WE WOULD LIKE APPROPRIATION ACTION AND WARINGS TO BE GIVEN TO ALL OWNERS / DRIVERS AS WELL AS FIX THE PROBLEM TO AVOID MAJOR ACCIDENTS. *AK
Jun 04, 2004
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SIDE MIRROR PROBLEMS.*AK *JB
Mar 03, 2003
SEATS
5 complaints
AFTER BEING ON FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER OVERHEATED RESULTING IN A STRONG BURNING SMELL, BURN MARK ON THE CAR SEAT AND A RED BURN MARK ON MY BOTTOM. THE SEAT CONTINUED TO BE VERY HOT EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. *TR
Dec 30, 2010
DRIVING 2002 MERCEDES ML320. SMELLED BURNING. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND FOUND NO SMELL. WHEN I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR, I NOTICED A BURNED SPOT ON THE DRIVERS SEAT. CORRESPONDING BURN MARK WAS ON MY BACK LEFT PANT POCKET. I TURNED OF THE SEAT WARMER AND THE PROBLEM HAS STOPPED. *TR
Nov 23, 2009
REAR SEATS DO NOT FOLD DOWN. *TR
Jan 12, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE HEATED SEAT COILS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED UP AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CLOTHING BUT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME. *NM
Jan 18, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES ML320. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS ON, IT STARTED TO SMOKE, WAS VERY HOT IN ONE SPOT, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF MELTING THE LEATHER. THE HEATER HAD ONLY BEEN ON FOR LESS THAN 10 MINUTES. COULD ALSO FEEL AN ELECTRICAL PULSING, LIKE A CURRENT AT THE SIGHT.WE PARKED THE CAR OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT, FOR FEAR OF IT STARTING ON FIRE. CONTACTED BLACK FOREST MOTORS THE NEXT DAY, THEY SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT WE COULD ORDER A NEW SEAT AT OUR COST. THIS TOOK PLACE ON 1-27-05. ON 2-8-5, IN THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, THERE IS AN ARTICLE OF THIS HAPPENING IN 2003 MODELS.*AK
Feb 08, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURS CONSTANTLY AND PREVENTS HIM FROM SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN TIMES. THE DEALER CONTINUED TO REPLACE THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH INSTEAD OF RE-ENGINEERING THE PART AND ISSUING A RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 09/23/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE PART FAILS AND THE STOP LIGHT DOES NOT WORK HE CAN'T TURN OFF THE SPEED CONTROL IF IT IS BEING USED AND THERE ARE NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE VEHICLE WON'T COME OUT OF PARK. IF IT FAILS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON, THE LIGHTS NEVER GO OUT. UPDATED 09/23/09*JB
Aug 07, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPAIRED. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED, THE ESP AND ABS INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP AND THE GEAR WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED INTO PARK TO MANUALLY OVERRIDE THE WARNINGS. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO PARK, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE BRAKES LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE, WHICH IS A HAZARD TO THE VEHICLES IN THE REAR OF THE CONTACT. THE SWITCH HAS BEEN CHANGED AT LEAST EIGHT TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SENT AN EMAIL TO THE MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER AT LEAST TWICE, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REGIONAL MANAGER WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BUT THIS HAS NOT YET TAKEN PLACE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Dec 05, 2008
THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS ON OUR MERCEDES ML 320E HAVE BECOME VERY CLOUDY AND ROUGH TO THE TOUCH. THIS IS NOW A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DO NOT EMIT ENOUGH LIGHT TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR
Jun 13, 2008
XENON HEADLAMPS BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS. THEY SHOULD BE BANNED !!!!*AK
May 15, 2002
THESE NEW HEADLIGHTS ON NEW IMPORT CARS BLIND ME AT NIGHT. APPROACHING FROM AHEAD OF FROM THE REAR. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD FOR THE AFFECTED DRIVERS. PLEASE HELP US. THANKS.*AK
May 06, 2002
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
MAJOR STEERING PROBLEMS
Mar 01, 2018
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S55. WHILE DRIVING 95 MPH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY DROPPED AND RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO FOUND THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,575.
Jul 16, 2007
FRONT END- SUSPENSION COMPONENTS/ BODY EXPERIENCING KNOCKING NOISE..
Feb 09, 2004
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 AND 60 MPH THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. *NLM
Mar 24, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ M430. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND IT SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSES DEALER. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,900. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 05, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE VERY SLOWLY. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED SMOKE. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HE WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND AN HOUR LATER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK AND THAT THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.
Oct 21, 2009
OIL SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING A QUART OF OIL EVERY THREE DAYS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. *AK
Mar 09, 2004
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
Motor vehicle accident head on and the airbags did not deploy.
Dec 08, 2023
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT A DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN (HE MUST HAVE BEEN DOING 60+ MPH) HIT MY CAR ON THE FROM DRIVER SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS SO INTENSE THAT I HIT THE SIDE WINDOW WITH MY HEAD MY CAR THAT WAS GOING STRAIGHT DID A 90 DEGREE TURN AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY CAR IS A 2002 ML320. *TR
Apr 23, 2011
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED TO REPORT THAT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SAYS THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF IN HER 2002 MERCEDES M CLASS. THERE IS A LIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG THAT SAYS SRS WHICH IS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADJUSTED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT DEPLOYED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.
Dec 22, 2006
ENGINE
3 complaints
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 FOB WAS UPDATED AND AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WALTER'S MERCEDES-BENZ OF RIVERSIDE (3213 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 441-6182) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 201,000.
