2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320 Steering Problems

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM THE AUCTION IN ALGONA NAMED WHITEY'S PUBLIC AUTO AUCTION AND THAT VERY DAY I HAD TO PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN BECAUSE THERE WAS A LEAK AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. I'VE HAD THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AND IT CONTINUES TO LEAK. I GOT ON THE INTERNET AND STARTED TO RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL.

Mileage: 220,000

STEERING IS HARD TO TURN. OVER HEATS AND WILL NOT KEEP COOLINAT DOWN

Mileage: 219,444

AS I NOTICED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS THEY ALL FOCUS IN THE POWER STEERING ISSUES, FUEL / OIL LEAKS AND LOSS, ESP OPTION , ELECTRICAL MAIL FUNCTIONS THAT RELATE WITH THE ECU, PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTER. ALL THESE ARE SAFETY CONCERNS SINCE ALL THE ABOVE PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT . I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MY CAR AND IT IS REALLY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING AS THE CAR IS NOT IN SPEED MOTION UNLESS YOU USE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL , THE ESP IS NOT WORKING AT ALL , THE SHIFTER IS NOT CHANGING TO DRIVE UNLESS YOU OVERRIDE IT AND THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO START IT AND THE FUEL ALONG WITH THE OIL IS LEAKING AND ALL THE FLUIDS ARE DISAPPEARING IN NO TIME . ALL THESE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS AND NOT JUST A SIMPLE PROBLEM . THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A REPAIR FOR ALL OF THESE ISSUES ASAP FREE OF CHARGE FROM MERCEDES FOR THE OWNERS OF THE PARTICULAR DEFECTIVE VEHICLES . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

Mileage: 25

MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT ALOT AND AS WELL LEAK ONTO THE GROUND I FIND IT VERY HARD TO STEER MY CAR AT TIMES . THE POWER STEERING FLUID DOESN'T LAST VERY LONG IT'S BEEN FIXED 1 AND THE PROBLEM PERSIST .

DIFFICULT TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. USES LOT OF FORCE TO MOVE THE STELRING

Mileage: 178,888

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN BOTH PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS, THEY FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE ABS, BRAKE FAILURE SWITCH, AND ESP WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN USING THE POWER STEERING TO ATTEMPT TO TURN THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE COMPLETING THE TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 295 IN JACKSONVILLE FL AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP FOR 5-10 SECONDS AND THE BAS/ESP LIGHT CAME ON. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ACCIDENTALLY CUT OFF SEVERAL CARS IN THE LANE TO MY RIGHT. FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS INJURED, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS! AFTER STOPPING, AND SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, AT AN EXIT FOR SO I COULD SEE IF I COULD SPOT ANYTHING I TRIED TO MAKE MY WAY HOME (OFF THE INTERSTATE). THE BAS/ESP LIGHT WAS OFF, AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE ALRIGHT. HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT I WAS FORCED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS A CAR BEHIND ME, BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO GET AROUND ME SAFELY. *TR

Mileage: 145,500

WHILE PULLING OUT THE DRIVEWAY AS IT SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO STEER. AS I DROVE ON AND TURNED AGAIN STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY IT LASTED A WAS BIT LONGER. THE MORE RECENT EVENT OCCURRED ON 12-22-13. NOW ITS VERY HARD TO STEER SO HARD THAT TO DRIVE IS TOO RISKY. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS OK. NOW THE MECHANIC SAYS THAT IT MAY BE THE RACK. *TR

Mileage: 144,000

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED AND SMOKE RELEASED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,700.

Mileage: 121,700

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOME SMALL TREES WHICH DAMAGED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. 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.

Mileage: 120,000

POWER LOST ON STEERING WHEEL. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

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

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.

Mileage: 87,582

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.

Mileage: 99,619

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

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

Mileage: 123,080

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

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

Mileage: 159,000

POWER STEERING FAILURE - AT LEAST 4 TIMES. LUCKILY NO INJURIES OR DEATHS. MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED 150 MILES FROM HOME IN MOUNTAINOUS REGION. *NM

Mileage: 50,450

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

Mileage: 60,000

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS POWER STEERING FAILED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

Mileage: 66,000

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

Mileage: 77,000

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE HARD TO MANEUVER.*AK

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.

Mileage: 593,000

RE: INVESTIGATION PE 03-006. 2000 MERCEDES ML320.IN [XXX] 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 SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA. LAST SERVICE WAS APPROX SEP 10, 2004. I DO NOT KNOW IF REPAIR TO POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY 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 UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 70,000

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

Mileage: 40,539

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

Mileage: 40,539

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

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

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

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

Mileage: 6,000

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF HOSE CLAMP. NAR 07/18/2003.*MR *CB *JB

Mileage: 56,629

WHILE TURNING LEFT ONTO A SIDE STREET THE VEHICLE STEERED STRAIGHT, WOULD NOT TURN LEFT. *AK

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

Mileage: 27,000

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

Mileage: 24,000

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

Mileage: 32,950

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.

Mileage: 45,000

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.

Mileage: 27,175

POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE FLUID WAS GUSHING OUT. DEALER REPAIRED WITH NEW POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE AND CLAMP. TS

Mileage: 22,039

WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED OUT, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROMBLEM.. TS

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

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

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

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

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

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