Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 20-P-053398 | 03/12/2012 | 10044181 | Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. no model years given. also included models 168 and 172. *js | 05/17/2012 | |
| TB-46-20-61 | 04/22/2008 | 10025648 | Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. model years unknown. *pe | 08/27/2008 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||||
| 463041 | 04/26/2006 | 10019967 | Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. on mercedes benz ml and r class models. *ak | 05/17/2006 | |
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||||
| 462046 | 12/04/2008 | SB-46-20-46A | 10020460 | Play in the rack and pinion steering system. models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe | 10/23/2006 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||
| PE03006 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 02/13/2003 | 04/04/2003 | POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE | 03V121000 | |
| The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (i.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump. there have also been a few incidents of hose separation from the fitting, that have resulted in more rapid reductions of power steering.testing conducted by mercedes-benz indicates that the leaked fluid is not likely to be exposed to hot engine components.there are no known allegations that the defect condition has caused a vehicle fire. mercedes-benz will conduct a voluntary recall campaign for the subject m-class vehicles.mercedes-benz will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler of the subject vehicles.during clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | ||||||
| PE03006 | MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. | 02/13/2003 | 04/04/2003 | POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE | 03V121000 | |
| The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (i.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump. there have also been a few incidents of hose separation from the fitting, that have resulted in more rapid reductions of power steering.testing conducted by mercedes-benz indicates that the leaked fluid is not likely to be exposed to hot engine components.there are no known allegations that the defect condition has caused a vehicle fire. mercedes-benz will conduct a voluntary recall campaign for the subject m-class vehicles.mercedes-benz will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler of the subject vehicles.during clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 11/17/2008 | 110000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. the contact received a recall notice for the steering. the dealer stated that the power steering pump was damaged and they would only replace the power steering hose. the vehicle is currently at the repair shop to have only the hose repaired. the nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. the failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 128,000. | |||
| 06/21/2005 | 72000 | 1 | 05/16/1999 |
| My wife drove from las vegas on 15 fwy back home when the engine light came on. about 10 minutes later, the vehicle pulled to the left so she steered to the right but it pulled to the left again. while the vehicle was pulling, she applied brakes to slow it down but it seem like the vehicle went faster and faster. she heard a sound shhh sound like a vacuum leaks. the steering wheel was pulling too hard to the left so she could not hold on anymore. the care then went off road and rolled over, landing in the section separating the cars going to las vegas and the cars going back. after landing she screamed how the baby, how the baby, he was 14 months, how every body--her daughters and parents...all 4 tires are suv michelin, just replaced about a month. we believe some things was wrong with the vehicle. | |||
| 12/11/2003 | 59600 | 1 | |
| After the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall 03v121000 concerning power steering pump, vehicle experienced ongoing steering problems. consumer stated warranty expired, and dealer refused to admit that vehicle was running in good conditions. dealer charged consumer every time vehicle was brought in for a steering problem. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| When making a slight turn or just driving straight steering wheel stuck unexpectedly and consumer has hit a wall. dealer has been contacted. please provide any further information. ts.....*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 04/17/2007 | 58000 | 1 | 09/10/1999 |
| Power steering failure - driving this lemon of an suv, car started to pull and was difficult to steer. thank god, i was not on a freeway and could pull over without killing someone. *tr | |||
| 06/20/2003 | 75000 | 1 | |
| While backing out of the driveway steering failed. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 04/17/2007 | 58000 | 1 | 09/10/1999 |
| Power steering failure - driving this lemon of an suv, car started to pull and was difficult to steer. thank god, i was not on a freeway and could pull over without killing someone. *tr | |||
| 08/07/2007 | 63500 | 2 | 09/15/1999 |
| Reference: vehicle complaint - 47046 in september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. in 2003, the vehicle was part of a recall concerning a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. on august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew off losing all hydraulic fluid. we lost the power steering and had extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. the same problem has occurred with a family member's ml-320. in addition, the transmission has frozen four times in first gear. the mercedes dealer was unable to locate the problem. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they replaced the hose; however, we have not retrieved the vehicle from the dealer because we are fearful about driving the vehicle due to these recurring problems. *jb | |||
| 08/07/2007 | 63500 | 2 | 09/15/1999 |
| In september 1999, we purchased a new mercedes-benz, ml-320. in 2003, the vehicle was a part of a recall for a lower power steering hose and clamp at the radiator fitting. on august 7, 2007, while driving the vehicle, the lower power steering hose blew off loosing all hydraulic fluid. we lost the power steering and had extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. the same problem has occurred with a family member's ml-320. in addition, the transmission has frozen four times in first gear. the mercedes dealer was unable to locate the problem. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the hose; however, we have not retrieved the vehicle from the dealer because we are fearful about driving the vehicle due to these recurring problems. *tr | |||
| 12/26/2006 | 129926 | 1 | |