Aug 27, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A NEW ALTERNATOR; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BATTERY WAS ALSO REPLACED, BUT THE ENGINE STILL TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH PRIME TIME NISSAN OF SCHERERVILLE (1301 INDIANAPOLIS BLVD, SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jun 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING EXTREMELY ROUGH AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION AND THAT THE CONTACT MAY REPLACE THE PART WITH AN AFTERMARKET CATALYTIC CONVERTER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT PASS AN EMISSIONS INSPECTION. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE PART WITH AN OEM CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Mar 01, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND NUMEROUS DIFFERENT SPEEDS, WEATHER, BOTH DRIVING ON A STRAIGHTAWAY OR TURNING, AND OTHER ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP ON THE CAR CAUSING IT TO VEER RIGHT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES. MOST OFTEN I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER, THANKFULLY SAFELY, OR ON ONE OCCASION, STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WHICH IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD ME REPLACE THE BRAKE SENSORS WHICH WERE OBVIOUSLY NOT THE PROBLEM AND THEN RECOMMENDED OTHER REPLACEMENTS, SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, THAT I DECLINED UNTIL I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE STABILITY SENSORS IN THIS VEHICLE (SPECIFICALLY THE YAW SENSOR). I'M AMAZED THIS IS NOT A RECALL SITUATION AND THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 03, 2016
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OCCURRING IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS REGARDING SPEED, WEATHER, ROAD CONDITIONS, ETC., I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE PULL HARD TO THE RIGHT WHILE ENGAGING THE FRONT BRAKES, BOTH WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AND ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TRIANGLE HAZARD LIGHT AND ESP LIGHTS START FLASHING. MOST OFTEN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THANKFULLY SAFELY, OR ON ONE OCCASION STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AS THE CAR WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING WHICH WAS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE SENSORS, WHICH DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, AND RETURNED TO HAVE THEM AGAIN DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND DECLINED THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS SUCH AS REPLACING THE BACK BRAKE SENSORS, UNTIL I CAME UPON THE REPEATED ISSUES OF THE STABILITY SENSORS FAILING (SPECIFICALLY THE YAW SENSOR). I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT, TO DATE, THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUE AND NO ONE HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM (I FILED A PREVIOUS CLAIM, BUT THE WEBSITE WENT UNDER MAINTENANCE AND CLOSED MY COMPLAINT AS I WAS FILING AND WAS GIVEN ID #10923983, BUT THERE IS NO INFORMATION FILED IN ASSOCIATION THAT I COULD FIND HENCE THE RE-FILING). *TR
Nov 03, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RED AND HOT. THE ESP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE ESP CABLE AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 10/18/2017*CN
Jun 02, 2015
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS HAVE FAILED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, ALL OF THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAS FAILED AND IS PREVENTING THE OTHER LOCKS FROM OPERATING PROPERLY. THE DOOR LOCKS CONSTANTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY EACH TIME THE VEHICLE STOPS AND ACCELERATES. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 47,140 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Jun 19, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOOR LATCHES ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MALFUNCTIONED TRAPPING THE OCCUPANTS INSIDE. THE CONTACT ESCAPED THE VEHICLE BY USING A CROWBAR TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THEY ADJUSTED THE LOCKS AND REPLACED THE REGULATOR HOWEVER THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.*AK
Mar 22, 2006
1. FAILURE OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK. 2. FAILURE OF DEALERSHIP TO PERMANENTLY FIX PROBLEM. IT GETS FIXED BUT IT BREAKS DOWN AGAIN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MAY WORK; THEN IT MAY NOT WORK; THEN IT MAY WORK. 2. FAILURE OF DEALERSHIP TO PERMANENTLY FIX PROBLEM. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED WHEN I LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP - BUT IT FAILS AGAIN. IT HAS NOW FAILED AGAIN FOR THE DOOR TO BE UNLOCKED. 3. THE DEALERSHIP CORRECTS THE PROBLEM BUT IT AGAIN FAILS; NOW IT HAS FAILED TO GET DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AGAIN AND I HAVE TO PHYSICALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR FOR IT TO OPEN. AND SOMETIME WHEN I AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE DOOR BY THE TRANSMITTER; ALL THE DOORS EXCEPT MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS SINCE IF I ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH THE ONE DOOR LEFT UNLACHED - SOMEONE CAN HIDE IN THE BACK OR ALSO IN A CRASH MY DOOR MAY OPEN UP SINCE I CANNOT LOCK THE DOOR. *JB
Jan 17, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
"TAKATS RECALL" 1ST ISSUE I NOTICED IS WHEN I GAVE SOMEONE A JUMP OFF A DEAD CAR BATTERY. AS I WAS DRIVEN I NOTICED MY CAR BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON MEANING MY BATTERY WAS DECREASING POWER AND IT DID I WAS ON MY WAY HOME DRIVEN I NOTICED MY CAR LOSING POWER IN THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND I CALLED SOMEONE TO GIVE ME A JUMP THE CAR STARTED BACK UP DROVE ABOUT 3, BLOCKS AND THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AGAIN SO I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW BATTERY REPLACING THE OLD BATTERY WITH AN NEW ONE. GOT ANOTHER JUMP TO GIVE THE THE BATTERY SOME EXTRA JUICE. AFTER I RECEIVED THE JUMP I'M BACK ON THE ROAD. IN THE ANCIENT OCCUR AGAIN SO I CALLED SOMEONE TO GIVE ME A JUMP. THIS TIME THE CAR DIDN'T START. SO I HAD TO GET IT TOW HOME. GOT HOME DID SOME RESEARCH IN FOUND OUT IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. REPLACE THE OLD ALTERNATOR WITH A NEW ONE. 2ND ISSUE I NOTICED AFTER I REPLACED THE OLD ALTERNATOR WITH THE NEW ONE I NOTICED MY TWO FANS BLOWER WILL CONTINUOUSLY RUN FOR HOURS WHEN I TAKE MY CAR KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. AND DUE TO THAT THAT CAUSE MY DRAINED MY BATTERY CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER AND MY CAR WON'T BE ABLE TO START WHEN I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION I DON'T KNO IF THEY CONNECTED A WIRE TO KEEP RUNNING IF SO HE WAS TO SUPPOSED TO TELL ME THAT WHICH HE DIDN'T. 3RD ISSUE I NOTICED I RECENTLY ADDED NEW FRONT PADS AND ROTOR'S NEW REAR PADS AND ROTORS 1 NEW REAR PASSSGER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER. MY BRAKE LIGHTS STILL APPEARED TO POP UP I TOLD THE MERCHANT HE TOLD ME IT COULD BE A SENSOR FAILURE AND GET CHECK OUT AT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. 4TH ISSUE THE TRIANGLE LIGHT LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF DASH FLASHES OCCASIONALLY CAUSING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY NOT AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AS EXPECTED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR RECALL SUBJECT: SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL ARM UPPER ARM .RECALL: 6/SERVICE BULLETINS: 2
