2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 3% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10966233, filed 2017-03, 200,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10957858, filed 2017-03, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 10135598Mar 25, 2015Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology