2004 Mercedes Benz ML500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
18 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
90,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data snapshot: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 18 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 5 | 27.8% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 16.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 5.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Electrical System: 5; Steering: 5; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 4 |
| 150,000 and above | 3 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 3
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10382577 · 2011-02-14 (February 14, 2011)
2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED / REPAIRED BY ZEMBRICK MERCEDES IN ADISON WISCONSIN ON FEB 3 2011. THE REPAIRS / SERVICE INCLUDED REPLACING A SEAL ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP. WITHIN DAYS OF THE REPAIR THE POWER STEERING UNIT LEAKED ALL IT'S FLUID FROM A HOSE CLAMP. FOUND THE RECALL 08V465000 FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH PER THE RECALL COVERED ALL 1998-2004 MB ML'S . HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP AND MBUSA STATES THIS RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY STILL PRESENT AND ONGOING, …
Owner-reported narrative. 110,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10382577 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10548273 · 2013-10-17 (October 17, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10548273 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10109883 · 2005-02-05 (February 5, 2005)
I HAVE RETURNED MY SUV TO MERCEDES ABOUT 5 TIMES TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED BECAUSE THEY SQUEAL WHEN STOPPING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY MERCEDES THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE BECAUSE ALL DISC BRAKES SQUEAL. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE I HAVE HAD MANY CARS WITH DISC BRAKES OVER THE YEARS. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 2/3/05 AND IT WAS SQUEALING AGAIN ON 2/4/05. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10109883 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10155406 · 2006-04-15 (April 15, 2006)
OVERLY EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD AND BRAKE ROTOR WEAR ASSOCIATED WITH 2004 MERCEDES ML500 SUV. REPLACEMENT/REPAIR COST NOT COVERED BY MERCEDES NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY AND REPAIR COSTS IN EXCESS OF $1300.00. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 18,284 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155406 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10376372 · 2011-01-12 (January 12, 2011)
DURING REGULAR VEHICLE USE THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOLDER HAD MELTED UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10376372 at NHTSA ↗