Defective CD Changers (replaced)
Squealing Brakes (pads replaced)
Rattles in Dash (removed and fixed)
S/C Switch caused the seat heater to overload burning a hole through the leather seat material ; Ouch! (Replaced)
Nav system gives error messages "Please Visit Workshop" hourly (fixed on 4th dealer visit: a whole new wiring harness was needed.
Usual recalls after the power steering hose separated and squirted fluid everywhere.
Debris left over from the factory build "stored" in the heater fan.
Factory fitted tires managed 22,000 miles of light use only.
Gas gage always reading wrong (replaced)
Trip computer defect (replaced)
Alarm constantly engaging (replaced sensor)
Door trim peeled away (replaced)
Parts fell off roof rack. (replaced)
The Fenders weren't assembled correctly in the factory and were loose (dealer couldn't believe that one!)
Myriad of other defects including the Ash-tray that won't open, loose parts behind the door panel and electric seat adjuster that continually blew fuses etc etc.
Service at dealership (Park Place in DFW) was good, they fix everything free & mostly first time.
6 weeks in service/repair : its too long in the shop for a $50k 2002 model vehicle.
M-B USA are hopeless; they sent me a form letter stating "While every effort is made by M-B to prevent malfunctions, there is always the potential for failures to occur. It is for this reason we provide our 4 year/50000 mile warranty etc". There is no escalation possible the claim we are 'just the distributors' and neither the dealership nor MB Customer service will talk about whether my vehicle is 'normal' or a 'lemon' : That info is (quote) "Proprietary"
When it goes its great : powerful (but thirsty) and truly comfy.
Copy of letter sent to journalists at major news magazines. I now feel that it is my duty to make the public aware of potential problems before buying a Mercedes.
Re: 50 problems in 4.0 years.
Dear Journalist.
I enjoyed speaking with you today. Thank you for your time. I have included my Mercedes case information below.
I have also included a list of articles and links with further information about the skyrocketing number of Mercedes Benz quality defects.
I wish I had read your article before purchasing my Mercedes Benz ML430, which has had more than 50 problems, and 60 days of service in 4 years. It helps potential buyers make a more informed choice.
I had to return the vehicle on 20 or more occasions to Autonation (the dealer) for warranty repairs. All Mercedes is willing to offer as compensation is $1000, when purchasing a new Mercedes. Despite the many defects Mercedes Benz has not offered to repurchase the car.
The problems included a defective brake system, a defective electrical system, a defective navigation system, a defective washer system, a defective AC system, defective locks, defective trim, defective doors, windows and sunroof, a defective entertainment system and a defective power steering system.
In addition it often took 1 month to get the vehicle serviced. Often the dealer did not fix the problem on their first attempt, resulting in having to return the vehicle again for repair of the same defect.
I have attached a more detailed list of the problems below.
After speaking with several ML owners I get the impression that 1 out of 4 have many problems (not a formal survey).
I look forward to your next article about Mercedes Benz quality problems. Feel free to contact me for further information.
Sincerely
c.
Attachment A - Mercedes Benz Quality Problems Resources.
Articles
Automotive News, Bugs bite Mercedes quality by Diana T. Kurylko, 09/15/2003
Business Week, Stalled. Is the Daimler-Chrysler deal a mistake? By Gail Edmondson and Katleen Kerwin, 09/29/2003
Financial Times, Daimler-Chrysler warranty costs rise to 1bn pounds, 05/07/2001
The Detroit News, Proud Mercedes-Benz has quality problems by Daniel Howes, 02/26/2002
The Detroit News, Details revealed of Daimler-Chrysler investors' lawsuit deal, 10/03/2003
The New York Times, Luxury Limbo Rock: How Low Can Benz Go by Michelle Krebs, 02/24/2002
The Wall Street Journal, Mercedes Brand Fares Badly In Survey of Auto Makers by Scott Miller and Karen Lundegaard, 02/04/2001
Automotive News, Mercedes Benz Warranty Costs Soar, 5/8/2001.
