2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

Introduction

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 is a mid-size SUV powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 292 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is available with either a 5-speed automatic or a 7-speed G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The ML500 is praised for its comfortable interior, advanced features, and powerful engine, however, it has also reported several issues over the years.

Engine

5.0L V8

• Intake Manifold Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold can crack, causing a loss of engine power, rough idle, and increased emissions.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The camshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip, hesitate, or shudder.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Pack Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The solenoid pack can fail, causing rough shifting or the transmission to get stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace the solenoid pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed G-TRONIC Automatic

• Mechatronic Unit Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit can fail, causing shifting problems, delayed gear engagement, or the transmission to not shift at all.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension can fail, causing the vehicle to sag or ride rough.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension components or convert to traditional suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings can wear out, causing clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Headlight Wiring Harness Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight wiring harness can fail, causing the headlights to flicker or fail completely.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain excessively, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Undercarriage and Body:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the undercarriage and body, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Rust prevention treatment or replacement of affected parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can leak, allowing water to enter the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seal or repair the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system can fail, causing the air conditioning or heating to not work properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the faulty component in the climate control system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 has a number of potential issues that owners should be aware of. Some of the common issues include intake manifold failure, camshaft position sensor failure, torque converter failure, solenoid pack failure, and air suspension failure. The severity of these issues can vary, with some being relatively minor and others requiring significant repairs. The cost to fix these issues can also be substantial, so it’s important to weigh the potential risks and costs against the benefits of owning this vehicle.