2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 7%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- 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 ML500, 7% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 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 gears jammed when the consumer attempted to put the vehicle in reverse. The vehicle would rev to about 2000 RPM's or mor but the vehicle still wouldn't move. After several attempt the vehicle would eventually move. The doors were difficult to close. The vehicle consumed alot of fuel. The fuel gauge didnt work properly. Steering wheel didn't disengage from the ignition and excessive reflection from glare shield onto the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10024830, filed 2003-07, 9,000 miles“Transmission stuck in first gear, three attempts to remedy by owner, finally on fourth attempt.(placing in park and turning off an on ignition) transmission finally woked normally. Contacted manufacturer through roadside assistance told to return vehicle to dealer, contacted dealer, was told that they have seen this problem on this model several times. Thought I should advise someone at nhsta. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #768838, filed 2002-10Related 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
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500
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