2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 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.
“Last time I used the heated seats, turned them on the war I always have, but driving down the road my leg felt like it was on fire. One spot in my seat became extremely hot and was smoking. Immediately I turned the seats off and have never used them again. Called dealer to ask if there was a recall, but no.”
NHTSA complaint #10622602, filed 2014-08, 98,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ml 500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor as his left pant leg caught on fire. The contact sustained a small burn to the leg. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed sparks and a small flame coming through a small hole on the front passenger's seat. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water and was treated for the small burn. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10436061, filed 2011-11, 97,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10248162Dec 4, 2023Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged…
- 11031635May 18, 2018To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement…
- 10034608Feb 5, 2010Mercedes: the electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding function does not work at all. A warning message about locking the 3rd seat…
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
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