Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
20-P-05339803/12/201210044181Xentry: 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. *js05/17/2012
TB-46-20-6104/22/200810025648Rattling/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. *pe08/27/2008
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
LI-46-35-P05431608/09/201210046319Xentry (mercedes); electric steering control unit, in some vehicles, has implausible fault entry due to software needing updating. models ml 350. no model years listed. *pe10/03/2012
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN
TB-46-10-3212/02/200810028646Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. when turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. this may be emanating from the bearing and housing of upper steering shaft (firewall pivot point) or steering05/12/2009
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
TB-46-10-3212/02/200810028646Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. when turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. this may be emanating from the bearing and housing of upper steering shaft (firewall pivot point) or steering05/12/2009
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
46204612/04/2008SB-46-20-46A10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe10/23/2006
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
TB-46-10-39C12/02/200810028645Mercedes: chrome plating peeling on decorative caps on the steering wheel spokes, this is due to less than optimal adhesion between chrome plating and base material. models 164 and 251. model years unknown. *pe05/12/2009

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
08/25/201060000
 Bought the 2005 ml350 used last summer (2010). in the first few weeks of owning the vehicle while slowing down or stopped, the acceleration seemed to drop low enough to make the vehicle stall. no check engine light on, but took it back to the dealership and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. since then, it has happened multiple times over the year. also, while starting the vehicle it will stall and i will have to keep retrying to start it and press the acceleration pedal to get it to finally start. (only use the recommended octane suggestions from the mercedes booklet, and follow all directions during fueling) finally, seems to possibly have a steering fluid leak. (only use mercedes power steering fluid from dealership)
12/20/201045000
 The 2005 ml 350 i believe is experiencing the same problems that led to recalls for ml series in 2003, 2004 and possibly other years. the power steering system looses fluid caused by leaks in the plumbing of the power steering pump. the only sign of an initial problem was the noise made by the pump because of loss of fluid. this vehicle requires special fluid which is not commonly available. loss of steering control is the result of the loss of fluid.
02/14/2009100000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz ml350. while attempting to change lanes at approximately 57 mph, the contact noticed that the steering column became difficult to turn. when the brake pedal was depressed, the steering column completely locked. she attempted to pull the vehicle over to the emergency lane, but was headed towards a cement barrier because the steering column was inoperable. she applied the emergency brake and the vehicle stopped abruptly. there was no crash. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the hose clamp detached and all of the power steering fluid drained out of the vehicle. the mechanic also stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. the current and failure mileages were 100,000.