One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Loss of power steering driving on the freeway due to sudden break of idler arm pulley and subsequent shredding of belt. Problem is the pulley is made of plastic and cracked in two, leaving 1/2 the pulley and shredding the belt. This occurred at driving speed of 50 mph and mileage around 169,650 on 2003 Ml500. This was very dangerous. I was able to pull off the freeway as I was driving in the lane nearest freeway exits. Almost impossible but able to steer into a parking lot. Lucky it was 'rush' hour and traffic was slow on surface streets. Incredible safety issue due to difficulty to steer without power steering. Car is regularly maintained by german mechanic familiar with repair of mb engines in germany.
| Engine Shut Off Without Warning problems | |
| Coolant Leaking problems | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems | |
| Engine Belts And Pulleys problems |