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 | |||
| 02/01/2013 | 1 | ||
| Mercedes benz ml 320. consumer requests reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated the steering was extremely stiff and the vehicle would not turn. after doing some research, the consumer discovered the 2000 models years had steering problems, due to a faulty pump assembly. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the consumer then received a call from the dealer, stating the pump needed to be replaced. the consumer asked about the pump and hose recall. the dealer stated the parts would be replaced free of charge. however, the pump was not apart of the recall and it would cost $ 1190 to replace it. the consumer requested that just the recall parts be replaced. but, the dealer stated it probably would not fix the problem. | |||
| 11/17/2010 | 120000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml320. while driving 40 mph the power steering fail and the vehicle could steered to the right or the left. he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the bushes and damaged the left side. there were no injuries and the vehicle will be towed to the body shop for the repairs. the dealer was called and informed him to contact his insurance carrier. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 120,000.....mw | |||
| 01/24/2005 | 87582 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml320. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 03v121000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) and had the necessary repairs performed by the dealer. however, she continued to experience failures with the power steering fluid leaking. the steering wheel became more difficult to turn over time. on a separate occasion, she received a second recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). the dealer stated that the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler needed to be replaced at the cost of $1,200. the dealer stated that it would be pointless to repair the vehicle according to the recall when additional components were affected as a result of the steering failure. the initial recall stated that consumers who had repairs made before november 23, 2003 could possibly have the hose replaced, if found defective. the contact had repairs made prior to that date. she also experienced failures with the catalytic converter and the check engine indicator continued to illuminate on the instrument panel. after the repairs were made, the check engine indicator continued to illuminate. the dealer could not duplicate the failure and stated that it was not related to the power steering. the failure mileage was 87,582 and current mileage was 190,000. | |||
| 12/23/2008 | 99619 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml320. the contact stated that she received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) and immediately scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle repaired. after the repair, she noticed fluid near the front driver's side tire. the dealer stated that she needed to replace the rack and pinion; however, they could not identify the specific cause of the failure. the contact is in the process of having the vehicle inspected and notifying the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 99,619. | |||
| 24 | 08/07/2002 | ||
| Vehicle was always being serviced and the air bags failed to deploy in a severe accident. *ph the consumer was struck by another driver and caused damage on both sides of the vehicle. both sides of the doors were smashed and there was extensive damage in the passenger's cabin. other problems are as followed: the engine light was on, engine low level oil light had come on, when the right front and left rear windows were erratic when going down, the cigarette lighter was inoperative, the rear cargo accessory plug was inoperative, the trim on the left side of the left front seat cracked, there was a buldge on the right rear tire, lug bolts were missing on the right rear wheel and the rear pads needed to be replaced, there was a noise heard in the rear when going over bumps, the power supply plug in the rear cargo area was inoperative, the light behind the climate control panel was inoperative, the left front window was intermittent, the left front park light was inoperative, the left front door was not closing due to the latching, the rear electrical plug in the rear cargo area was inoperative, the material on the center console wrinkled, the sunroof would bind when opened, the rear tire had a knot on the sidewall, when the vehicle was filled with fuel the fuel gauge would go down, there was a noise in he right front wheel when driven at low speeds, there was a whining noise when turning the steering wheel and the steering was stiff. *sc | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| While turning left onto a side street the vehicle steered straight, would not turn left. *ak | |||
| 10/28/2002 | |||
| While traveling on the highway without prior warning the power steering goes out. the dealership is aware of the promblem.. ts | |||
| 12/05/2001 | |||
| While turning left at 15 mph steering locked, driver was was unable to turn steering wheel. on dec 20, 2001 while turning left at 30 mph steering locked again. vehicle taken to dealer both times, consumer was told vehicle was repaired, not what the problem was. *ak | |||
