2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 28%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 28% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,750 miles. 2 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.
“This could be related to a software problem in all ml class. 1. Obd system cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly 2. Stuck fuel-level sensor cause to report incorrectly 3. The speedometer out of tolerance is reporting incorrectly 4. Obd system is reporting incorrectly causing faults in systems.”
NHTSA complaint #10668448, filed 2014-12, 125,500 miles“During regular vehicle use the front right headlight stopped working. Upon inspection it was found that the headlight holder had melted under extreme temperatures due to a manufacturers defect in the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10376372, filed 2011-01, 60,000 miles“2004 mercedes benz ML500 driver seat caught fire while driving. Consumer states that due to the seat catching fire he suffered mild burns on the left hip. The heating pad in the drivers seat shorted out and caused the leather and seat cushion to burn.”
NHTSA complaint #10217175, filed 2008-01Related 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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