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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
11%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
97,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 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 have 2002 mercedes ml-500 and my climate control does not works and blowing cooled air all the time even when I selected to full hot. I did buy mercedes shop manual and as I was reading the service bulletins issued by mercedes manufacturer I found that the factory is aware of this issue the A/C system sometimes does not produce heat or cooled air. …”

NHTSA complaint #10256428, filed 2009-01, 109,000 miles

“While driving, ML500 began to brake randomly . Also ABS turned on while stopping and accelerating. Also brakes were constantly screeching. Warning lights for ABS, bas, and washer fluid. Fluid level was fine. I told dealer about these problems before warranty had expired. They ran a diagnostics test and found nothing was wrong. They advised me to bring the vehicle in should the same events occur. (the random breaking began to occur after warranty expired). The problem continued to persist and with the failure of ABS system, I brought the ML500 back to the service center. …”

NHTSA complaint #10189784, filed 2007-05, 77,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2002 mercedes ML500. While driving at night at any speed, the contact noticed an optical distortion on the rear view mirror which affected his visibility of the vehicles located in the rear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated the rear view mirror had to be replaced. The technician stated the interior of the mirror contained liquid which deteriorated over time and caused the distortion. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10437844, filed 2011-11, 97,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200416%
2002311%

Other parts of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

Steering
7 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Fuel 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