1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 14%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,353miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430, 14% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,353 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.
“Mercedes benz 1999 ml 430. Harmonic balancer failed. Driving 65+ on the mass. Pike, the power steering failed, and then the engine begin to overheat. The vehicle had to be wrestled from the left lane, across 3 very busy lanes of traffic to the side of the highway. The state police were called and the vehicle was towed. I later learned that the crank shaft pulley had broken apart and caused a chain reaction of failures ultimately leading to the above. * cb”
NHTSA complaint #10054362, filed 2004-01, 78,000 miles“The vehicle lost all power steering, which almost caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. The power steering hose was leaking at the clamp, and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10009190, filed 2003-02, 63,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ML430. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). The dealer stated that the power steering pump was previously damaged to a loss of power steering fluid over time. The power steering pump would cost $1,050 to repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 93,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10253972, filed 2009-01, 93,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz ML430. Immediately after starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a loud noise coming from the hood while driving 5 MPH. The steering column became difficult to turn. Approximately ten minutes later, the steering began working again however, he still felt resistance when turning. In addition, the noise persisted. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) and was advised to wait for the recall notice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251317, filed 2008-12, 186,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 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
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430
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