The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the driver’s side front wheel independently braked. The contact stated he had not depressed the brake pedal but heard an abnormal sound from the tire screeching as the wheel had stopped rolling. The contact stated that the ESP traction warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred several minutes later. The contact stated that the failure occurred one other time and had not happened again. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
The worst 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes25
- Steering24
- Electrical19
- Acceleration11
- Driver assistance11
- Engine8
- Lights6
- Seats5
- Suspension5
- Visibility4
- Wheels3
- Airbags2
- Body2
- Fuel system2
- Locks2
- Transmission2
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320
Recalls 1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm may not meet the specified strength requirements.
- Risk
- The control arm could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left front upper control arm. Owner notification began september 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 01V290000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320
Defect investigations
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also reported the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel.The switch contains three sets of electrical contacts and a (normally extended) spring loaded plunger that actuates the contacts as it moves.As installed in the vehicle, the plunger contacts the brake pedal arm and is pushed into the switch; as the driver applies the pedal the plunger extends.One set of contacts (BLS) operates the stop lamps, a second set (EWM) controls the shift interlock system, and a third set (BS) is used by an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system to monitor switch operation.The cruise control monitors the BLS signal to determine when the brake is applied, the primary way the system is disabled when set.The relative timing of contact actuation in response to plunger movement allows the OBD system to detect a switch fault.When a fault is detected a malfunction indication lamp (MIL) is illuminated (driver alert), a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored (for the service technician), and cruise control operation is inhibited (as a failsafe).In its response to ODI's January 2011 information request letter, MB explained its assessment of switch failures which was based primarily on evaluation of field return failures.MB identified both 1) electrical contact and 2) mechanical switch failure mechanisms.According to MB's analysis, electrical contact failure is the predominate failure type and the failure consequence depends on which contact fails.For instance MB claims that BLS contact failures are momentary in nature and do not affect brake light operation but are nonetheless detected by the OBD system, resulting in a DTC and subsequent replacement.Electrical contact failures of the BS and EWM contacts result in a DTC also, and EWM contact failures result in the shifter being stuck in the park (which can be overridden by the consumer).Accordingly MB maintains that electrical contact failures of the switch have no safety consequence since the brake lamps remain operational and the cruise control is always disabled.MB determined that mechanical failures of the switch, which are rare in their assessment, can result from internal wear and/or increased switch operating temperatures.High temperatures occur due to overheating of the BLS contacts and can cause the internal plastic components to melt.In one scenario overheated BLS contacts may melt to the extended plunger and are damaged when the brake pedal is released resulting in the brake lights staying on.In another scenario the increased temperatures and/or internal wear can cause the plunger to stick in the fully depressed position.In this case the cruise may not cancel when the brake is applied and the driver may have to use high brake pedal forces or other means (shifting to neutral or using the cruise master switch) to disengage the cruise.Additionally the vacuum assist can be depleted if the driver pumps the brakes resulting in reduced braking effectiveness and even higher pedal forces.In its March 31, 2011 defect notification, MB stated that to remediate the potential need for excessive brake force it would conduct a safety recall (11V‑208) to replace the switch with a more robustly designed component.The recall includes 136,751 model year 2000 - 2002 M-Class and model year 2000 - 2004 M-Class AMG vehicles.Owner notification letters will be mailed
PE10050
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 55
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 |
What 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The car brakes suddenly by itself just after the ESB/ABS lights come on along with an exclamation point (!). This has happened randomly at least 4 times since we purchased the car. Once at high speeds on the highway. It appears this problem is common with other owners of Mercedes 2001-2002 ML's. According to the forums below, the problem seems to be a "YAW RATE SENSOR" malfunction or defect. My Mercedes mechanic saw no error codes for this component and it seem extremely expensive (forum states part is $3000) to replace. The https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/233486-big-problems-ml320-pls-help-2.html
Fuse box some has power some not. Front left wheel making this noise and stops after 25 miles per hour radio volume low when ignition key is on position 3 when key it's in the position 2 laud volume when key is not in I can turn on the stereo
Front end collision - airbags failed to deploy.
