Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

ML-Class (W163)

2000-2005 · Midsize SUV ยท 4 engines
273 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
28 Fire Reports
12 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

Not rated

NHTSA's production counts do not cover this model well enough to compare it with similar vehicles. NHTSA has 273 owner complaints on file for it, listed below.

Complaints by Engine Code

3.7-V8-Gas

3.7L 8-cyl / 240 hp
74 complaints 24.7 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
21
engine
15
cooling
11
interior
10
electrical
8

Known Issues

Steering Issues (21 complaints)
Engine Issues (15 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (11 complaints)

Same engine used in

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Unidentified Engine

55 complaints 13.8 per year
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
15
electrical
12
engine
9
interior
9
brakes
6

Known Issues

Steering Issues (15 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
Engine Issues (9 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
1
other
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+73 more
MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2012-2015)CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2007-2012)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2006-2011)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2016-2019)DODGE Challenger (2008-2023)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (70 complaints)
steering critical
Electrical System Issues (55 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (50 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (39 complaints)
engine critical
Interior Issues (34 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (1)

01V290000Sep 10, 2001serious
Suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems?

The 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has accumulated 273 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Electrical System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Is the 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class a good used car?

The 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 273 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have?

The 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 273 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2000-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Electrical System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the ML-Class?

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 273 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver