2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 11% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“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“I want to protest in the loudest voice that I have as a automobile driver the use by some recent model cars of high intensity headlights. I am not referring to high beams.......these lights are far worse than high beams. I am blinded by these lights and find my eyes turning to them involuntarily. I fear that they will be responsible for many accidents if other drivers react as I do. I see absolutely no need for such lights on our highways. This is the first compliant I have ever submitted in 57 years of driving!”
NHTSA complaint #10066383, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11007974Sep 21, 2024Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11007753Sep 10, 2024Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead…
- 11005294Jul 23, 2024Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to…
- 10028025Oct 5, 2009Mercedes: stop/tail light not illuminating with dtcs 9102, 9103, 9106, 9107, 9126, 9127 or 9136. (vehicles without led tail lamps) *pe updated 5/13/09. *pe updated 4/20/11…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBrakes
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