2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 22%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 22% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,500 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.
“On an out of town trip on the highway, our SUV brake, ABS, esp lights went on, the instrument panel show that ABS, esp, display malfunction, contract service. Power steering and brake are both very tight. Speedometer went to zero. After we report the incidence to m-brace service, we manage got off the highway from the next immediate exit to the closest gas station, and the check engine light went on, the car was totally off by itself. We spent one night with a friend nearby. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348487, filed 2010-08, 43,444 miles“2006 mercedes benz ml 500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical issues. The consumer stated he saw on the news there was a potential recall on the c class mercedes benz due to electrical issues in the rear tail lights which short out and catch fire. The consumer stated he had the same issue with his vehicle. Two years ago, the entire rear tail light compartment, wiring and bulbs had to be replaced, due to corrosion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10534583, filed 2013-08, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side rear door glass had independently fallen into the door. The contact stated a burning odor was on the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed water underneath the front passenger's seat and the battery compartment was full of water. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, an unknown warning light illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11580508, filed 2024-04, 200,000 miles“Car is extremely hard to turn/loss of power steering. Noticed that there was a recall on these vehicles but my vin was not included. Mechanic said Power steering rack is bad. This has been an ongoing issue with this car since purchased with only 70,000 miles - not sure why this VIN was not included in the recall? Car stock radio screen also has intermittent issues with displaying properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11450281, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power whenever the ignition was bumped. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the cost to repair the vehicle would be out of pocket. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11491372, filed 2022-10, 132,000 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…
- 10166088Jul 12, 2014Noises from the mounting of the rear weight sensing system (WSS) sensors
- 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.
- 10167007Feb 25, 2014Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit.
- 10167006Feb 12, 2014Engine diagnosis warning lamp active. Fault code 20BE1B and/or 20BD1B (The heating element of the AdBlue tank has a malfunction) is logged in the Blue-Tec control unit.
- 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…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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