2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the seats of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 6% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Driving 2002 mercedes ML320. Smelled burning. Pulled over and checked under hood and found no smell. When I got back into the car, I noticed a burned spot on the drivers seat. Corresponding burn mark was on my back left pant pocket. I turned of the seat warmer and the problem has stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10293230, filed 2009-11, 101,000 miles“I have a 2002 mercedes ML320. The driver's side seat heater was on, it started to smoke, was very hot in one spot, almost to the point of melting the leather. The heater had only been on for less than 10 minutes. Could also feel an electrical pulsing, like a current at the sight.we parked the car outside overnight, for fear of it starting on fire. Contacted black forest motors the next day, they said it was out of warranty and that we could order a new seat at our cost. This took place on 1-27-05. On 2-8-5, in the detroit free press, there is an article of this happening in 2003 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10110075, filed 2005-02, 65,000 miles“After being on for about five minutes the driver's seat heater overheated resulting in a strong burning smell, burn mark on the car seat and a red burn mark on my bottom. The seat continued to be very hot even when turned off.”
NHTSA complaint #10373435, filed 2010-12, 166,027 miles“The contact stated while driving the heated seat coils on the driver's side heated up and burned a hole through the seat. This caused damage to the clothing but no injuries were sustained. The vehicle is at the dealership at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10148046, filed 2006-01Related service bulletins
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged…
- 11031635May 18, 2018To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement…
- 10034608Feb 5, 2010Mercedes: the electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding function does not work at all. A warning message about locking the 3rd seat…
Seats: 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 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 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