Jun 19, 2018
MY 2002 ML320 CLUSTER DISPLAY LIGHTS ON MY DASH ALL LIGHT UP, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING ACTUALLY GOES TO ZERO. ONCE THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THIS IS VERY FRIGHTENING FOR SOMEONE IN TRAFFIC AND THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS REAR ENDED AND DIES. *TR
Mar 17, 2013
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
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 TO DEATH AS THIS COULD HAVE IT COULD HAVE CAUSE A MULTI-CAR CRASH. I PULLED OFF THE FWY AND INTO A NEARBY GAS STATION AND CALLED AAA TO TOW MY VEHICLE TO THE MERCEDES REPAIR CENTER. THEY CANNOT RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM AND I WILL NOT TAKE MY CAR BACK UNTIL I AM SURE THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. MERCEDES NEEDS TO RE-OPEN THIS CASE AND FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 11, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 MERCEDES ML 500 AT A STEADY 40 MPH IN TRAFFIC THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGED FOR NO REASON LOCKING THE BRAKES AND MAKING THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNRESPONSIVE TO DRIVER INPUT. THE ONLY THING THAT PREVENTED US FROM BEING HIT WAS THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND US, HAD THIS OF OCCURRED GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN HIT. OUR VEHICLE IS AT THE MERCEDES DEALER NOW AND WE ARE BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A BRAKE SWITCH THIS WILL BE THE THIRD OR FOURTH ONE CHANGED ON THE VEHICLE, IT ALSO HAS A BAD YAW SENSOR THE PART THAT THE DEALER SAYS CAUSED THE STABILITY CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION. THE YAW SENSOR THAT IS CURRENTLY IN OUR VEHICLE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL AND HAS A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER MEANING IT HAS ALSO BEEN CHANGED IN THE PAST. I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS WHOLE SITUATION VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF THE OPERATOR THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE MERCEDES OWNER FORUMS AND FOUND NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES OF THIS EXACT DEFECT ON SEVERAL MODELS OF MERCEDES VEHICLES ONE HAPPENED WHILE A GENTLEMAN WAS GOING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND MERCEDES HAS DONE NOTHING TO TAKE ACTION. *TR
Aug 23, 2010
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE BRAKES STARTED ENGAGING ON THEIR OWN PULLING THE CAR TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND NEARLY BRINGING THE CAR TO A SUDDEN STOP. IT TOOK A LOT OF EFFORT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM PULLING INTO THE OTHER LANES AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND HAS STAYED ON NOW. THIS ALL LASTED FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. I WAS IN THE 3RD LANE OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY DURING MODERATE TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND FOUND MANY OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME THING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH FOR A SUDDEN CHANGE IN DIRECTION AND SPEED TO CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND KNOWING THAT THIS VEHICLE IS CAPABLE AND KNOW FOR DOING THIS MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS. IT MAKES ME WONDER HOW MANY FATAL ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, BUT NO ONE KNEW BECAUSE IT WAS JUST ASSUMED THE TO BE DRIVER ERROR. *TR
May 13, 2014
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BRAKE ON IT'S OWN, PULLING ME OFF TO THE LEFT OF THE ROAD VEHICLE BRAKE (RIGHT SIDE) STAYED ENGAGED UNTIL VEHICLE SPEED WAS DOWN TO ABOUT 20 MPH. DEALER SAID A BAD YAW RATE SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 08, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I HAD A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHILE DRIVING ONE OF YOUR VEHICLES. I AM THE OWNER OF A MERCEDES 2002 ML320, WHICH WAS PURCHASED AT A PHILLIPS MERCEDES DEALERSHIP IN VIRGINIA BEACH VA. I NEED TO ADDRESS A VERY SERIOUS INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED OVER THE WEEKEND (DECEMBER 18, 2010). I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM RICHMOND GOING TOWARD VIRGINIA BEACH, I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON I-64 AND HAD IT ON CRUISE CONTROL, AHEAD I SAW THAT TRAFFIC SLOWING DOWN SO I STEPPED ON THE BREAK; I THEN REALIZED THAT MY BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BREAK PEDAL DOWN AND IT WOULDN'T NUDGE EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED ALL OF MY WEIGHT TO IT, THE SPEED DID NOT DIMINISH AT ALL, I THEN TRIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THAT ALSO FAILED TO SLOW ME DOWN, MY FRIEND SUGGESTED THAT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN TRY THE BRAKE, FORTUNATELY THAT WORKED AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. YOUR PRODUCT PUT MY FRIEND'S AND MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY. I HAD THE BAS/ESP LIGHT COME ON IN THE PASS AND HAVE BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES ALREADY: 07/27/2005, 12/01/2009 AND IN 10/19/2010. I AM STUNNED THAT A COMPANY WHO HAS SUCH A GREAT REPUTATION AND SEEMS TO THRIVE ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION DROPPED THE BALL. AT NO POINT IN TIME DID ANY OF THE TECHNICIANS WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIRS ON MY CAR ADVISE ME OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER. *TR
Jan 09, 2011
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH SET SPEED IN CRUISE CONTROL AND STEPPED ON BRAKE AS I APPROACHED TRAFFIC CONGESTION. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN SET SPEED REGARDLESS HOW HARD I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE. EVENTUALLY, I DECIDED TO TRY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK UNDER CONTROL OF THE FOOTBRAKE. THANKFULLY, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT IT WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT. NOTICED, AT THIS TIME, THE BAS/ESP MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. DROVE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. DEALER ADVISED STOP LAMP SWITCH SHORTED. REPLACED LAMP SWITCH. ALTHOUGH, THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE DID HAVE SIMILAR PAST PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM (IE-BRAKE SWITCH AND SHIFTER CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED) THAT PREVENTED SHIFTING OUT OF PARK INTO ANY OTHER POSITION. VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE SAFETY DEVICE TO OVERRIDE "CRUISE CONTROL" OR PREVENT "CRUISE CONTROL" OPERATION WITH ANY MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR ACTIVATION OF THE BRAKING INDICATOR LAMP. WHAT ASSURANCES ARE THERE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN? *TR
Oct 31, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH WHEN I NOTICED AN ORANGE GLOW UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW, AND SUDDENLY I NOTICED FLAMES ARE SHOOTING OUT OF THE SIDE MIRROR ALONG WITH THICK BLACK SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A GAS STATION AND PUT OFF THE FIRE WITH WATER HOSE. I WAS AFRAID OF THE FIRE TO GET INSIDE THE CAR. *TR
Apr 27, 2009
THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A SAFETY FEATURE WHICH AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO 20-30 MPH WHEN VARIOUS SENSORS DETECT SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL DIFFICULTY. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH THE SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS REDUCED. THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TOT HE DEALER. I WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A FAULTY ESP CONTROL MODULE SENT A FALSE WARNING TO THE SYSTEM THAT MADE THE VEHICLE REDUCE SPEED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS FEATURE WAS DESIGNED POORLY AND THAT IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED SO IT COULD BE MANUALLY OVERRIDDEN (MERCEDES BENZ S430 2002). *MR *SCC *NLM
Apr 22, 2003
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE GEARS JAMMED WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD REV TO ABOUT 2000 RPM'S OR MOR BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULDN'T MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPT THE VEHICLE WOULD EVENTUALLY MOVE. THE DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ALOT OF FUEL. THE FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK PROPERLY. STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T DISENGAGE FROM THE IGNITION AND EXCESSIVE REFLECTION FROM GLARE SHIELD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. *PH *NLM
Jul 28, 2003
TRANSMISSION STUCK IN FIRST GEAR, THREE ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY BY OWNER, FINALLY ON FOURTH ATTEMPT.(PLACING IN PARK AND TURNING OFF AN ON IGNITION) TRANSMISSION FINALLY WOKED NORMALLY. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER THROUGH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOLD TO RETURN VEHICLE TO DEALER, CONTACTED DEALER, WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL SEVERAL TIMES. THOUGHT I SHOULD ADVISE SOMEONE AT NHSTA. DT
Oct 24, 2002
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
WHILE MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS THE VEHICLE MADE A CRUNCHING NOISE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS (MERCEDES BENZ CLK55AMG 2002). *NLM
May 21, 2003
MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 430 CABRIOLET (YOUR WEB SITE DOES NOT LIST THIS MODEL OR THE CLK 55) HAS A WARPED REAR SUB-FRAME AND THERE WAS NO INCIDENT TO CAUSE THIS. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND CHARGED 3000 TO FIX! *NLM
Apr 16, 2003
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the driver’s side front wheel independently braked. The contact stated he had not depressed the brake pedal but heard an abnormal sound from the tire screeching as the wheel had stopped rolling. The contact stated that the ESP traction warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred several minutes later. The contact stated that the failure occurred one other time and had not happened again. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
May 03, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The car brakes suddenly by itself just after the ESB/ABS lights come on along with an exclamation point (!). This has happened randomly at least 4 times since we purchased the car. Once at high speeds on the highway. It appears this problem is common with other owners of Mercedes 2001-2002 ML's. According to the forums below, the problem seems to be a "YAW RATE SENSOR" malfunction or defect. My Mercedes mechanic saw no error codes for this component and it seem extremely expensive (forum states part is $3000) to replace. The https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/233486-big-problems-ml320-pls-help-2.html
Apr 30, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
FUSE BOX SOME HAS POWER SOME NOT. FRONT LEFT WHEEL MAKING THIS NOISE AND STOPS AFTER 25 MILES PER HOUR RADIO VOLUME LOW WHEN IGNITION KEY IS ON POSITION 3 WHEN KEY IT'S IN THE POSITION 2 LAUD VOLUME WHEN KEY IS NOT IN I CAN TURN ON THE STEREO
Jan 11, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
FRONT END COLLISION - AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
Jan 08, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
YES THIS [XXX] COMING TO YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I WAS AND A CAR ACCIDENT I WAS STRUCK BY AND VEHICLE MADE BY OLDSMOBILE YEAR 1998 PLATE NO. STATE [XXX] I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM DOWN TOWN FEDERAL COURT I WAS RIDING DOWN [XXX] CRASH DATE 08/21/2018. I WAS AT THE RED LIGHT I ALSO HAD MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON ALSO NOW I WAS SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN GREEN NEXT THING I KNOW THE SENIOR CITIZEN THE GUY WHO HIT ME FROM BEHIND. NEXT THING I KNOW MY 2002 ML320 MERCEDES BENZ DID A WHOLE 360 DEGREE SPIN AROUND I DIDN'T PANIC I WAS JUST AND TOTAL SHOCK I GOT OUT THE CAR AND WALK TO THE CAR TO CHECK IN SEE WAS THE PERSON OKAY OR NOT BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN I LOOK IN REALIZE IT WAS A SENIOR CITIZEN I ASK HIM ARE YOU OKAY HE SAID YES BUT HE WAS KIND OF DAZE I NOTICE THE CAR WAS LEAKING REAL BAD SO I STOOD ALL THE WAY BACK FOR MY SAFETY REASON BECAUSE THE PERSON WHO HIT ME WHICH IS THE SENIOR CITIZEN STARED TO SMOKE SO I STOOD ALL THE WAY BACK CAUSE I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GO BLOW UP BUT I THANK GOD IT DIDN'T. SO THE AMBULANCE ARRIVE ON THE CAR ACCIDENT. THEY TOOK THE PERSON WHO HIT ME TO THE HOSPITAL. WHICH HE LIVED THEN ALL THE POLICE FORCES CAME I MEAN EVERY TOP LAW CAME PACE BY PACE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. LONG STORY SHORT. MY CAR WAS INVOLVE IN A CAR ACCIDENT OH YEAR I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON TOO SAFETY FIRST. GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS BUCKLE UP AND CHECK ALL YOU MIRROR. HAVE A NICE DAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 08, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSECTION IN MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320 WHEN DRIVING THE YELLOW TRIANGLE IN THE SPEEDOMETER STARTS TO FLASH AND ALL THE BREAKS LOCK UP, THIS IS FOLLOWED BY A STALL, THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT MANY MERCEDES ML320 OWNERS WERE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. SPECIFICALLY THE YAW RATE SENSOR. THIS IS A SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING ISSUE THAT CAN INJURE OR WORSE YET KILL SOMEONE. YOU GUYS NEED TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES!
