2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 38 of 117 complaints (32%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Visibility & Lighting include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 190 in 2001 to 117 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,850–5,550 | 4,550–5,550 | 5,150–5,550 | 5,150–5,550 | 5,150–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–16 | 14–17 | 14–15 | 14–15 | 14–15 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–15 / 16–18 | 12–15 / 16–19 | 12–14 / 16–17 | 13–14 / 16–17 | 13–14 / 16–17 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 523–635 | 592–635 | 592–635 | 592–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 214 | 190 | 117 | 61 | 53 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 16 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 19 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Brakes: 38 of 117 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–15 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
EPA estimates $5,150–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | 15 mpg (high) | $5,150 (low) | 592 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 31 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 9 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 14 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM · Campaign 01V290000 · Sep 21, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: THE CONTROL ARM COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.