Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front upper control arm may not meet the specified strength requirements.
Risk: The control arm could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sell your 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class for cash
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is a SUV that came with a choice of 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl engines. At 24 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2002 ML-Class in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
Mercedes-BenzML-CLASS2002
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class at a glance
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd |
| Drive | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 12–14 city / 16–17 highway / 14–15 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $5,500–$5,850 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 592–635 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 3 configurations: ML320, ML500, ML55 AMG |
| Age | 24 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 24 years old, most of a 2002 ML-Class's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 ML-Class. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the steering, typically around 121,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 2002 ML-Class problems
Owners have filed 117 complaints about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash and 8 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 7 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Steering121,000 mi
- Electrical System103,000 mi
- Service Brakes136,000 mi
- Vehicle Speed Control112,000 mi
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic67,000 mi
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)129,000 mi
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 59 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
1 of them is a warranty extension. Warranty extensions mean the manufacturer agreed to cover a specific repair beyond the normal warranty. They rarely still apply to a car this age, but they point to known weak spots.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the no
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the no
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing directio
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
Brake lamp switch failure.
ODI opened the investigation based on reports that the subject vehicle brake lamp switch (switch) failure caused 1) inoperative brake lamps (stay on or fail to illuminate), and/or 2) shift interlock failure (shifter locked in park), and/or 3) the cruise control to fail to cancel with brake application.Consumers also re
Brake line chafe
Analysis of complaints to odi and Mercedes and warranty claim data submitted by Mercedes indicates that the alleged defect has occurred at a low rate (36.5 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and 0.29 percent warranty claim rate), with no discernable defect trend indicating that the rate of chafing related brake line failu
Brake line rupture
Mercedes-Benz's response to odi's information request letter for pe08-002 indicated that the subject fuel/brake line bundle (part no. A1634201526) was used without significant change from model year 1998 through 2002 on all m-class light truck vehicles.Mercedes further indicated that in 2002 a problem was identified in
Other Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years
‹ Sell a 2001 ML-Class · Sell a 2003 ML-Class › · All Mercedes-Benz ML-Class years
Other 2002 Mercedes-Benz models
Selling a 2002 ML-Class: questions
How much is a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2002 ML-Class that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2002 ML-Classs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2002 ML-Class with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2002 ML-Class?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2002 ML-Class today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.