1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 5% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,000 miles.
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.
“Rear windows goe down on their own. Also, when consumer gets out of the vehicle all the doors will automatically lock, and the alarm system will go off.”
NHTSA complaint #844560, filed 1999-08Related service bulletins
- 10052151Apr 24, 2013Xentry (mercedes): rattling noise coming from the area of the steering column tube system, when driving over rough road and when accelerating or braking, there would be cracking…
- 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…
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: 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.
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
- 10025648Apr 22, 2008Rattling/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.
- 10019967Apr 26, 2006Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. On mercedes benz ml and r class models.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 14% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 6 | 27% |
| 2002 | 24 | 27% |
| 2001 | 25 | 18% |
| 2000 | 45 | 27% |
| 1999 | 29 | 23% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
31 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
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