2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 17%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 17% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“Leakage of power steering fluid coming from hoses, or pipe, or some connection. I was about to leave when I started my car only to hear a loud whining noise and a hard-to-turn steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11097043, filed 2018-05, 162,000 miles“A complete loss of power steering fluid caused me to lose control of my SUV. I was unaware of any lost of power steering fluid until I lost control of my vehicle and I later check the area where I had parked the night before. I parked my vehicle until I replaced the power steering fluid. This is not the first problem I have had with this type of vehicle. I received a safety recall notice on the other ml320, 2001 that I got rid of three years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10256705, filed 2009-01, 61,000 miles“Power steering fluid leak, resulting in occasional hard steering. This also occurred in january and april. We called the dealer and mercedes USA and were told the vehicle was not part of the september 2008 recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10283743, filed 2009-09, 61,500 miles“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz ML350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the hose clamp needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 08v465000 (steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/13/17 the consumer requested to be reimbursed for the leaky steering fluid repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705685, filed 2015-04, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While driving various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned. The steering wheel was difficult to turn and the steering fluid had to be replaced several times. The contact stated that the steering wheel made a loud grinding noise when it was turned and power steering fluid leaked from the column. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated without warning. It was diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10936803, filed 2016-12, 90,000 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…
- 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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