| Going about 30 mph and coming to turning lane, decided not to turn. steering wheel locked as trying to get back into traffic, and almost got rearended by a truck. consumer stated that steering wheel locked when making a turn/ parking or switching lanes. gives no prior warning.this happened on and off. took vehicle to dealer, and had rack and pinion steering replaced. .took vehicle back to dealer, and dealer could not locate a problem. provide any further information. provide vin. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 12/08/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated that when she took vehicle to dealer for regular maintenance she was told that they would repair the recall regarding the power steering fluid cooling hose while doing the scheduled maintenance. consumer stated a week later she entered the vehicle and saw oil/fluid on the ground. she then called the dealer, and was told to bring the vehicle in. consumer brought vehicle to dealer an the appointed time. 2 days after vehicle was repaired it locked up. consumer did not believe that the vehicle was repaired properly. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 11/17/2008 | 1 | ||
| Consumer is requesting a refund for the recall #2003-040005 on her 2000 mercedes-benz ml320. *nj the power steering reservoir, seal, pump, fluid and steering hose clamp were all replaced. recall 03v121000. *jb | |||
| 09/24/2008 | 1 | ||
| Consumer wants to be reimbursed for the repair work on his 2000 mercedes-benz ml320 after receiving a recall notice for the power steering hose clamp. *nj recall # 03v121000. *jb | |||
| 08/14/2006 | 2 | 07/10/2000 | |
| Recently, my 2000 ml320 would end up cranking while starting. took 2 attempts to get the car started up. took my mercedes to the local authorized shop and was told that the fuel pump went out. had the fuel pump replaced & filter & the new updated lines. previously back in december 2005, power steering line was damaged. serviced at same dealership. a small hole was discovered on the pipe and power steering went out. almost made me hit the garage. *nm | |||
| 03/20/2006 | 159000 | 1 | 01/10/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while shifting into reverse in a slippery parking lot the vehicle lost power steering. upon inspection the contact determined the power steering fluid leaked because the return line disconnected from the rack due to improper crimping. both lines were rebuilt by the contact. updated 04/06/06. *jb | |||
| 10/08/2005 | 50450 | 4 | 09/29/2000 |
| Power steering failure - at least 4 times. luckily no injuries or deaths. most recent failure occurred 150 miles from home in mountainous region. *nm | |||
| 10/16/2004 | 593000 | 1 | 02/28/2000 |
| I took an 8 miles round trip to homedepot in the morning and parked the vehicle in the garage. @ hours later, i needto make another trip and as i was backing out the vehicle, i noticed a small puddle of shiny stuff on the garage floor. since i have read about steering hose clamp failure before, i immediately park the vehicle and jack it up to have close inspection. to no surprise, the upper clamp was loose. so i tighten up the clamp and took a short 2 miles test drive. re-inspected the clamp, found no leaks. if i haven't read about the clamp failure before and let the leak continue, i don't want to think about the consequences. thus the complain. | |||
| 09/17/2004 | 70000 | 02/01/2002 | |
| Re: investigation pe 03-006. 2000 mercedes ml320.in 4jgab54e9ya163989 vehicle engine compartment fire. vehicle was parked in driveway 8 hours before fire was spotted at approx 4:00 a.m. vehicle was always serviced my schumacher mercedes of socttsdale arizona. last service was approx sep 10, 2004. i do not know if repair to power steering hose assembley was ever performed. had the vehicle been parked in our garage ,there would have been possible injuries or deaths. i am extremely upset. vehicle was parked nose up on an incline. insurance company has been notified , but i have not contacted mercedes pending your advice.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 56629 | 1 | |
| Request for reimbursement for replacement of hose clamp. nar 07/18/2003.*mr *cb *jb | |||
| 12/08/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated that when she took vehicle to dealer for regular maintenance she was told that they would repair the recall regarding the power steering fluid cooling hose while doing the scheduled maintenance. consumer stated a week later she entered the vehicle and saw oil/fluid on the ground. she then called the dealer, and was told to bring the vehicle in. consumer brought vehicle to dealer an the appointed time. 2 days after vehicle was repaired it locked up. consumer did not believe that the vehicle was repaired properly. *ak | |||
| 06/19/2001 | 6000 | 1 | 03/20/2000 |
| I was severely injured when my 2000 mercedes-benz ml320 failed to steer in an attempted u-turn resulting in impact with a tree. i was hospitalized with three facial fractures (eye socket, jaw, and nose). the air bags did not deploy. the reason for the accident was failure of the cars steering mechanism which has subsequently been recalled. i also feel the dealership lied in connection with the accident. the car (suv) sustained major damage. i have an ongoing medical issue. *jb | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 27000 | 1 | 11/01/1999 |
| When the consumer made a turn in a driveway the pressure hose for power steering failed and made it difficult to steer the vehicle. mr scc *nlm | |||
| 03/07/2003 | 24000 | 1 | 08/05/2000 |
| Loss of power steering while driving. informed that power steering hose clamp failed. repaired by mercedes-benz roadside assistance, informed that this failure occurred because of the weather changes, but failure was common.*jb | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 45000 | 0 | 01/31/2000 |
| 3 power steering hose clamps loose on 2000 mercedes ml320 with ~45,000 miles. one on lower radiator required 3 full turns to tighten. had this hose come off power steering fluid would have leaked out and control of the vehicle would have been very difficult to control. | |||
| 04/18/2002 | 27175 | 1 | 08/19/2000 |
