1999 Mercedes-Benz M Class Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 33%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz M Class, 33% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power steering hose clamps. Based on published comments by individuals on various internet chat groups for this truck regarding hydraulic fluid leaks and failures of the power steering hose, I check my hoses and found that the lower hose was about to come off. The clamp, which was loose, was retightened.”
NHTSA complaint #10007841, filed 2003-02, 115,000 miles“When trying to turn my vehicle from a parking lot, there was a sudden leakage of power steering fluid and the steering wheel became so hard to turn. The car was not in drivable condition and I towed it to my nearest service station. After diagnosis, power steering hose and clamp were replaced and the car is running good now. Later I found that this is a known issue in 1999 mercedes ml 320 and found recall campaign details of this issue in NHTSA website. But when I called mercedes USA to get a reimbursement for the repair cost, they are refusing to give reimbursement for a strange reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292555, filed 2009-11, 117,000 miles“I have problems with my check engine light from and faulty oxygen sensor, the car was repaired under warranty. Then I had a hose disconnect and lost power steering prior to the recall on the hose cloamp and I paid the towing and repairs myself. Now I have had a major mechanical problem and on august 5th, my car lost power steering, air conditioning, the battery light came on and then my car began overheating. Apparently the crankshaft broke and it shredded one of the major belts, which damaged the oil pan and water pump. I immediately pulled over and had the car towed 20 miles to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069784, filed 2004-01, 45,000 miles“First occurance was leakage 2 months prior, clamp tightened by dealer. 2nd occurence on reported date, started to drive out of parking lot, power steering hose blew off, lost all fluid and power steering assist.”
NHTSA complaint #10007936, filed 2003-02, 46,600 miles“The contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ml320. While driving approximately 40 MPH on normal road conditions, the power steering failed without warning. Immediately, the driver exerted more effort to turn the steering wheel. There was also excessive power steering fluid leaking. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they discovered NHTSA campaign id number 03v121000 (steering;hydraulic power assist;hose, piping, and connections). The vehicle was repaired for the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255736, filed 2009-01, 120,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V465000Sep 17, 2008Mercedes-benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering…Covers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998–2004
- 03V121000Mar 27, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide…Covers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10051989Feb 15, 2013Mercedes: see document search button for owner letter. The lower power steering hose and clamp should be replace, under extended warranty, due to power steering leakage from…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz M Class
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz M Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology