2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 28%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 28% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 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.
“2004 mercedes benz ML500. Vehicle was serviced / repaired by zembrick mercedes in adison wisconsin on feb 3 2011. The repairs / service included replacing a seal on the power steering pump. Within days of the repair the power steering unit leaked all it's fluid from a hose clamp. Found the recall 08v465000 for this problem which per the recall covered all 1998-2004 mb ml's . However, the dealership and mbusa states this recall is VIN specific and this vehicle is not covered under this recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10382577, filed 2011-02, 110,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz ML500. The contact stated that the steering wheel exhibited a loud noise when attempting a turn. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 08v465000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the approximate current mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10548273, filed 2013-10, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML500. While driving 65 MPH, the power steering seized. A mechanic confirmed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 123,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10954293, filed 2017-02, 123,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz ML500. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and required excessive force to control the wheel. The contact noticed fluid leaking from the vehicle. The failure has occurred for the past eight months. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 08v465000 (steering). The dealer stated that the steering fluid was low and needed to be replenished. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10641841, filed 2014-10, 165,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10167002Feb 25, 2014Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- 10052151Apr 24, 2013Xentry (mercedes): rattling noise coming from the area of the steering column tube system, when driving over rough road and when accelerating or braking, there would be cracking…
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
- 10028646Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. When turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. This may be emanating from the bearing and…
- 10028645Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: chrome plating peeling on decorative caps on the steering wheel spokes, this is due to less than optimal adhesion between chrome plating and base material. Models 164…
- 10025648Apr 22, 2008Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. Model years unknown.
- 10019967Apr 26, 2006Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ml and r class models.
Steering: 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