1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 steering problems

STEERING

The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her vehicle after parking overnight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to a closed NHTSA Action Number: PE3006 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA complaint #11536152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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There was a recall on the steering on my 1999 Mercedes Benz . The Manufacturer said its closed . The steering is leaking and hard to drive and I fear the power steering pump will go out while I am driving the Vehicle. I fear for my safety. How can I get this recall opened and my vehicle fixed .

NHTSA complaint #11475424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. DJR

NHTSA complaint #10617245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. DJR

NHTSA complaint #10617245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INQUIRY OVER 3 YEARS AGO; NO RESOLUTION PRESENTED. PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED AND GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ONLY WHEN RESEARCHING, WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURE OR DEALER. SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INCURRED AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. MOONROOF UNABLE TO CLOSE 100% - TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISED THE PROBLEM WAS SEEN ROUTINELY WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOONROOF. ADVISED TO FORE-GO REPAIR DUE TO COST. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE CUSTOMARY AND UNSURE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED OR REPAIRS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURER. WOULD LIKE A WRITTEN RESPONSE OUTLINING OPTIONS AND RESOURCES TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES.

NHTSA complaint #10389979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #10251315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

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.

NHTSA complaint #10207955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:COLUMN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10207955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10207955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10199666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10199413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10177747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10144881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

POWER STEERING HOSE.

NHTSA complaint #10144526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10107391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

(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!!

NHTSA complaint #10081155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY/RUN OUT OF FUEL/ENGINE QUITS LOSS OF CONTROL, POWER BRAKES AND STEERING MAY LEAD TO CRASH/DEFECT

NHTSA complaint #10074445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10056797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD WINDING NOISE. THE CLAMP HOSES LOOSENED, ALLOWING POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10057238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #10050414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10045802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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

NHTSA complaint #10041985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10024977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10024977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:COLUMN

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY STEERING FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10024914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED, WHICH CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10011176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

THE POWER STEERING FAILED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. FUEL LEAKED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10009743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10009827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10008197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.