The 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is a SUV that came with a choice of 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl engines. At 23 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.
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.7L 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 | 13–14 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 | 4 configurations: ML320, ML350, ML500, ML55 AMG |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Owners have filed 61 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash and 10 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 5 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.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, AWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | — |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 65 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 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.
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 opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
Electric seat warmer overheats/burns
This investigation was opened based on three consumer complaints of electric seat warmer overheating in my 2003 Mercedes benz ml-320 vehicles.consumers alleged that such failures may inflict burn injuries to seat occupants.investigation disclosed that the identical seat warmer design was installed in 65.5 percent of al
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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.
Yes. We buy 2003 ML-Classs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
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.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.