Yes this [xxx] coming to you to let you know that I was and a car accident I was struck by and vehicle made by oldsmobile year 1998 plate no. State [xxx] I was on my way home from down town federal court I was riding down [xxx] crash date 08/21/2018. I was at the red light I also had my hazard lights on also now I was sitting at the red light waiting for the traffic light to turn green next thing I know the senior citizen the guy who hit me from behind. Next thing I know my 2002 ml320 mercedes benz did a whole 360 degree spin around I didn't panic I was just and total shock I got out the car and walk to the car to check in see was the person okay or not because I didn't know who was driving the car when I look in realize it was a senior citizen I ask him are you okay he said yes but he was kind of daze I notice the car was leaking real bad so I stood all the way back for my safety reason because the person who hit me which is the senior citizen stared to smoke so I stood all the way back cause I thought the car was go blow up but I thank god it didn't. So the ambulance arrive on the car accident. They took the person who hit me to the hospital. Which he lived then all the police forces came I mean every top law came pace by pace to make sure everything was okay. Long story short. My car was involve in a car accident oh year I had my seat belt on too safety first. God bless you all always buckle up and check all you mirror. Have a nice day. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
"takats recall" 1st issue I noticed is when I gave someone a jump off a dead car battery. As I was driven I noticed my car battery light came on meaning my battery was decreasing power and it did I was on my way home driven I noticed my car losing power in the car shut completely off so I pulled to the side and I called someone to give me a jump the car started back up drove about 3, blocks and the car shut completely off again so I purchased a brand new battery replacing the old battery with an new one. Got another jump to give the the battery some extra juice. After I received the jump I'm back on the road. In the ancient occur again so I called someone to give me a jump. This time the car didn't start. So I had to get it tow home. Got home did some research in found out it was the alternator. Replace the old alternator with a new one. 2nd issue I noticed after I replaced the old alternator with the new one I noticed my two fans blower will continuously run for hours when I take my car keys out of the ignition. And due to that that cause my drained my battery causing me to lose power and my car won't be able to start when I put my key in the ignition I don't kno if they connected a wire to keep running if so he was to supposed to tell me that which he didn't. 3rd issue I noticed I recently added new front pads and rotor's new rear pads and rotors 1 new rear passsger side brake caliper. My brake lights still appeared to pop up I told the merchant he told me it could be a sensor failure and get check out at a mercedes benz dealer. 4th issue the triangle light located in the center of dash flashes occasionally causing under certain circumstances, tapping the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected in certain model year recall subject: suspension: front control arm upper arm .recall: 6/service bulletins: 2
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes-benz ml320. The contact stated that the air conditioner failed to turn off when the engine was turned off. The contact also stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact purchased and installed a new alternator; however, the vehicle failed to start. The battery was also replaced, but the engine still took several attempts to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact scheduled an appointment with prime time nissan of schererville (1301 indianapolis blvd, schererville, in 46375) for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Major steering problems
I was driving on a busy intersection in my 2002 mercedes benz ml320 when driving the yellow triangle in the speedometer starts to flash and all the breaks lock up, this is followed by a stall, thankfully I was able to pull off to the side of the road without being hit. After doing some research I discovered that many mercedes ml320 owners were having this same problem. Specifically the yaw rate sensor. This is a serious life threatening issue that can injure or worse yet kill someone. You guys need to do a recall before someone dies!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz ml320. The contact stated that the bas and esp warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the contact experienced extreme difficulty turning left and right and had to restart the vehicle several times due to the failures. The unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified. The failure mileage was not available.
Compare the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320
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Questions about the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320
Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 reliable?
Owners have filed 88 complaints about the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320, 4.0 times a typical ML320 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 year score?
The 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 scores 25 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz ML320: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320?
Brakes, with 25 complaints, typically around 129,000 miles. Next is steering (24).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 have?
1 recall, covering suspension.
What year does the Mercedes Benz ML320 have bad brakes?
The Mercedes Benz ML320 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2001 (48 complaints), 2000 (34 complaints) and 2002 (25 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Mercedes Benz ML320 range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.
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