Web Sites
BenzWorld (ML forum), http://www.benzworld.org/forums/table.asp?id=21
MB Spy, http://mbspy.bacosys.be/mbquality.htm
Mercedes Benz Consumer Warnings, http://www.lemonmb.com
Mercedes Problems, http://www.mercedesproblems.com
Trouble-Benz, http://www.troublebenz.com/
50 ML Problems In 4 Years
1. Brake system defect (pump leak)
2. Wiper motor defect
3. Door problems (latch noises)
4. Door problems (maladjusted door)
5. Command center malfunction (dead navigation system)
6. Door lock malfunction (right rear door actuator)
7. Washer reservoir leaking
8. Lamp switch defect (stop lamp)
9. Fuel filter problem
10. Door lock malfunction (gas door actuator)
11. AC problem. (AC fan speed switch knob malfunction)
12. Door lock malfunction (gas door actuator)
13. Trim problem (sunroof seal fell off)
14. Door problem (Rattle from inside left rear door - loose metal washer)
15. Trim problem (3rd brake lamp cover pops off even when re-secured
16. Trim problem (rear inside trim panel defective)
17. Window washer nozzle defective on right side
18. Command center malfunction (dead navigation system)
19. Door lock problem
20. Lamp problem (defective check engine light - right rear 02 sensor)
21. Rotor in rear changed at only 27500 miles
22. Sunroof shade problems
23. Sunroof guide clip missing
24. Sunroof shade problems
25. Trim problem (left outer seat trim cracked)
26. Sun roof frame defect
27. Seatbelt jammed (left rear)
28. Brake system defect (pad wear sensor defect)
29. Defect fuel door lock actuator
30. Rear door latch replacement
31. AC problem (system not cooling properly)
32. Sunroof motor connectors rattling
33. AC problem (blower motor rattle)
34. Window problem (switch bad)
35. Command center problem (CD changer error)
36. Window problem (clicking front left window)
37. Door lock problem (rear right/left door actuator defect)
38. Door problem (insulation inside right door damaged due to melting glue)
39. Command center problem (CD changer error)
40. Trim crack (leather on steering wheel cracked)
41. Door problem (rear right/left door actuator defect)
42. AC problems (blower rattle)
43. AC problems (clicking sounds)
44. Trim crack (cracks in duct tape on door)
45. Door problem (rear left door actuator defect)
46. Washer reservoir crack
47. Right window washer nozzle defect
48. Lock problem (front left door actuator defect)
49. Car manuals and registration card taken during service
50. Power steering problem (replacement of clamp for lower power steering hose due to possible fluid loss at radiator)
Maybe the ML is crap because it's built in America and not Germany... Just a thought ;-)
Well I went to this site after bringing my 2002 ml 500 in for service AGAIN. I have experienced all the problems listed in the above comment. My brakes squeaked and were replaced several times, gpss system malfunctioned, radio faded, win shield washer fluid sensor went, fuel sensor went, heat in seat burned, tires went at 30,000 miles etc, etc. Now I have 52,000 miles on it and I am afraid to drive it. Something will go wrong with it. It is in the shop for an automatic transmission sensor, and a new power shifter, and I must pay for these repairs. This car is a LEMON!!!
We have had similar problems, but our biggest complaint is that we've had to replace our brakes every 10k miles after severe squeaking, which you can hear blocks away. At the dealership, it costs us $700 to replace either the front or back brake/rotor combinations, as Mercedes doesn't machine rotors to fix any problems.
The local Mercedes service advisors all say that there are a lot of complaints about that, but MercedesUSA (Corporate) continues to state that they use the best parts and it must be our driving.
Please... if it's my driving, all of my cars would be acting the same way, but it's only the ML500, not my Lexus. While I think the SUV is solid, the brakes are driving me crazy.
My 2002 ML500 continues to show devastatingly poor quality :
40,000 miles now : Its on its 3rd battery, third set of Brake pads/ rotors (first set was free : MY MB garage kind of accepted that it wasnt driven hard : the FCS data is stored which proves that) the 2nd set cost $953 (ouch).
New wiring harness failed to fix the Nav System error "TeleAid : Please visit the workshop"... which pops up hourly on Long journeys.
I too failed to get satisfaction by escalating the issue of this lemon : MB USA is a distributer : they have no responsibility for these defects so pls go back to the dealership. These guys know how to make escalation so difficult that you better just give up : I can do nothing about this except keep bugging the dealers and bleeding money off MB : its fun, but counterproductive in the long run : I tell everyone I meet : point them to similar web-sites : in my own petty way I feel vindicated and hope I damage MB rep (and not just my resale value ;-)
I have had a 2002 ML 500 since July of 02; and I don't remember a time when my brakes did not squeak. I had to replace the rotors at 17,000 miles; and was just told (at 30,000 miles) that my rotors are scored and I will need new ones soon. That is my main complaint with this car. It squeaks so loudly that the people in my office know when I am arriving and leaving. It makes people in shopping centers stop in their tracks and stare at me. I asked the dealer that I purchased it from whether they would try to get Mercedes to share in the bill for the new rotors; and they just gave me the 800 number and wished me luck. I guess I figured that when I spent that much on a car, I'd be treated like I am at Nordstrom (i.e., that the customer is always right). I'm disappointed, to say the least. I would not recommend this car to anyone I liked.
