AI Damage2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and electronic stability control. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 20% of all complaints
- 2 Electronic stability control 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 20% of all complaints
- Air bags: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph the vehicle started to jerk and it suddenly stalled without any warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to the closes dealer. The vehicle failure was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
While driving her 2002 mercedes ml 500 at a steady 40 mph in traffic the electronic stability control engaged for no reason locking the brakes and making the vehicle uncontrollable and unresponsive to driver input.
Recall campaign # 2003-040005 - mercedes benz ml 320 recall of power steering clamp. Item was replaced by independent dealer in virginia and the charge was completed for the service rendered. Recall notice came in the mail 3 days later, and independent dealer does not want to refund any or all of the service cost.
The vehicle was traveling approximately 60-65 mph when the contact was adjusted the front passenger seat and the airbag light deployed. This is the first time this has happened.
Mbz said that's normal because of the rust overnight. They did took the brake apart, clean and put them back together. They told me it's my responsiblity to drive the car after I wash to car to get rid of the excess water within the brake pads.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the M Class has 9 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 5, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, electronic stability control, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: airbag warning light (20%), jerking, harsh shifts (20%), rust, corrosion (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2002 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.