MotorDeets

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500: 0 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
13owner complaints
0mention a crash
14best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine5
Seats3
Steering3
Electrical3
Brakes2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Tires1
Fuel system1

What owners describe

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has 13 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 8 ML500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 14). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 104,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (27 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (18 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131614Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (5), seats (3), steering (3).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 get?

EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other ML500 years

20022003200420052006200720082011