U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Mercedes Benz ML500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

37 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

71,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 31 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 37 complaints (18.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	11	29.7%
Transmission and shifting	8	21.6%
Steering behavior	7	18.9%
Electrical and battery issues	6	16.2%
Engine operation	1	2.7%

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.

Electrical System

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Air Bags

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Vehicle Speed Control

Steering

Unknown Or Other

Power Train

Electrical System: 7; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 5; Air Bags: 4; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Steering: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Power Train: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 3

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 6 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.

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2018

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 4; 2011: 3; 2012: 2; 2013: 4; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2018: 3; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 5; 2023: 1; 2024: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 8 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 7 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 10210926 · 2007-12-05 (December 5, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE DRIVER JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND SUSTAINED SCRATCHES AND CUTS. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HIRED AN INVESTIGATOR AND HE STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 28,600. UPDATED 03/0…

Owner-reported narrative. 28,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10210926 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10291630 · 2009-11-10 (November 10, 2009)

AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, RELEASED BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS; THE RPM WOULD GO UP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD, INSTEAD THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE IT WAS ON A HILL. THE GEAR INDICATOR WAS ON DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS ACTUALLY ON NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS CAR IS ON NEUTRAL AND CANNOT CHANGE TRANSMISSION BACK TO ANY GEAR. CAR WAS TAKE TO A DEALER REPAIR SHOP, WHERE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED. AS CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY COST OF REPAIR OVER $1000. *TR…

Owner-reported narrative. 53,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10291630 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10218439 · 2008-02-18 (February 18, 2008)

MERCEDES 500ML TRANSMISSION AND POWER STEERING NOT SAFE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10218439 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10181871 · 2007-02-07 (February 7, 2007)

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2006 MERCEDES ML 500 (19800 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 25 MPH, AND MERGING RIGHT ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY, THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT ONTO THE GRASS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE TO CHECK THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT SPINNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT "THEY WILL NOT FIX THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH" EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T STRIKE ANYTHING WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND RAN OFF ON TO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN …

Owner-reported narrative. 19,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10181871 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10330995 · 2010-05-18 (May 18, 2010)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS MELTING. THE DEALER REUPHOLSTERED THE SEAT AND THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE OWNER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 3 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE WIRING HARNESS TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ALSO ADVISED THE DEALER THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS COULD ONLY BE USED MANUALLY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE POWER DOOR …

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10330995 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10412423 · 2011-07-15 (July 15, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN WHENEVER IT WOULD RAIN, WATER WOULD ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR HATCH AND SPLASHED ONTO THE FUSE BOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE WOULD BECOME WET AND CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO MALFUNCTION. THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE DUE THE WATER GETTING ON THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEA…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10412423 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11450281 · 2022-02-03 (February 3, 2022)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11450281 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

