MotorDeets

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500: 2 recalls, 37 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
37owner complaints
3mention a crash
14best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #22V315000 · 2022 · 350,294 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture May accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Why it matters: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #24V298000 · 2024 · 15,604 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture May accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Why it matters: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical8
Transmission & drivetrain7
Steering5
Brakes (hydraulic)5
Airbags4
Speed control / throttle4
Seats3
Other / unknown3

What owners describe

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has 37 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 8 ML500 model years for complaints (2.7× the average ML500 year). Complaints peaked in 2022 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 71,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (9 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131714Premium

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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), transmission & drivetrain (7), steering (5).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 get?

EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 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