Dec 31, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BAS AND ESP WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT AND HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 20, 2017
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM THE CURB, STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISES AND HARDER TO TURN. I CONTINUED ON CITY STREETS THEN TO A FREEWAY WHERE MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION OPENED THE HOOD AND COULD SEE FLUID ALL OVER RIGHT LOWER DRIVER SIDE. IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM A HOSE BY THE POWER STEERING CAP AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RADIATOR. UNDER THE CAR SAME SPOT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE I COULD SEE POWER STEERING AND RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKING FROM THAT AREA.
Mar 16, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V208000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Aug 09, 2016
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2002 ML320, THE RADIO IS OUT AND THE HOLE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING CAUSING A LEAK, ESP/BAS STAYS ON CAUSING LOW TRACTION AND THE DOOR LOCK. THESE ITEMS WERE RECALLED ON THE M-CLASS 320, WHAT HAPPENED TO THES RECALLS.
Jun 19, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES WITHOUT THE CONTACT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EBS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
Mar 01, 2016
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
DRIVING HOME ON A LOCAL STREET AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, APPROACHING INTERSECTION, TRYING TO TURN, ALL THE SUDDEN, STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN, WITH NO ASSISTING POWER, CAR RUN OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, ALMOST CRASH INTO CURB. IT IS VERY LUCKY, THERE IS NO INCOMING CARS, WOULD HAVE CRASH HEAD ON OTHERWISE. CAR TOWED TO DEALER, FOUND STEERING HOSE FROM RADIATOR TO STEERING RACK BROKEN OFF, STEERING FLUID SPLATTING ALL OVER ENGINE. DEALER STATED NO RECALL FOR STEERING HOSE COMING OUT OF RADIATOR, BUT THERE WAS RECALL ON STEERING HOSE COMING OUT OF PUMP. SO THIS DEFECT WAS NOT COVERED. I URGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT IMMEDIATELY, AND ISSUE RECALL TO SAVE LIVES. *TR
Apr 22, 2013
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AFTER PARKING THE CAR A SMELL OF SMOKE WAS NOTED. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING VERY WELL AND WAS RECENTLY SERVICED BY A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WHICH INCLUDED A NEW BATTERY AMONG OTHER THINGS. BLACK SMOKE WAS NOTED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. AS IT WAS ATTEMPTED TO POP OPEN THE HOOD, FLAMES DARTED INTO THE COMPARTMENT THROUGH A CREATED HOLE JUST UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. FLAMES WERE NOTED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, AROUND THE TIRES AND SOON ENGULFING THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE FLAMES WERE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPT. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND IT'S COMPONENTS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED, THE INTERIOR FILLED WITH BLACK SOOT AND ODOR. THIS WAS A HUGE SHOCK AND SURPRISE TO THE OWNER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING SO WELL AND NEVER HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM BEFORE.
Jun 03, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
RUN OVER THE ANY PUMP ON THE ROAD THAT CAUSE THE GAS PEDAL PUSH DOWN TO THE BOTTOM, STILL DIDN'T ACCELERATE CAUSE THE CAR SLOWLY DOWN, THIS CAUSE EVERYTIME DRIVER OVER THE PUMP. *TR
May 23, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES ACCELERATION CAUSING IT TO SLOW DOWN ON FREEWAY WHEN MERGING,GOING UP HILLS OR IN FAST TRAFFIC. IF YOU PUSH GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR VEHICLE DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND THEN SUDDENLY RE ACCELERATES. MECHANIC REPLACED ELECTRICAL PART CALLED THROTTLE PEDAL SENSOR WHICH IS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS PART ELECTRONICALLY SENDS SIGNAL TO ENGINE TO ACCELERATE OR NOT. WHEN IT FAILS THE ACCELERATION IS ERRATIC. CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OR LOSS OF IT. SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED WITH CO WORKER. *TR
Aug 02, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
[MERCEDES BENZ ML 320 2002] WHILE DRIVING EAST ON ROUTE 80 AT 65 MPH AND APPROACHING THE TOLL BOOTHS OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE, I TAPPED MY BRAKES TO DISENGAGE MY SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT SHUT DOWN. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL MORE TIMES HARDER AND HARDER, BUT THE SPEED CONTROL STAYED IN CONTROL. I PUSHED DOWN VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET AND ALTHOUGH THE CAR SLOWED A LITTLE, THE SPEED CONTROL DRAMATICALLY SPEEDED UP THE ENGINE WITH THE TACHOMETER GOING ALMOST FULL SCALE. I WAS ABLE TO REDUCE THE CAR'S SPEED FROM ABOUT 65 TO UNDER 50 MPH, BUT WAS STILL PRETTY SCARED. THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AND AS AN ENGINEER I REALIZED MY OPTIONS AND TIME TO REACT WERE VERY LIMITED! I FIGURED MY CHOICES WERE FEW: 1) BRAKE UNTIL THE CAR EITHER STOPPED OR I HAD HIT THE STOPPED CARS AT THE TOLL BOOTHS (MAYBE DAMAGE THE TRANSMISSION FURTHER), 2) SHIFT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL HOPING THAT EITHER THE SPEED CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE OR AT LEAST I COULD STOP THE CAR (ENGINE RPMS MIGHT RUN AWAY AND DESTROY THE ENGINE), OR 3) TRY TO SHUT OFF THE SPEED CONTROL WITH THE CONTROL STALK ON THE LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN (WHICH I OBVIOUSLY COULD NOT READ CLOSELY TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE STOP MIGHT BE). FORTUNATELY, WITH SEVERAL TRIES I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE STOP POSITION ON THE SPEED CONTROL STALK AND DISENGAGE THE CONTROL. I BRAKED VERY HARD TO STOP SHORT OF A COLLISION..... AND GOT HARSH WORDS AND LOOKS FROM THE ADJACENT TOLL COLLECTORS. I SUSPECTED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING AND THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC (EDDIE RODRIGUEZ OF EDDY'S TOTAL AUTO CARE). THE MECHANIC ALSO HAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR. MY WIFE IS INSISTING THAT I GET RID OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND BUY A NEW CAR. I LOVE MY ML 320..... BUT I LOVE MY WIFE TOO! *TR
