2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 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 owns a 2003 mercedes benz ML500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond intermittently. The ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000...updated 08/06/15 the consumer stated two lines from the reservoir to the hydraulic pressure regulator failed. Further investigation revealed all the brake lines had severe pitting and corrosion , as well as the fuel lines. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730545, filed 2015-06, 81,000 miles“2003 mercedes benz ML500 ABS light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer notified the consumer that the brakes and tires needed to be changed.”
NHTSA complaint #10124707, filed 2005-05“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that the ABS indicator kept randomly illuminating and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained parked for over a year due to the risk of a potential crash. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11233768, filed 2019-07Related service bulletins
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily…
- 10033607Jan 1, 2010Mercedes benz: check for installation of spacer between brake and fuel line, install if necessary. The spacer between the brake line and fuel line may not have been installed…
- 10030929Jun 15, 2009Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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