| Loss of power steering while driving. vehicle nearly impossible to maneuver at slower speeds. cause: hose came off power steering system and fluid was lost. | |||
| 05/16/2002 | 22039 | ||
| Power steering failure. the fluid was gushing out. dealer repaired with new power steering return hose and clamp. ts | |||
| 05/10/2002 | |||
| While driving consumer made a right hand turn and steering became very hard to turn, consumer hit a curve. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that hose carrying power steering fluid broke. consumer feels this is dangerous if traveling on highway. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 05/10/2002 | 2 | 12/01/2099 | |
| While i was making a right hand turn, the steering wheel locked. i put the word locked in quotes, because the hose system to the power steering broke and the power was lost. a mercedes m-class is a heavy vehicle, and i was unable to turn the steering wheel. i was lucky. there was no person or car to the right of us and i drove the car into the right hand curb. this happened in 4/02. the car was towred to w.i. simonson, a mercedes dealorship in santa monica, california. the car was returned to me and the same thing happened a couple of weeks later on may 10, 2002. this time i was backing out of my driveway when the steering wheel froze and i could see brown fluid in a big puddle. it was towed again to the same dealership and i was told the problem was either 1)something defective with the metal piece attached to the hose; or 2) a defective clamp which did not hold the hose to thepipe. anyhow, i am very worried about driving this car. i know i was lucky. i could have been killed/injured or killed/injured someone else if the failures had not happened in such safe places. i notice one other steering wheel failure listed for the 2000 mercedes ml320. thank you.*ak | |||
| 03/04/2002 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| While driving, power steering becomes very erratic, which makes vehicle very hard to manuver. took to dealer. problen has not been resolved as of yet. *ak dealer was well aware of problem and replaced a leaking power steering hose. *tt | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 06/25/2002 | 08/25/2000 | ||
| While driving power steering fluid leaked out, resulting in total loss of power steering. dealer contacted. please provide additional information. ts | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 08/01/2008 | 123080 | 1 | 10/01/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml320. while driving approximately 30 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the abs engaged and the vehicle skidded approximately 5 feet. the abs then released on its own. the vehicle was driven to a mechanic and the failure was diagnosed as the esp yaw rate sensor. the sensor was replaced. the current mileage was 124,000 and failure mileage was 123,080. updated 09/10/08 *bf the power steering hose lwaked. updated 09/10/08. *jb | |||
| 12/17/2004 | 66000 | 10 | |
| While driving at highway speeds power steering failed. no impact reported. *ak | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 77000 | 1 | 06/15/2002 |
| The power assist failed while driving 65 mph. the condition caused difficulty in steering while pulling off the road and the vehicle hit side barrier. the dealer was not notified. *jb | |||
| 11/02/2004 | 1 | 09/04/2002 | |
| Consumer complained about power steering problems which made the vehicle hard to maneuver.*ak | |||
| 03/03/2003 | 32950 | 2 | 05/10/2000 |
| This is the second time that the power steering fluid has leaked causing sudden loss of steering control. first time (feb 2002) the dealer termed it as fault of clamp and now the second time (march 2003) the dealer is terming it as problem with power fluid hose first time the incident could have been fatal as happened while car in motion at 60 miles / hour on freeway. luckily being sunday morning there was low traffic and managed to pull it to side. second time could have caused significant property damages as car was being pulled out of garage and could have hit the car parked next. in both cases there were no prior indication for failure. *nlm | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - DRAG - POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/11/2005 | 60000 | 1 | 10/25/2000 |
| Mercedes ml 320 power steering malfunction while driving, eventhough a recall repair was carried out. was nearly rammed into by an oncoming truck but was safe because of forced that i use to get out of the problem. in process wrist and shoulder suffered injury.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 40539 | 6 | 12/11/1999 |
| After warranty expired4 years ago within 2-6 months, and up to 40,539 miles the following repairs were necessary in a mercedes ml 320: brake stop lamp switch assembly, latching mechanism rt. front door, oxygen sensor, -power steering rack and two tie rodsfrom 2/17/04 to 6/18/04. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 40539 | 6 | 12/11/1999 |
| After warranty expired4 years ago within 2-6 months, and up to 40,539 miles the following repairs were necessary in a mercedes ml 320: brake stop lamp switch assembly, latching mechanism rt. front door, oxygen sensor, -power steering rack and two tie rodsfrom 2/17/04 to 6/18/04. *ak | |||
| Going about 30 mph and coming to turning lane, decided not to turn. steering wheel locked as trying to get back into traffic, and almost got rearended by a truck. consumer stated that steering wheel locked when making a turn/ parking or switching lanes. gives no prior warning.this happened on and off. took vehicle to dealer, and had rack and pinion steering replaced. .took vehicle back to dealer, and dealer could not locate a problem. provide any further information. provide vin. *ak | |||