May 16, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. CONSUMER IS HAVING SOME WARRANTY REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ. HE ALSO STATES THAT MERCEDES-BENZ IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR ANY RECALL REPAIRS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED NOISES AND LACK OF POWER FROM THE VEHICLE WERE REPORTED TO THE DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOUND DIRTY SOLID METAL RESIDUE IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, THERE WERE MISSING PARTS IN THE PLANETARY GEAR. THE CAUSE OF DAMAGE WAS FAULTY ASSEMBLY OF THE PINS/PLUGS IN THE GEARS, WHICH RESULTED IN THE PARTS BECOMING LOOSE AND BREAKING THE TEETH, WHICH CAUSED EXCESSIVE NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER, ULTIMATELY THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING, THE BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, THE DOOR LOCKS HAD TO BE REPAIRED, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE SWAY BAR LINK BUSHING WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *JB UPDATED 06/01/10.*JB UPDATED 06/04/10.*JB UPDATED 10/18/10*JB UPDATED 10/29/10*JB
Apr 01, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A USED 2002 ML320. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME OF THE LOT IT WAS FINE IN THE BEGINNING; HOWEVER, THE BAS/ESP CONTINUES TO COME ON EVERY TWO TO THREE MONTHS. THIS PREVENTS ME FROM MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING (ON OR OFF WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PAD)AND WHEN IT DOES COME ON WHEN I AM DRIVING AT NIGHT OTHER DRIVERS CANNOT SEE ANY BRAKE LIGHTS AT ALL WHICH PUTS MY FAMILY AND I IN A SAFETY SITUATION OR SAFETY HAZARD WHICH HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING. AT FIRST, I TOOK IT TO NAPA ON METRO PARKWAY IN FORT MYERS WHICH THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND THEN TWO MONTHS TO THREE MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK FOR THE SAME SITUATION. THEY REPLACED THE SWITCH AND SAID THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THEY RECEIVED WAS FROM MERCEDES BENZ. IN THE SPRING 2007 THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED AND TOOK IT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF FORT MYERS AND THEY ALSO REPLACED THE SWITCH AS WELL. HOWEVER, MERCEDES OF FORT MYERS CHANGED AND FOLLOWED ORDERS FROM CORPORATE ON WHAT TO DO BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE THE PURCHASED OF THE ML320. CURRENTLY, OCTOBER 1, 2009 THE VEHICLE IS AT MERCEDES AT FORT MYERS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. MY WIFE AND I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES CUSTOMER COMPLAINT WITH THIS ISSUE BUT WE FEEL ENOUGH IS NOT BEING DONE TO RESOLVE. THE SITUATION BEGAN IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 9, 2006 AND CONTINUES PRESENTLY WHICH I HAVE INDICATED. OTHER DRIVERS CAME CLOSE TO CRASHING INTO ME DUE TO NO BRAKES LIGHTS. MY WIFE AND I FEEL THAT WE PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE THAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A LEMON THAT HAD ABOUT SEVENTY TWO PLUS THOUSAND MILES ON IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND MY WIFE AND I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU CAN INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. PLEASE RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 10/11/11. *JB UPDATED IVOQ 10/18/11. *JB
Oct 01, 2009
TIRES
1 complaint
2 OF MY TIRES DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL IN LESS THAN 24 MONTHS WITH PLENTY OF TREADLIFE LEFT ON THE THEM. *TR
Sep 25, 2009
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE 2002 MERCEDES ML-500 AND MY CLIMATE CONTROL DOES NOT WORKS AND BLOWING COOLED AIR ALL THE TIME EVEN WHEN I SELECTED TO FULL HOT. I DID BUY MERCEDES SHOP MANUAL AND AS I WAS READING THE SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED BY MERCEDES MANUFACTURER I FOUND THAT THE FACTORY IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THE A/C SYSTEM SOMETIMES DOES NOT PRODUCE HEAT OR COOLED AIR. MERCEDES CONFORMED THAT CERTAIN CONTROL UNITS PART NUMBERS HAVE LOW VOLTAGE PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSES THIS AND THE WANT THE CAR OWNER TO REPLACE THE A/C CONTROL UNIT WITH THE UPDATED PART NUMBER 163 829 57 89 AT THE CAR OWNER EXPENSE BECAUSE AS THEY SAY IT IS NOT SAFETY ISSUE? WELL CAN THAT BE WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE HEAT IN THE VERY COLD / SNOW WEATHER AS WE HAVE HERE IN BOSTON? AS FAR AS I AM CONCERN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO HEATING THE WINDSHIELD IN THE BAD WINTER STATES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF MY COMPLAIN MAKES CORRECT. *TR
Jan 26, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FOUND IDENTICAL PROBLEM PER NHTSA ACTION # EA08009 DEFECT INVESTIGATION. CONSTANT LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE. WARNING LIGHTS INDICATED LOW BRAKE FLUID. FOUND FLUID UNDER CAR AND IN FRONT LEFT WHEEL-WELL. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND BRAKE HARD LINE FROM MASTER CYLINDER WAS CHAFFED FROM ADJACENT FUEL LINE, CAUSING SMALL PIN-HOLE LEAK IN BRAKE LINE. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BRAKE FLUID WOULD SPRAY OUT, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE TO HOLD VEHICLE AT STOPS. CONTACTED MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY WERE UN-AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR WAS >$1000. ($112 FOR PART, $975 FOR 6HRS LABOR) PART NUMBER: A1634201526 PURCHASED LENGTH OF HARDLINE MYSELF AT PARTS STORE. CONSTRUCTED AND INSTALLED MY OWN REPLACEMENT PART FOR $155 INCLUDING PURCHASE OF TOOLS TO COMPLETE JOB. *TR