37 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

83.8%Usable mileage31 / 37 records

100.0%Valid incident date37 / 37 records

100.0%Valid filing date37 / 37 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates37 / 37 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Electrical System	27.4% ODI 10189784 · 77,000 mi 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 B… Look up ODI 10189784 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 10503789 · 133,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10503789 at NHTSA ↗	527.8% ODI 10073748 · 4,000 mi VEHICLE LOST POWER DUE TO THE ESM TRACKING SYSTEM. AFTER ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. AK NM Look up ODI 10073748 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	718.9% ODI 10348487 · 43,444 mi ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY, OUR SUV BRAKE, ABS, ESP LIGHTS WENT ON, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOW THAT ABS, ESP, DISPLAY MALFUNCTION, CONTRACT SERVICE. POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ARE BOTH VERY TIGHT. SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. AFTER WE REPORT THE INCIDENCE TO M-BRACE SERVICE, WE MANAGE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY FROM THE NEXT IMMEDIATE EXIT TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY OFF BY ITSELF. WE SPENT ONE NIGHT WITH A FRIEND NEARBY. THE NEXT MORNING, THE 25TH, WE TOOK OFF FROM FRIENDS DRIVE WAY, THE IN… Look up ODI 10348487 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10378769 · 32,500 mi I OWNED A 2007 MERCEDES ML500, THE REASON I DON'T OWN THE VEHICLE ANY LONGER IS BECAUSE IT BURNT UP IN MY PARKING LOT OUTSIDE OF MY OFFICE. THE EVENING BEFORE THE FIRE I HAD DINNER OUT AND WHEN I WENT TO UNLOCK MY CAR DOORS, THE RIGHT BLINKER LIGHT FLICKERED AND REMAINED ON. AS I GOT INTO THE CAR THE SOUND OF THE BLINKER WAS VERY QUICK AND I TURNED IT OFF BUT REALIZED THEN THAT IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT ALONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I MADE AN APPOINTMENT T GET THOSE FIXED, IN THE MEANTIME I DROVE TO WORK AND PARKED. ONE OF… Look up ODI 10378769 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	622.2% ODI 10249894 THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SACRAMENTO CA IN AUG OF 06, AT THIS TIME WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED 2 YEAR WARRANTY WHICH WE UNDERSTOOD TO BE EXPIRING IN AUG OF 08. THE CAR WORKED FINE WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL SEPT OF 07. I STARTED THE CAR AT 4 AM TO HEAD TO WORK AND IT MAKE A REALLY LOUD NOISE, IT GOT WORSE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. I CONTACTED THE MB DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP. I EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT NOT WANTING TO DRIVE THE CAR MAKING THAT SOUND, HE ASSURED ME THAT IT WAS FINE. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEA… Look up ODI 10249894 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 10261377 · 83,317 mi I PAID MY DEALER FOR A REPAIR OF A COMPONENT THAT WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL. HOW DO I GET A REFUND OR CREDIT FOR THE EXPENSE. I HAVE ML 500 MERCEDES BENZ 2003. MY POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AT THE WHITE PLAINS N.Y. DEALERSHIP. *TR Look up ODI 10261377 at NHTSA ↗	527.8% ODI 10382577 · 110,000 mi 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, … Look up ODI 10382577 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	38.1% ODI 10440197 · 98,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH APPROACHING A TURN AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND LEAKAGE OF FLUID. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER UNDER 05V224000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. Look up ODI 10440197 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10909481 · 59,175 mi MECHANICAL FAILURE, STEERING JAM AND BRAKE DID NOT WORK DURING DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH IN SUBDIVISION STREET. GOT IN ACCIDENT HITTING THE VAN. Look up ODI 10909481 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	215.4% ODI 10436061 · 97,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AS HIS LEFT PANT LEG CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SMALL BURN TO THE LEG. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SPARKS AND A SMALL FLAME COMING THROUGH A SMALL HOLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH WATER AND WAS TREATED FOR THE SMALL BURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. Look up ODI 10436061 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10445967 · 141,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE HEATED SEAT WAS TURNED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MERCEDES ML 500 WITH MY 17 DAUGHTER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL AND MY DAUGHTERS SEAT FELT HOT TO HER. SHE TRIED TO MOVE HER SELF OVER AND BURNT THE PALM OF HER HAND ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN BURNING AT A VERY HOT TEMPERATURE AND WAS MELTING THE LEATHER ON THE SEAT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT AND OPENED THE WINDOWS TO HELP COOL IT OFF. IT TOOK 30 MINUTES OR MORE FOR THE SEAT TO COOL OFF IN THAT SPOT. MY DAUGHT… Look up ODI 10445967 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	25.4% ODI 10405522 · 71,000 mi THIS EVENT IS A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE--THANK GOODNESS! WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 4 LANE RESIDENTIAL THOROUGHFARE, THE INTERIOR FILLED WITH SMOKE, I BEGAN COUGHING & GASPING FOR AIR AND THE SEAT BACK BECAME VERY HOT, ALL SEEMINGLY SIMULTANEOUS. INSTANTLY OPENING WINDOWS PROVIDED OXYGEN & CLEARED THE SMOKE AS TURNING OFF THE SEAT HEATER RELIEVED THE HOT SEAT SITUATION. GRATEFULLY, I WAS NOT IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC, COULD PULL TO THE CURB. EXAMINATION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK, ABOUT WAIST HIGH, REVEALED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A FAT CIGAR BU… Look up ODI 10405522 at NHTSA ↗	555.6% ODI 10339102 · 38,735 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 ML 500 SUV, THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICALLY INDUCED SMOLDERING FIRE. THE HEAT SOURCE BURNED A DIME SIZED HOLE COMPLETELY THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT, SMOKE STARTED TO APPEAR AND MY SKIN STARTED TO BURN RIGHT THROUGH MY CLOTHES. THINKING MY CLOTHES MIGHT BURST INTO FLAMES, I IMMEDIATELY CAME TO A STOP AND SAFELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND THEN MOMENTS LATER TURNED OFF THE CAR. THANKFULLY MY CLOTHES DID NOT CATCH FIRE AND I WAS NOT IN BUSY TRAFFIC OR THIS MIGHT HAVE ENDED DIFFERENTLY. IF THI… Look up ODI 10339102 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	13.7% ODI 11246736 · 201,000 mi 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 ADAM… Look up ODI 11246736 at NHTSA ↗	538.5% ODI 10461541 NOTES TAKEN ON PHONE BY BOWMAN, ODI, NHTSA: VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AFTER IMPACT WITH IRREGULAR ROAD SURFACES CONDITION SUCH AS POTHOLE, TRANSVERSING A CHANGE ROAD GRADES / SURFACES SUCH AS SPEED BUMPS, ETAL. VEHICLE CAN BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AFTER SHUT-OFF. ONE INCIDENT ALLEGEDLY OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGING ONTO INTERSTATE. Look up ODI 10461541 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 10668448 · 125,500 mi THIS COULD BE RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN ALL ML CLASS. 