2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 44%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 44% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,750 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.
“I recently had to replace the power steering pump, reseviour, and hose after loosing control while driving on the highway. Immediately after refilling with fluid all the contents ran right out. I do see that there was a recall for this problem in 2008, but I did not take ownership of this vehicle until 2/15. Is there any way possible for this problem to be fixed under the recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10873347, filed 2016-06, 136,690 miles“Bought this car on 01/2008 after a month or two I started to fill reservoir with power steering fluid as needed which is often. I called mercedes benz regarding the recall but denied my request. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10553146, filed 2013-11, 57,500 miles“I was backing out of my garage, when I heard a noise coming from the left front engine. I immediately put the SUV back into the garage and parked it. I saw an oil leak where it had been parked. Since then, I have been driving my toyota, and left the mercedes parked in the garage. The large oil leak concerned me.I spoke to a mercedes mechanic and described what I had heard, and he said it was most likely a steering problem. I checked online and noticed there are recalls for the steering hose and clamp for ml 350 models years 2003 +. In which the steering wheel oil leaks out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510655, filed 2013-05, 74,072 miles“In regarding to safety recall #2003-040005: 1. Hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler failed to provide sufficient clamping force for this connection. 2. Its consequences: a. Power steering pump failing b. Valve covers leaking 3. Mercedes-benz of south charlotte replaced power steering pump, replaced valve cover gaskets. Total charges were $1,544.62 ($775.40 for parts, the rest was for labor). …”
NHTSA complaint #10264171, filed 2009-04, 49,492 miles“Steering is making a wheezing noise and it feels hard to steer compared to other vehicles. Engine fells like stalling after hitting brakes; engine is shaking on the drive mode when you are not moving and on brake mode; more than 10 times, will take to the dealership soon.”
NHTSA complaint #10135564, filed 2005-09, 19,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10167002Feb 25, 2014Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- 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…
- 10046319Aug 9, 2012Xentry (mercedes); electric steering control unit, in some vehicles, has implausible fault entry due to software needing updating. Models ml 350. No model years listed.
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 7% |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% |
| 2010 | 4 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 24 | 36% |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 6 | 26% |
| 2004 | 6 | 17% |
| 2003 | 11 | 44% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350
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