Jan 11, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO A MEDIAN. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT THE SAME TIME THE BRAKES LOCKED. THE CONTACT NEVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL NOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE BRAKES TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE YAW RATE SENSOR FAILED. THE REPAIRS WERE SCHEDULED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF THE BAS/ESP LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WAS LEAKING.. UPDATED 02/06/09.*JB
Jan 07, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS BEEN INTO SERVICE OV 27 TIME IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ ALL OF THE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD TURN ON. MY LASTEST ISSUE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR JUST COMPLETELY TURN OFF ON ME WILL ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN I TURNED THE KEY AGAIN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THIS CAR HAS BEEN FIX NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM COMES BACK. *TR
Jul 27, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, ML500 BEGAN TO BRAKE RANDOMLY . ALSO ABS TURNED ON WHILE STOPPING AND ACCELERATING. ALSO BRAKES WERE CONSTANTLY SCREECHING. WARNING LIGHTS FOR ABS, BAS, AND WASHER FLUID. FLUID LEVEL WAS FINE. I TOLD DEALER ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND FOUND NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEY ADVISED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN SHOULD THE SAME EVENTS OCCUR. (THE RANDOM BREAKING BEGAN TO OCCUR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED). THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO PERSIST AND WITH THE FAILURE OF ABS SYSTEM, I BROUGHT THE ML500 BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AFTER TWO DAYS, I RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $1100.00. "CONVENIENTLY" THEY FOUND THE SAME PROBLEMS I SPOKE OF BEFORE AFTER THE WARRANTY WAS UP. WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY TO RESTORE FUNCTION TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER TAKING IT HOME WE NOTICED THAT THE THERE WAS NO SOUND IN THE VEHICLE. THE SOUND AND NAVIGATION VOICE WORKED PERFECTLY BEFORE GETTING SERVICE. AND AFTERWARDS IT DID NOT. WE CALLED THE SERVICE CENTER, AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK AT OUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, AND THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. I ASSUME THAT THIS WAS A MISTAKE ON THEIR PART. WHEN I RETURNED TO RESTORE THE SOUND THEY APPROACHED ME AND TOLD ME THAT A "VOICE MODULATION UNIT" BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD GONE OUT, AND THAT IT WOULD COST $750.00 PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR. THEY TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO ME THAT THIS WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE, AND THAT THE UNIT WAS IN NO WAY RELATED OR CIRCUIT LINKED TO THE SENSORS THEY REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THEY MUST HAVE MISTAKENLY SHORTED IT. WE HAVE SPENT ALMOST $10,000.00 IN THE PAST YEAR FOR REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE AND ONE OTHER MERCEDES. THEY DID NOT GOOD WILL CREDIT THE WORK SO I DID NOT ACCEPT THE REPAIR SERVICE. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A $750.00 COINCIDENCE. THE SOUND WORKED FOR ALMOST 80,000 MILES BEFORE SERVICE AND NOW RIGHT AFTER IT FAILED... I DON'T THINK SO. THE MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER REFUSED TO DO ANY WORK FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
May 04, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A PARKING LOT FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HRS. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE. IT STARTED THEN ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. UPON THE 4TH ATTEMPT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I LOOKED AT THE DASH LIGHTS THE COMPUTER WAS SHOWING ERROR START. I PROCEEDED TO JIGGLE THE KEY AND EVEN USED THE SECOND MASTER KEY. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I TALKED WITH MB ROADSIDE SERVICE THEY SUGGESTED CLEANING THE KEY, JIGGLING THE RING AROUND THE IGNITION KEY AREA. NOTHING WORKED. AFTER 2 HOURS OF ATTEMPTS, I HAD THE ML TOWED BY FLAT BED TRUCK TO THE NEAREST MB DEALERSHIP. EVERY SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE ( 2002) I HAVE COMPLAINED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS EVERY YEAR, THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT TIMES AND I WOULD JIGGLE THE KEY AND KEEP TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. IN THE PAST IT FINALLY MANAGED TO START. WHEN I WOULD REPORT THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD STATE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL IT ACTUALLY WAS DOING THE SAME THING WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THEM. I KNOW THERE IS SOME PART THAT HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM DAY 1 AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS. THEY FOUND A FAULTY TRANSPONDER RING AND ALSO ADVISED ME THAT MY SECOND MASTER KEY WOULD NOT COORDINATE WITH THE COMPUTER AND THE NEW TRANSPONDER RING. IT READS ERROR START. JUST LIKE IT WAS DOING WHEN I HAD IT TOWED. I HAVE THE MERCEDES RETURNED TO ME 6 DAYS AND I GET IN THE CAR AND THE GEARS ARE LOCKED. I TURN THE ENGINE ON AND OFF FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. I CALLED THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. THEY WANT ME TO BRING IT BACK TOMORROW FOR THEM TO CHECK SOME SWITCH COMPONENT WHICH MAY BE DEFECTIVE. THIS ML 500 ONLY HAS 51,806 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER, I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DEPENDING ON IT. I AM AFRAID I WILL BE OUT SOMEWHERE AT NIGHT OR IN AN ISOLATED AREA AND THIS ML 500 WILL NOT START OR THE GEAR BOX WILL BE LOCKED UP. *TR
Apr 24, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN SEVEN TIMES FOR SERVICE ON THE BRAKE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHUT OFF, AND RESTARTED LATER, THE GEARSHIFT BECAME STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, AND THE DEALER TEMPORARILY REPAIRED BOTH ISSUES. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE TWO PROBLEMS WERE RELATED.*AK
Mar 21, 2006
