2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 miles. 1 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 45mph on highway, car shuts off completely. Towed to closest gas station, who put a computer on it to find out it was the crank shaft sensor. After completely cooling it will start again, but in less than 10 min it cuts off.”
NHTSA complaint #10622600, filed 2014-08, 111,000 miles“Takata recall. Power steering brake issue, power steering hose became detached during vehicle operation, could not steer vehicle. Transmission and radio drain, car cut off on me during driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10887829, filed 2016-07, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, smoke emitted from the driver's seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 133,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10503789, filed 2013-03, 133,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10165852Jul 9, 2014Noise in center console area of W166.
- 10165851Jul 8, 2014Side windows may make noises when closing and opening, or reverse direction when closing.
- 10165850Jul 8, 2014Side windows may make noises when closing and opening, or reverse direction when closing.
- 10167564Jul 12, 2013Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
- 10167563Jul 8, 2013The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after…
- 10034152Jun 7, 2010Mercedes: battery symbol and service required (in white). Fault message is displayed if the charge level is too low or the park pawl additional battery is defective. In addition…
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10028686May 6, 2009Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, amg (compressor) amg, bluetec and wagon. Model years…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500
5 complaintsBrakes
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