Here's an update on my wonderful ML500.
After 50k miles (or 4 yrs!) you're on your own.. get rid of
it before then : truly!!
Since the 50k : my Battery died (yes its the 4th replacement in less than 4 yrs..and I live in SoCal!!!)..
The GPS has died, (I brought the excellent Magellan Raodmate 760 and put this after-market unit on the dash!).
The fuel gauge has gone out (again) : this is the 3rd time!
And the windshield washer bottle has sprung a new leak (its been replace 2 times prior)..
I have sealed the washer bottle with resin and redrilled the feeds, to avoid anoth MB disaster. I have bypassed the GPS by fiiting the Magellan and the fuel gauge can stay broken (the fuel remaining reading on the Trip Computer still works)...
By the way.. on my last service at MB prior to the warranty expiring... the tech crashed my car and broke the KB driving lights
Great.
2002 ML500 with 142,000 miles. I love this car. The only "problems" I have ever had with this car have been normal wear and tear issues such as replacing brakes, replacing cup holder, replacing bulbs, etc. I am very sorry to read the reviews about other peoples' problems with their MLs. It is possible that I am just very lucky, but I am sure that my ML500 is not the only one on the road with such a stellar track record. Unfortunately, people who love their cars are a lot less likely to take the time to post messages and/or complain - so anyone researching on the web is going to get a skewed sampling.
Sorry, but you're the exception, not the rule.
Mercedes paid out over two BILLION dollars in warranty claims in 2003, mostly attributed to the poor quality of its SUV and A Class.
Never buy anything German made in America.
We've had two MLs, a 2000 ML320 and a 2003 ML500. Both cars have been mechanically sound with no major problems with the exception that both of them required their power steering units to be replaced at 60,000 miles. The ML500 also had the Hi/Lo transfer case motor replaced under warranty at about 40,000 miles.
The ML320, which now has 100,000 miles on it, also had some early trouble with the check engine light coming on which turned out to be my habit of leaving the car running while I fill it up. Once I stopped doing that, the check engine light problem went away.
We've had no problems with early brake wear (and I'm a damned hard driver) or abnormal tire wear.
The only annoying problem we've had is that the NAV unit in the ML500 went out at 35,000 with a "can't read DVD" error, and then it's replacement went out 35,000 miles later, which is no longer under warranty.
But frankly, with both cars we've had a total of less than $3000 in all repairs over a total of 170,000 miles, which meets my expectations. Especially with the way I drive it.
A lot of the problems I see people complaining about are actually problems with dealerships and problems with buying used cars. I'd take them with a grain of salt. We've had 4 other mercedes (1999 E class (sold to upgrade to car with nav system), 2000 E class (destroyed in accident), 2004 CLK (lease returned), and 2006 E class with no problems whatsoever. Granted, one of them didn't live long enough to go out of warranty, but their initial quality was exceptional.
And by the way, a mercedes will absorb a volvo doing 65 miles an hour on the freeway when hit at a dead stop without ruining your plans for the evening. Trust me, I know. I drove it to the repair shop after being hit so hard from behind that it pushed me into the car in front of me, and that car into the car in front of it. Two hours later, I was having beers with friends and laughing about it.
I do not own a ML, but would like to comment on the reliability issues of the owners of these cars. In 1995 or so, mercedes was ranked number 1 in customer satisfaction, and now 10 years later was close to the bottom. Why? They wanted more profits and thought their cars were over-engineered. As a result, quality suffered. It is sad because if you try a pre 1995 mercedes, you find the quality of materials, the clunk of the doors absolutely perfect. My cousins have a brabus tuned ML500 and the other day when they got in and closed the doors, I was horrified by the tinny sound that followed. No clunk, just a horrible sound like you banged a spoon on a can. Supposedly mercedes is cutting profits by two thirds to return to the past. I hope they do, because they really do make fantastic vehicles in all classes.
I also own a 02 ML500, and the not so quality built car disappoint me. I've also had many many problems, which bugs enough to make me go back to the dealers. Here are some of the problems on my ML:
1. Squeaky brake
2. Malfunction e-brake signal light (it will not come on when e-brake is engaged.
3. Exterior window trims replaced 3 times.
4. 1 sensor for the traction control replaced.