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. MOST IMPORTANTLY THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL CONTINUALLY GOES OUT WITHOUT NOTICE. SOMETIME THE INTERIOR LEFT TURN LIGHTS UP AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. OTHER TIMES THE INTERIOR LEFT TURN LIGHT GOES COMPLETELY OUT PLACING ME AND MY CHILDREN IN GREAT DANGER. ALSO I MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING WENT OUT JUST AS I ENTERED THE BELTWAY AND WAS UNABLE STEER THE VEHICLE. *NM
Sep 14, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED A LEMON. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 4-5 TIMES AND EACH TIME AT LEAST A MONTH. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF AND DID NOT COME BACK ON, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN AND THE AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTIONED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *AK THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS PROBLEMATIC, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS IN THE REAR DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION, THE LEFT FRONT LOW BEAM LIGHT WOULD COME ON THE DISPLAY, THE VOICE OPERATION WAS HARD TO HEAR ON BOTH RECEIVING AND ANSWERING, THE BRAKES FELT SOFT, THE TRUNK SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY, THE CELL PHONE WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. (MODEL/S500) *SC *JB
Jun 29, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS DEFECTS, AND HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF TIMES. MB PROMISED TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE IF THEIR FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE COULD VERIFY MY COMPLAINTS. THEY ABSOLUTELY FOUND NUMEROUS, REDUNDANT DEFECTS AND NOW ONLY WANT TO FIX THE VEHICLE, RATHER THAT REPLACE THE VEHICLE. WHAT A BUNCH OF LIARS. THE VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM, THE WHEEL RUBS AND THE POWER STEERING FADES OUT, THE RADIO AND CD CHANGER MALFUNCTION CONSTANTLY, FUMES FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM, AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP, THE CAR ALMOST GOES OUT OF CONTROL, EVEN THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON. *JB
Sep 16, 2003
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE UNLESS STEPPED ON GAS TO FORWARD OR REVERSE. A DAY LATER AFTER WHEELS WERE WASHED AND DRIED UP, EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULD NOT RELEASE TOTALLY UNTIL STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. YOU CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE(FEEL LIKE HITTING YOUR BUMPER TO SOMETHING) WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL DURING THE RELEASE OF THE BRAKES. LOCAL DEALER SAID THEIR REGIONAL TECHNICIAN TOLD THEM THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. IT'S MY REPSONSIBILITY TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE BRAKE PADS ARE DRIED UP, THEN PARK THE CAR. I TOLD THEM IT IS DANGEROUS FOR SOMEONE WHO MAY NOT KNOW AND THOUGHT THE CAR WON'T MOVE AND STEP ON THE GAS EXCESSIVELY. THEY DID NOT SEEM CARE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY TOLD ME THE PADS HAVE TO BE DRIED UP BEFORE PARKING. I TOLD THEM SERVERAL TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM UNTIL I CALLED THEIR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND CAME TO MY HOUSE TO VERIFY IT. THEY EVENTUALLY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND REPRODUCED THE PROBLEM AT THEIR SHOP. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT SEEM TO COMEUP WITH A SOLUTION EXCEPT TO TELL ME THAT IT'S MY REPSONSIBILITY TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE PADS ARE DRIED UP BEFORE I PARK THE CAR. *AK
Aug 25, 2003
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DEPLOYED AIRBAGS INJURE 2 PA. FIREFIGHTERS DAVE SOMMERS, STAFF WRITER APRIL 24, 2003 EDGELY, PA. FIREFIGHTERS FACE A LOT OF HAZARDS EVERY TIME THEY SUIT UP. BUT THEY DON'T EXPECT TO BE STRUCK BY AUTOMOBILE AIRBAGS SUCH AS WHAT OCCURRED ON TUESDAY WHEN EDGELY FIRE COMPANY FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO A CAR FIRE IN THE 3M INDUSTRIAL PARK IN BRISTOL TOWNSHIP. IN FACT, OFFICIALS SAID ANDY TAGGART, 25, WAS KNOCKED OUT WHEN THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG ON A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ INEXPLICABLY DEPLOYED AS THE VETERAN FIREFIGHTER WAS CHECKING THE DASH FOR DAMAGE. A SECOND FIREFIGHTER, RYAN FLANAGAN, 18, WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED WHEN HE WAS STRUCK IN THE HEAD BY A PARTIALLY DEPLOYING AIRBAG AS HE WAS CHECKING THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT DASH, OFFICIALS SAID. BOTH WERE RUSHED TO ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER IN LANGHORNE WHERE THEY WERE KEPT FOR OBSERVATION AND THEN RELEASED EARLY YESTERDAY. FLANAGAN SAID EDGELY RESPONDED TO THE FIRE SCENE AROUND 9:38 P.M. AFTER LEARNING THAT A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ WAS ON FIRE IN FRONT OF A&Z AUTOMOTIVE ON MANNING BOULEVARD. WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED, THEY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH AND BEGAN TO GET THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG BLEW WITH SUCH FORCE IT KNOCKED TAGGART UNCONSCIOUS WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE BAG, WHICH ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED, STRUCK A GLANCING BLOW OFF THE SIDE OF RYAN FLANAGAN'S HEAD. BOTH FIREFIGHTERS WERE WEARING HELMETS, WHICH LIKELY SAVED THEM FROM FURTHER INJURY. AEROSTAR, THE SECURITY COMPANY WHICH ELECTRONICALLY MONITORS LUXURY CARS SUCH AS THE MERCEDES, HAD AUTOMATICALLY CALLED 911 WHEN IT DETECTED A FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE AEROSTAR SYSTEM ALSO AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED THE CARS DOORS AND CONTACTED THE OWNER, WHO WAS NOT WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE FIRE INSIDE THE MERCEDES WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE IT COULD CAUSE MUCH DAMAGE. *NLM
Apr 26, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class have?
The 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class currently has 134 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class?
The most common problems reported for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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