Mercedes Benz M Class 2003
Model M Class made in 2003 by Mercedes Benz got 20 consumer complains, 3 investigations there are 3 recalls as well as 2 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling and exterior lighting. Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system, engine and engine cooling. The car had one investigation (steering). There were some recalls concerningsteering, vehicle speed control.
Model 2003
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||||||||||||
| 08V465000 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | V (Vehicle) | 125228 | 11/15/2008 | ODI | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 09/17/2008 | 09/16/2008 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Mercedes-benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump. this could result in a loss of control and a crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | An earlier recall repair performed on these vehicles may not be sufficient to prevent a future leakage or failure of the power steering hose connection (please see 03v121). since it is not possible through inspection to identify specific vehicles that may not have been properly repaired, all vehicles repaired prior to november 15, 2003, will be repaired again. the recall is expected to begin during november 2008. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Mercedes-benz recall no. 2003040005.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
| 03V121000 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | from 05/01/1998 to 12/31/2002 | V (Vehicle) | 211000 | 06/16/2003 | ODI | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 03/27/2003 | 04/02/2003 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. during clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. owner notification began june 16, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Mercedes-benz recall no. 2003-040005.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V208000 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | from 08/01/1999 to 06/30/2002 | V (Vehicle) | 136751 | 10/20/2011 | ODI | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 03/31/2011 | 04/01/2011 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 m-class and model year 2000-2003 m-class amg vehicles. the cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the system in a number of ways, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to reach a certain rate of deceleration. mercedes-benz has determined that under certain circumstances use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected by the driver, although the other means of deactivating cruise control remain fully operative. specifically, where the driver pumps the brakes rather than applying consistent pedal force, the level of force required may be unusually high. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began during october 2011. owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Mercedes-benz campaign number is 2011090001.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 424562 | 05/16/2005 | 424562A | 10016685 | Esp lamp illuminated. *tt | 09/27/2005 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 805732 | 02/07/2005 | 10012829 | Engine will not start and fault message start error appears in instrument cluster. *tt | 03/31/2005 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||
| RQ08002 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 03/11/2008 | 09/17/2008 | POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK | 08V465000 | |
| Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (nhtsa recall 03v-121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v-465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for 03v-121 and which haven't received a subsequent repair to install a revised hose and clamp.approximately one-third of the vehicles that received the original repair procedure and parts returned for subsequent service for leakage from the hose fitting and, in approximately 10 percent of these vehicles, complete separation of the hose from the cooler.a revised service procedure for 03v-121, which involved replacing the old hose and clamp with modified parts, had significantly lower rates of return repairs.mbusa will apply the revised service procedure from 03v-121 to the vehicles covered under 08v-465.accordingly this recall query is closed. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | ||||||
| RQ08002 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 03/11/2008 | 09/17/2008 | POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK | 08V465000 | |
| Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (nhtsa recall 03v-121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v-465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for 03v-121 and which haven't received a subsequent repair to install a revised hose and clamp.approximately one-third of the vehicles that received the original repair procedure and parts returned for subsequent service for leakage from the hose fitting and, in approximately 10 percent of these vehicles, complete separation of the hose from the cooler.a revised service procedure for 03v-121, which involved replacing the old hose and clamp with modified parts, had significantly lower rates of return repairs.mbusa will apply the revised service procedure from 03v-121 to the vehicles covered under 08v-465.accordingly this recall query is closed. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | ||||||
| RQ08002 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 03/11/2008 | 09/17/2008 | POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK | 08V465000 | |
| Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (nhtsa recall 03v-121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v-465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for 03v-121 and which haven't received a subsequent repair to install a revised hose and clamp.approximately one-third of the vehicles that received the original repair procedure and parts returned for subsequent service for leakage from the hose fitting and, in approximately 10 percent of these vehicles, complete separation of the hose from the cooler.a revised service procedure for 03v-121, which involved replacing the old hose and clamp with modified parts, had significantly lower rates of return repairs.mbusa will apply the revised service procedure from 03v-121 to the vehicles covered under 08v-465.accordingly this recall query is closed. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 28000 | 1 | 03/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml55. while driving 60 mph he engaged the seat heater. the front and rear seats became extremely hot. he was unable to turn the heater off. he pulled over and noticed smoke and sparks. he poured water over the seats and the sparks stopped. the seat heater did not go off until the key was removed from the ignition. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the coils malfunctioned. the current and failure mileages were 28,000. the consumer stated the dealer replaced seat and electrical components but will not provide consumer with any documentation or information pertaining to the defect and repair. updated 09/18/07 *tr | |||
