2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 vs 2006 Subaru Outback
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 | 2006 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 37 | 276 |
| Recall campaigns | 2 | 7 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 90 | 200 |
| Investigations | 0 | 0 |
| Crash reports | 3 | 7 |
| Fire reports | 5 | 3 |
| NCAP overall rating | — | — |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 14 | 19–22 |
| Median reported incident mileage | 71,000 mi | 95,740 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | Mercedes-Benz ML500 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 98 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 42 |
| Engine | 1 | 43 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 39 |
| Suspension | 1 | 37 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 0 | 29 |
| Power Train | 7 | 17 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 16 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Check engine light | 0 | 94 |
| Loss of power | 0 | 27 |
| Stalling | 0 | 11 |
| Rust / corrosion | 0 | 10 |
| Airbag warning light | 0 | 7 |
2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500
2006 Subaru Outback
Compare all Mercedes-Benz ML500 vs Subaru Outback years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.