2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 27%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 27% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11288070, filed 2019-12, 25 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10504500, filed 2013-03, 144,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523462, filed 2013-07, 145,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10037604, filed 2003-09, 6,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10079089, filed 2004-06, 40,539 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320
34 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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