1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 23%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 23% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2005-12, 58,680 miles“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, filed 2003-11, 70,190 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10199413, filed 2007-08, 63,500 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10199666, filed 2007-08, 63,500 miles“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, filed 2005-01, 70,150 milesRelated 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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