Investigation RQ08002: 1998–2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 11, 2008

Closed

Sep 17, 2008

Model years

1998–2003

Subject

Power steering hose leak

Component: Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Summary

Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (nhtsa recall 03v-121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v-465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for 03v-121 and which haven't received a subsequent repair to install a revised hose and clamp.approximately one-third of the vehicles that received the original repair procedure and parts returned for subsequent service for leakage from the hose fitting and, in approximately 10 percent of these vehicles, complete separation of the hose from the cooler.a revised service procedure for 03v-121, which involved replacing the old hose and clamp with modified parts, had significantly lower rates of return repairs.mbusa will apply the revised service procedure from 03v-121 to the vehicles covered under 08v-465.accordingly this recall query is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class10 complaints
• 2002 Mercedes-Benz M Class5 complaints
• 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class5 complaints
• 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class25 complaints
• 1999 Mercedes-Benz M Class18 complaints
• 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class5 complaints