2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 14%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500, 14% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 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.
“I contacted mercedes about the power steering leakage & problems on my ML500 2006 SUV, I see a recall was made, but my VIN# is not included in the voluntary recall by mercedes”
NHTSA complaint #11139739, filed 2018-10, 68,000 miles“- the contact stated that while driving his 2006 mercedes ml 500 (19800 failure mileage) at 25 MPH, and merging right onto the expressway, the vehicle kept going straight onto the grass. The contact stopped the vehicle to check the steering wheel and found that the steering wheel kept spinning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the dealer stated that they will not fix the vehicle, because the vehicle was in a crash even though he didn't strike anything when he lost control and ran off on to the median. The vehicle has not yet been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10181871, filed 2007-02, 19,800 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 was driving approximately 50 MPH approaching a turn and heard a noise coming from the steering wheel. Immediately, there was a slight loss in the power steering and leakage of fluid. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number under 05v224000 (steering: hydraulic power assist system). The VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10440197, filed 2011-12, 98,000 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 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