5. Refitting the bumper both at the front and rear since the cap is getting bigger.
6. Cup holder in the rear will not retract.
7. Ash tray will not stay in or will not come out.
8. Auto door lock screaming (when you take off).
10. Both front seat frames are replaced (the bottom part of the seats, because it is going to come off soon)
11. Wiper sensor replaced
12. Back mirror coming off (on top of the console, and it was replaced).
13. Secondary coolant container (the one on top of the engine) replaced due to leaking coolant and replaced the cap.
15. Shaky window when driving, repaired.
16. Rear window defrost, repaired due to burnt fuse.
17. Xenon light turned purple twice on the same side.
19. Oil pan leaking, replaced the rubber seal.
20. The gas door will not lock properly, when the car is locked, repaired with crazy glue by the dealer.
21. Dead engine due to broken throttle acurator (while I am in Arizona, in the middle of no where, heading back to Vegas from Grand Canyon at mid-night).
22. Timing belt replaced due to the car miss-fires.
23. Moon roof will squeak when tilt up, repaired and replaced the rail, lubricate etc.
24. Some of the screws are missing in the engine bay for no reason, replaced when serviced.
25. I think there are more, but I am tired of listing them.
All I can say is this is a hack of a car, don't ever buy it if you see one with attractive price. And good luck if you are picking one up. Recently the car is having a noisy suspension at the rear, and I am going to have the dealers checked soon. Wish me good luck.
Thanks for viewing.
I own a 2001 CLK320, 20,000mi. approx. Purchased new. It has been one heck of an expensive education in how even an "educated" consumer who did his vehicle comparisons before making a purchase, was screwed. I won't list all the electrical problems and defects, the rattles and parts that fell off or the famous replacement of light bulbs, the, as most owners of Mercedes vehicles are well aware of those irritating problems. What upsets me the most is the cold arrogance of Mercedes Benz and its dealers when it comes to the continuous problems. They know they have a problem and yet they deny their existence. My latest repair is an accelerator contol gizmo that will set me back $3000. to replace. The Mercedes attitude is "oh well, these things break". It's as if they know that you spent a lot of money to buy the car and that you can't do anything about it, so too bad for you. Mercedes now has the same attitude and approach that the big 3 auto makers had in the 80's. Mercedes is going down the same road that GM traveled and they are alienating repeat buyers. I know that I will never purchase another Mercedes, not that they care, as there will some other fool willing to fall for the hype of reliability and "german engineering excellence". I just don't understand how my little low end Acura went for 5 years with similar mileage and never had a problem or defect, and yet my mercedes is the poster child for crap. Be warned. My advice to potential buyers is to steer clear and look at the Honda or Toyota vehicles if you want fewer problems.
I'm sick of Mercedes! I've been driving Mercedes since 1995, my first being a 1991 560SEL. That car was completly reliable and I wish I would have never sold it.
In 1996 I bought my wife a 1994 S500. The car had 16,000 miles on it. At 32,000 she was on the freeway and the car started acting up, lights were flashing, all crazy electrical stuff.
Took it to my local Mercedes dealer, where they informed me the car had faulty wiring. The car was fixed, but at 40,000 the car died.
My wife was sick of this car so I went and bought her a 1997 Lexus LS400 Coach Edition. I stuck with Mercedes because my 91 had been so reliable.
In 1999 I bought the CLK320 and have had anything and everything replaced. Have spent around $13,000.00 in repairs. The LS400 I bought my wife is now my main car. It has 160,000 miles on it and runs great. The Mercedes has 55,000 and just sits.
I want to sell the car, but I don't want to sell a Lemon to someone innocent. My wife drives an LS430 now and loves it. My daughter has an 2001 IS300. I felt safe knowing the car she is driving is reliable and safe. I would never buy Mercedes again.
I just recently bought a used 2002 ML500 four months ago that shows some of the defects listed here: squeaky brakes, power steering leaks and ashtray freezing, and also there is a noticeable flacky peeling on the rear panel black frame of the back door frame. I coudn't understand why I was having squeaky brakes until l read some of the articles here.
But, overall engine performance is good. Therefore, am begining to hold my breath now, beacause it looks like am heading in the direction of having some of the defective problems sooner or later on my 2002 ML 500L.
This is my second benz now with similar problems on my previous 1997 E 420. This explains why I now buy Mercedes as a used car for cheap. I let people drive their brand new Benz for a year or two, fix some of these problems, and I take over the headache if the price is right for me.