2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 27%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 27% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,500 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.
“Loss of power steering fluid, it appears to be from the hose connection to the radiator during driving and while stationery. This issue was previously recalled, I believe twice. Dealer requested $125 diagnostic charge. Mb USA informed in a phone conversation, that this problem was already fixed october 2008 under recall, and the warranty expired and I should fix on my own cost.”
NHTSA complaint #11060855, filed 2018-01, 79,500 miles“I have a 2003 mercedes ml 320 that has power steering fluid problems. This is due to a recall issued by mb for faulty hosing, piping and connections. I had loss of steering capability while driving which lead me to steer off the road during rainy conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10217327, filed 2008-02, 100,000 miles“Car makes a washing machine type nose when the steering wheel is turned. Mercedes dealer evaluated and found the steering gear box/rack & pinion is worn and should be replaced. Although dealer recommended replacement of part they did add a lubricant to power steering fluid to eliminate the noise (which is still there presently). Warranty company refuses to replace rack & pinion because they state part is still functioning as intended. However, if part completely fails and the steering goes out, I could be involved in an accident, possibly causing death or injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10215656, filed 2008-01, 51,723 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz ML320. The contact exited an offramp at 10 MPH and the vehicle came to a complete stop. When she attempted to accelerate, she lost all power steering ability. She was able to drive home and later had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that there was a leak in the power steering unit and one of the o-rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, but the contact feels that it is a manufacturer defect. The current and failure mileages were 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10211473, filed 2007-12, 62,000 miles“Consumer has contacted dealer for the last 6 weeks regarding recall remedy 03v121000, but dealer continually asked consumer to call back and never gave valid reason of why could not perform recall repairs. Dealer has yet to set up an appointment or even state whether parts were available or been ordered.”
NHTSA complaint #10027102, filed 2003-07Related 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.
- 10028646Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. When turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. This may be emanating from the bearing and…
- 10028645Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: chrome plating peeling on decorative caps on the steering wheel spokes, this is due to less than optimal adhesion between chrome plating and base material. Models 164…
- 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.
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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