2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 2% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 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.
“The contact stated the vehicle had repeated problems with the brake assistance system. The problem presented itself by the illumination of the dashboard warning light. The vehicle was taken in seven times for service on the brake assistance system. The vehicle also had problems with the transmission. When the vehicle was parked, shut off, and restarted later, the gearshift became stuck in the park position. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, and the dealer temporarily repaired both issues. The dealer determined that the two problems were related.”
NHTSA complaint #10153332, filed 2006-03, 2,000 miles“2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. Consumer is having some warranty repair problems with Mercedes-Benz. He also states that Mercedes-Benz is refusing to pay for any recall repairs. The consumer stated noises and lack of power from the vehicle were reported to the dealer. An independent repair shop found dirty solid metal residue in the transmission fluid, there were missing parts in the planetary gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10323089, filed 2010-04Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 2 | 9% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 12 | 7% |
| 1999 | 19 | 15% |
| 1998 | 10 | 8% |
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 complaintsEngine
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