1. OBD SYSTEM CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY 2. STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR CAUSE TO REPORT INCORRECTLY 3. THE SPEEDOMETER OUT OF TOLERANCE IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY 4. OBD SYSTEM IS REPORTING INCORRECTLY CAUSING FAULTS IN SYSTEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10668448 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10653430 · 115,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DAS CONTROL BOX MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. Look up ODI 10653430 at NHTSA ↗	12.7% ODI 11482998 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 … Look up ODI 11482998 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	311.1% ODI 10057273 · 10,000 mi WARRANTY ISSUES AND/OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. *PH AT THE FIRST 10,000 MILES, THE CONSUMER NOTICED BRAKE TRAVEL WAS TOO LONG AND WAS ADVISED BY AN SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER AT LESS THAN 3,000 MILES, THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT ADEQUATE AND THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE REAR BRAKES WHEN BRAKING. THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE GONE AND THE ROTORS WERE SCORED DUE TO TOO MUCH CITY DRIVING AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR WOULD NOT HONOR REPAIRS UNDER WARRAN… Look up ODI 10057273 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10109883 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 Look up ODI 10109883 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	513.5% ODI 10210926 · 28,400 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE DRIVER JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND SUSTAINED SCRATCHES AND CUTS. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HIRED AN INVESTIGATOR AND HE STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 28,600. UPDATED 03/0… Look up ODI 10210926 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	311.1% ODI 10074295 TGHE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS STICKY AND NOTCHY. THIS CONDITION MADE SMOOTH ACCELERATION EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AK TS Look up ODI 10074295 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	410.8% ODI 10485867 · 48,763 mi MY WIFE HAS HAD 4 INCIDENTS WHERE THE SUV HAS FELT LIKE IS WANTS TO ACCELERATE WHILE STOPPING. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS 23 NOVEMBER, WHERE AS SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AND IT FELT LIKE SHE HAD BEEN HIT IN THE REAR. THE CAR IS GOING INTO THE MB DEALER, PARK PLACE MERCEDES BENZ, FORT WORTH [phone removed], 27 NOVEMBER FOR INVESTIGATION. *TR Look up ODI 10485867 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	13.7% ODI 768838 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 Look up ODI 768838 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.6% ODI 10175521 · 1,500 mi CAR GETS STUCK IN THE PARK GEAR AND HAS TO BE TOWED. DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT, A MECHANIC PUT A PEN INTO A SLOT IN THE GEAR BOX AND IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS A DEFECT THE MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT, OTHERWISE HOW DID THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO? *JB Look up ODI 10175521 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	410.8% ODI 10291630 · 53,000 mi AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, RELEASED BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS; THE RPM WOULD GO UP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD, INSTEAD THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE IT WAS ON A HILL. THE GEAR INDICATOR WAS ON DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS ACTUALLY ON NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS CAR IS ON NEUTRAL AND CANNOT CHANGE TRANSMISSION BACK TO ANY GEAR. CAR WAS TAKE TO A DEALER REPAIR SHOP, WHERE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED. AS CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY COST OF REPAIR OVER $1000. *TR… Look up ODI 10291630 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	13.7% ODI 11443393 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 sign… Look up ODI 11443393 at NHTSA ↗	215.4% ODI 10730545 · 81,000 mi 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 08/1… Look up ODI 10730545 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	25.4% ODI 11565990 I am experiencing malfunctions of the Seat Belt, electrical and breaking system Look up ODI 11565990 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10909481 · 59,175 mi MECHANICAL FAILURE, STEERING JAM AND BRAKE DID NOT WORK DURING DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH IN SUBDIVISION STREET. GOT IN ACCIDENT HITTING THE VAN. Look up ODI 10909481 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	70,000–200,000 mi	97,000 mi	5	ODI 10348487 · 43,444 mi ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY, OUR SUV BRAKE, ABS, ESP LIGHTS WENT ON, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOW THAT ABS, ESP, DISPLAY MALFUNCTION, CONTRACT SERVICE. POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ARE BOTH VERY TIGHT. SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. AFTER WE REPORT THE INCIDENCE TO M-BRACE SERVICE, WE MANAGE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY FROM THE NEXT IMMEDIATE EXIT TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY OFF BY ITSELF. WE SPENT ONE NIGHT WITH A FRIEND NEARBY. THE NEXT MORNING, THE 25TH, WE TOOK OFF FROM FRIENDS DRIVE WAY, THE IN… Look up ODI 10348487 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10534583 · 70,000 mi 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE SAW ON THE NEWS THERE WAS A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE C CLASS MERCEDES BENZ DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS WHICH SHORT OUT AND CATCH FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH HIS VEHICLE. TWO YEARS AGO, THE ENTIRE REAR TAIL LIGHT COMPARTMENT, WIRING AND BULBS HAD TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO CORROSION. SHORTLY AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TAIL LIGHTS, THE LOCK ON THE TAILGATE DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN AND CLOSE, THE … Look up ODI 10534583 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10614990 · 97,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE HATCH DOOR LATCH WOULD ERRONEOUSLY LOCK AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BLINK OFF AND ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE HORN ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND COULD NOT BE TURN OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT MOMENT LATER SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR HATCH AREA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE FLAMES WERE DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE BRAKE… Look up ODI 10614990 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	128,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10210926 · 28,400 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE DRIVER JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND SUSTAINED SCRATCHES AND CUTS. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HIRED AN INVESTIGATOR AND HE STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 28,600. UPDATED 03/0… Look up ODI 10210926 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11474558 · 200,000 mi 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… Look up ODI 11474558 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11491372 · 132,000 mi 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 rece… Look up ODI 11491372 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	100,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10448931 · 94,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT WHENEVER ONE AIR BAG WAS MALFUNCTIONING, IT WOULD PREVENT ALL OF THE AIR BAGS FROM FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, STATING THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE AIR BAG HARNESS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO 100,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILE… Look up ODI 10448931 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11385363 · 100,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 11385363 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11439510 · 140,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11439510 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	51,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10291630 · 53,000 mi AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, RELEASED BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS; THE RPM WOULD GO UP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD, INSTEAD THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE IT WAS ON A HILL. THE GEAR INDICATOR WAS ON DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS ACTUALLY ON NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS CAR IS ON NEUTRAL AND CANNOT CHANGE TRANSMISSION BACK TO ANY GEAR. CAR WAS TAKE TO A DEALER REPAIR SHOP, WHERE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED. AS CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY COST OF REPAIR OVER $1000. TR… Look up ODI 10291630 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10294122 · 53,000 mi ACCELERATED AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHTED INTERSECTION. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT THE REDUCED COST OF $2500, AS A COURTESY, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3K MILES. TR Look up ODI 10294122 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10329094 · 50,000 mi TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10329094 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	48,763 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10485867 · 48,763 mi MY WIFE HAS HAD 4 INCIDENTS WHERE THE SUV HAS FELT LIKE IS WANTS TO ACCELERATE WHILE STOPPING. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS 23 NOVEMBER, WHERE AS SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AND IT FELT LIKE SHE HAD BEEN HIT IN THE REAR. THE CAR IS GOING INTO THE MB DEALER, PARK PLACE MERCEDES BENZ, FORT WORTH [phone removed], 27 NOVEMBER FOR INVESTIGATION. *TR Look up ODI 10485867 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10510439 · 47,000 mi VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP AT A LIGHT OR AFTER TAKING A HIGHWAY FROM A RAMP, THE ENGINE WILL REV UP BUT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS, AFTER A PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING IT WILL RUN NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 20-30 TIMES UNTIL YESTERDAY I GET OUT OF WORK PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS IN LIMP MODE STUCK IN 2ND AND WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CAUSE WAS FROM THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANSMISSION OR THE CONDUCTOR PLATE… Look up ODI 10510439 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11073859 · 140,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 11073859 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	Too few reports for a range	83,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10440197 · 98,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH APPROACHING A TURN AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND LEAKAGE OF FLUID. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER UNDER 05V224000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. Look up ODI 10440197 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11139739 · 68,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 11139739 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	27,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10836706 · 27,000 mi 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 HO… Look up ODI 10836706 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	78,400 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10538541 · 78,400 mi SPORADICALLY, WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON LOCAL ROADS OR THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SWITCH HIGHER THAN THIRD GEAR. THE PROBLEM OCCURS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. UPON ENGINE RESTART, VEHICLE DRIVES PROPERLY. MY PEDAL SHIFTERS DO NOT WORK WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS; I CAN TRY TO SHIFT GEARS WITH THE PEDAL SHIFTERS, AND THE SOFTWARE INDICATES A CHANGE FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR, BUT THE ACTUAL TRANSMISSION DOES NOT CHANGE GEARS. IT REMAINS STUCK IN THIRD GEAR WHETHER I SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN. IF I PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TRY TO REVERSE, TH… Look up ODI 10538541 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	1	None	ODI 11699958 THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME. Look up ODI 11699958 at NHTSA ↗
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	0	0	0
2008	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	9	0	0
2008	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Air Bags	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Vehicle Speed Control	Steering	Unknown Or Other	Power Train
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11450281 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. Look up ODI 11450281 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 11482998 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 … Look up ODI 11482998 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 11699958 THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME. Look up ODI 11699958 at NHTSA ↗	0
Steering	1 ODI 11450281 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. Look up ODI 11450281 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	1 ODI 11482998 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 … Look up ODI 11482998 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11699958 THE ESP AND ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT PARKED VEHICLES CAUSING MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND INJURIES TO ME. Look up ODI 11699958 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0
Power Train	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 18.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 132,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10330995 · 40,000 mi

Look up ODI 10330995 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10348487 · 43,444 mi

ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY, OUR SUV BRAKE, ABS, ESP LIGHTS WENT ON, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOW THAT ABS, ESP, DISPLAY MALFUNCTION, CONTRACT SERVICE. POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ARE BOTH VERY TIGHT. SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. AFTER WE REPORT THE INCIDENCE TO M-BRACE SERVICE, WE MANAGE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY FROM THE NEXT IMMEDIATE EXIT TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY OFF BY ITSELF. WE SPENT ONE NIGHT WITH A FRIEND NEARBY. THE NEXT MORNING, THE 25TH, WE TOOK OFF FROM FRIENDS DRIVE WAY, THE IN…

Look up ODI 10348487 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11439510 · 140,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11439510 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

5 mentions · 13.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 68,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10218439

MERCEDES 500ML TRANSMISSION AND POWER STEERING NOT SAFE. *TR

Look up ODI 10218439 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10348487 · 43,444 mi

Look up ODI 10348487 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10440197 · 98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH APPROACHING A TURN AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND LEAKAGE OF FLUID. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER UNDER 05V224000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Look up ODI 10440197 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 5.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 162,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11474558 · 200,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 11474558 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11519293 · 125,000 mi

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 anoth…

Look up ODI 11519293 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 36,039 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10373422 · 36,039 mi

2006 ML500 WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE, 2010 AS A CPO, ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES SERVICE AND MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. WAS TOLD FLUSHING TRANSMISSION WAS ANSWER, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED FOR MONTHS. VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO STICK IN NEUTRAL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT TO DRIVE OR REVERSE. SEVERAL TIMES WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. AFTER MANY INSTANCES OF THIS, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO MERCEDES SERVICE. WAS TOLD …

Look up ODI 10373422 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11450281

Look up ODI 11450281 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b