Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml500. The contact stated that the ABS indicator kept randomly illuminating and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained parked for over a year due to the risk of a potential crash. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was not available.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine5
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Seats3
- Steering3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine5
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Seats3
- Steering3
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 60
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
2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 16 | 14 |
What 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Engine keeps getting over-heated even after a new engine fan has been replaced. However, after its replacement I took it to two mercedes dealership to re-inspect and make adjustment to their installment of the fan but it keeps getting overheated. I also had a new water coolant tank installed but it is also leaking out the coolant and showing the warning light. These events happen after I top up the coolant tank and drive around 50 miles, then the overheating starts and the tank starts becoming empty.
Loss of power steering driving on the freeway due to sudden break of idler arm pulley and subsequent shredding of belt. Problem is the pulley is made of plastic and cracked in two, leaving 1/2 the pulley and shredding the belt. This occurred at driving speed of 50 MPH and mileage around 169,650 on 2003 ml500. This was very dangerous. I was able to pull off the freeway as I was driving in the lane nearest freeway exits. Almost impossible but able to steer into a parking lot. Lucky it was 'rush' hour and traffic was slow on surface streets. Incredible safety issue due to difficulty to steer without power steering. Car is regularly maintained by german mechanic familiar with repair of mb engines in germany.
Takata recall. Power steering brake issue, power steering hose became detached during vehicle operation, could not steer vehicle. Transmission and radio drain, car cut off on me during driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ml500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond intermittently. The ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000...updated 08/06/15 *bf the consumer stated two lines from the reservoir to the hydraulic pressure regulator failed. Further investigation revealed all the brake lines had severe pitting and corrosion , as well as the fuel lines. Updated 08/13/15*jb updated 8/28/15*cn updated 09/01/15*lj updated 09/08/15*jb updated 10/01/15*lj updated 10/31/2017
Last time I used the heated seats, turned them on the war I always have, but driving down the road my leg felt like it was on fire. One spot in my seat became extremely hot and was smoking. Immediately I turned the seats off and have never used them again. Called dealer to ask if there was a recall, but no.
Driving 45mph on highway, car shuts off completely. Towed to closest gas station, who put a computer on it to find out it was the crank shaft sensor. After completely cooling it will start again, but in less than 10 min it cuts off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, smoke emitted from the driver's seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 133,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Notes taken on phone by bowman, odi, the federal safety agency: vehicle shuts off after impact with irregular road surfaces condition such as pothole, transversing a change road grades / surfaces such as speed bumps, etal. Vehicle can be immediately restarted after shut-off. One incident allegedly occurred when attempting to merging onto interstate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ml 500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor as his left pant leg caught on fire. The contact sustained a small burn to the leg. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed sparks and a small flame coming through a small hole on the front passenger's seat. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water and was treated for the small burn. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500
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Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 reliable?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500, fewer than a typical ML500 model year.
What is the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 year score?
The 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz ML500: 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 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500?
Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 range from 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, 4WD) gets 13 city and 16 highway.
VIN decoder
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