| 05/13/2005 | 25000 | 1 | 02/01/2003 |
| - no precursors or apparent damage - drivers seat heater failed resulting in strong burning smell, and superficial burn to left upper leg of driver | |||
| 04/01/2004 | 24300 | 1 | 01/10/2003 |
| On the highway driving 65 my 2003 ml500 mercedes - benz computer shut down after hitting a small bump. it was very dangerous and was scared for my life there engine turned off and was luckily able to stop at the side of the road and start the car again. this happened a couple of weeks before but it stoped for just a second or two. this isn;t an ld car with about 25k miles on it. for a 55 thousand dollars car to do that is unacceptable.*ak | |||
| 10/30/2003 | 7000 | 4 | 05/28/2003 |
| I purchased a new 2003 ml 350 during the memorial day sale from our local mercedes dealer in iowa city, ia. the suv shuts off automatically. initially, the dealer replaced the battery. the suv has been into the dealer three additional times for the same problem. each time, the day after i received the ml350 back, the problem occurs again. two incidents occurred where the suv would not start in my garage (which presented no hazard). two incidents occurred where i was driving the vehicle. this is an extreme safety hazard - particularly if you traveling at a high rate of speed. the date listed below is the most recent incident. *la | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 09/07/2003 | 10744 | 1 | 03/04/2003 |
| I was pulling into a parking space (with my 3 small children strapped in the back), when i realized that the car was not stopping. i pressed the brake harder, the car accelerated, jumped the cement median, and hit a parked car. thank god no one was injured. i am sick thinking what could of happened. the car is 6 months old and has been back to the dealership twice for a problem i believe was the beginning of this, i.e., when i would step on the brake it would go to stall, buck forward and then be ok. the dealership was unable to find it or duplicate it. i have seen where other people are having this same problem. also for 2003 the model is ml 350 - mercedes. again they have not found a problem. they sent the manufacturer out to check the car and nothing. i have a police report that states the responding police officer and tow truck driver concur that the brakes were down to the floor board and not engaging.*jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||
| 01/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| Hello, i have recently purchased a brand new mercedes ml500 truck from millennium in bridgewater, nj 908-685-0800. the problem i have is that one of the headlights is defective and has condensation build in it all the times. while the dealer sympthises with me, the dealer refuses to replace it because mercedes would not pay for it. mercedes says it is not a problem. how can it not be a problem when at night is presents a safty problem as it is like driving with one head light on, and the glass on headlight is covered with condensation. secondly, i have yet to see another car with condensation build in the headlights. it is a brand new suv. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 09/16/2010 | 42000 | ||
| While driving in moderate traffic engine stopped. driver (not me) was very scared and said an accident almost occurred as she maneuvered to breakdown lane without power and no power steering. second occurence of sudden engine stoppage while driving with loss of engine power and power steering in this vehicle. fuel pump had been previously replaced. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 02/25/2004 | 20000 | 1 | 10/19/2002 |
| The transmission of the suv jammed while driving on the freeway, and my wife who was driving the vehicle almost got into a accident. the suv was previously making sudden jumps while automatically shifting the gears. the problem was reported to the dealer, but dealer did not diagnose the transmission problem correctly. now the vehicle is with the dealer and the service manager tells me that there was metal debris in the trasmission which, according to the service manager, could be due to failure of the clutch. | |||
| SEATS | |||
| 05/13/2005 | 25000 | 1 | 02/01/2003 |
| - no precursors or apparent damage - drivers seat heater failed resulting in strong burning smell, and superficial burn to left upper leg of driver | |||
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - SEAT HEATER/COOLER | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 28000 | 1 | 03/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml55. while driving 60 mph he engaged the seat heater. the front and rear seats became extremely hot. he was unable to turn the heater off. he pulled over and noticed smoke and sparks. he poured water over the seats and the sparks stopped. the seat heater did not go off until the key was removed from the ignition. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the coils malfunctioned. the current and failure mileages were 28,000. the consumer stated the dealer replaced seat and electrical components but will not provide consumer with any documentation or information pertaining to the defect and repair. updated 09/18/07 *tr | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 03/12/2006 | 24368 | 1 | 04/01/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 30 mph going around a curve the steering became difficult and then locked. the vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection and determined there was nhtsa recall #03v121000 for the steering hydraulic power assist hose, piping and connections. the hose clamp on the power steering hose was replaced. updated 5/2/2006 - the vehicle had been recalled and replaced in 2003 for the hose clamps. *nm contact was told by mercedes that this failure did not involve the clamp but the hose wore out. also, was told that the steering failure had nothing to do with the mechanic who had serviced the vehicle 2 days prior. it was just something that happened, and that there are no problems with the current clamp/ hose in the steering column. when the contact pickup the vehicle from dealer noticed a charge for replacing the steering hose clamp and lower hose. the contact was told it was only a billing code for the work done by the mechanic. the new clamp was also defective. simpson mercedes reimbursed the contact with $1,950.00 because it was felt this should not hav ehappened. contact uneasy about the steering in the vehicle. *ak | |||
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | |||
| 10/11/2011 | |||
| After changing the serpentine belt, i have noticed that the crankshaft pelley was wobbling and the belt vibrating, i been doing some research and found that there has been a recalled for this issue, dose mine still applied to this problem? it is already out of warranty but this kind of repair is expencive, please | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | ANAHEIM | 92807 | ANAHEIM MB2 CALIBER MOTORS | |
| CA | SANTA MONICA | 90403 | W I SIMONSON INC. | 310-829-4511 |
| CA | WEST COVINA | 91791 | PENSKE MOTORCARS | 626-859-1200 |
| IA | IOWA CITY | 52246 | CHEZIK-SAYERS | 319-337-6100 |
| NJ | BRIDGEWATER | 08807 | MILLENNIUM | 908-685-0800 |
| NJ | FREEHOLD | 07728 | DAVID MICHAEL MOTOR CAR | 732-462-5300 |