| Tl * - the contact received recall 03v121000. the contact took vehicle to mercedez benz of palm beach january 3, 2007, and was denied arecall repair. the contact would like the repairs to be done under the recall. the contact stated that he received the same recall last year and chose not to address it at that time. the vehicle has had several failures , and was now being denied repair service. *ak the cosumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they statedthere was nothing wrog with the vehicle. the consumer sated while driving, the the exhaust broke in half at the weld. updated 01/22/07. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2005 | 58680 | 1 | 03/14/2002 |
| My pwr steering pressure hose, from bottom radiator thru pwr steering rack are four times pop out at hose clamp, every winter problem! ( 2002 ) (2003) (2004) mercedes dealer replaces a recall hose last winter & hold for a year. (2005) again winter 2 dec 05 the same thing promblem (hose pop out again) i need help to investigate this matter, pls!!! today, i will drop off my suv 10 dec 05 at the same dealer. *nm | |||
| 12/01/2005 | 58700 | 1 | 03/14/2002 |
| Power steering hose. *jb | |||
| 01/20/2003 | 70150 | 2 | |
| While driving 25 mph, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. the driver took the vehicle to a body shop for inspection. the driver noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. the mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the power steering hose needed to be replaced and replaced it. however, the problem still occurs at this time. please provide further details. *nm | |||
| 08/29/2003 | 36200 | 2 | 08/01/1998 |
| Driver's side power window stuck or stopped while operating. the consumer was informed by the dealer that all four window clusters had to be replaced to correct the problem. also, lost of power steering fluid. fluid was leaking from the hoses/clamps and connectors. dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. *ak the manufacturer was aware of the problem but did not notify the owners. the consumer was informed by an independent shop. *scc *jb | |||
| 06/12/2003 | 2 | ||
| Consumer had power steering hose serviced by dealer in 01/03. on 06/12/03 experienced power steering system failure. dealer diagnosed that the steering pump and rack & pinion had failed. consumer then had vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic who advised that the power steering hose had been placed too close to the gear when dealer previously serviced causing the current failure.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| The power steering hose failed, which caused fluid to leak out.*jb | |||
| 10/29/2002 | 32974 | 1 | 09/01/1999 |
| The power steering fluid leaked out of the vehicle. the consumer discovered that there an investigation going on but no recalls yet. *nlm the power steering fluid leaked out of the vehicle. the consumer discovered that there an investigation going on but no recalls yet. cause: power steering hose clamp fell off while driving. solution: new hose clamp installed and system had to be bled and flushed. *mr | |||
| 02/24/2003 | 54677 | 1 | 04/04/1999 |
| Started to drive out of parking lot, power steering hose blew off, lost all fluid and power steering assist. have to tow to dealer. repair under warranty.*jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 52863 | 1 | 01/12/2003 | |
| While driving heard a loud winding noise. the clamp hoses loosened, allowing power steering fluid to leak out. *ak | |||
| 01/29/2003 | 34000 | 03/16/1999 | |
| This is the third attempt to move forward through the site. if the other messages do not come through, please contact me via email. ts | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 61230 | 1 | 07/10/2004 |
| (1)vehicle was making a left hand turn and became almost impossible to turn steering wheel. (2) crankshaft dampener became separated at point of rubber vulcanized and caused serpentine belt to come loose leaving power steering to stop working along with all other pulleys run by the same belt. (3) dampener and belt were replaced. (old parts are available) this is an extremely dangerous situation that my local dealership says is happening very frequently. new types of replacement dampeners have been changed six (6) times in the last five (5) years in the parts book. several local mechanics say it's a very common problem and they wonder why a recall has not been ordered. it would be very easy to find out how many crankshaft dampeners have been ordered and replaced by both dealers and parts sales. again, let me say this is a very dangerous situation that is very common. my primary worry is that a small person would not be able to turn the steering wheel if the power steering goes out as in these broken dampener cases. i'm a 225 lb man and i could barely bring the car to a safe stop at only 25 miles per hour. what would have happened on a mountain road? please investigate this problem for everyone's safety. thank you!! *la | |||
| 03/31/2004 | 1 | ||
| Fuel gauge does not read correctly/run out of fuel/engine quits loss of control, power brakes and steering may lead to crash/defect *la | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 56000 | 1 | 08/15/2000 |
| Mercedes benz, ml320,1999, harmonic balancer failure. destroys the whole bottom front of the engine including making power steering inoperative. may cause a real bad accident. i also have a 2000 c280 with 47,500 miles which looks like carries the exact same problem with the same possible accident potential.*ak | |||
| 09/09/2003 | 70190 | 1 | 02/08/2000 |
| The harmonic balancer on my 1999 mercedes ml320 engine type m112 failed and resulted in $4,000 to repair. the part failed with no advanced warning. even the mercedes dealership who performed the power steering recall two weeks prior to the failure did not spot any problem and they knew to be looking. i was lucky the failure occurred in my driveway backing out of the garage in stead of on the freeway with an immediate loss of power steering or destruction of the engine.*ak | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 64225 | 2 | 10/22/1999 |
| The power steering failed upon starting the vehicle. fuel leaked and made it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. *nlm | |||
| 10/25/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| I heard a snap sound while driving and a burning rubber smell afterwards. we were going to pull into a parking lot to investigate,but half way to making a left turn, we lost all steering capabilities and coasted to the side of a intersection. i normally drive on the freeway, and if this happened then, i am sure i would have had a major accident. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 06/12/2003 | 2 | ||
| Consumer had power steering hose serviced by dealer in 01/03. on 06/12/03 experienced power steering system failure. dealer diagnosed that the steering pump and rack & pinion had failed. consumer then had vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic who advised that the power steering hose had been placed too close to the gear when dealer previously serviced causing the current failure.*ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 04/17/2007 | 58000 | 1 | 09/10/1999 |
| Power steering failure - driving this lemon of an suv, car started to pull and was difficult to steer. thank god, i was not on a freeway and could pull over without killing someone. *tr | |||