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2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, but owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls
0
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
0 / 3
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering6
Electrical System5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Seats3
Exterior Lighting2
Tires1
Power Train1
Visibility1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Engine1
Structure1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 110,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 123,000 miles · reported Feb 13, 2017
The contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz ml500. While driving 65 MPH, the power steering seized. A mechanic confirmed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Electrical System · at 125,500 miles · reported Dec 27, 2014
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.
Steering · at 165,000 miles · reported Oct 6, 2014
The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz ml500. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and required excessive force to control the wheel. The contact noticed fluid leaking from the vehicle. The failure has occurred for the past eight months. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 08v465000 (Steering). The dealer stated that the steering fluid was low and needed to be replenished. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering · at 70,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2013
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.
Seats · at 141,000 miles · reported Jan 31, 2012
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 daughter jumped to the back seat while it was still hot…

Other Mercedes-Benz ML500 years

2008200720062005200420032002

Compare all Mercedes-Benz ML500 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500?

Owners report steering problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 110,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.