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SteeringPart report

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Steering Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
11%of 44 total for the year
Median mileage
85,840miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, 11% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,840 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“In approximately august 2010, I had an esp light on. Took it to the dealership (3 hours away) and they replaced the steering column. I picked up the car and drove approx 20 mins when I noticed the steering wheel was not aligned. Called the dealership and had to bring it back in because they forgot to align the wheels. Started off on my drive back home, stopped for gas and on the way out the driveway (10 MPH), I heard a grinding/squeaking noise. Got my car home and found that it was leaking power steering fluid from a clamp. I kept ps fluid in the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10466514, filed 2012-07, 138,000 miles

“On july 14 03 I was driving on the san mateo bridge when all of a sudden I completely lost my ability to turn the steering wheel. I was getting ready to turn off the loop to transfer to the i0i and I had to slow down because the steering was very difficult to turn, luckily with all my strength I was able to turn it and not go over the ramp. I called mercedes foster city and they accommodated me and informed of a power steering clamp defect that can affect the power steering pump (too late for me)..they fixed the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10153647, filed 2006-03, 85,840 miles

“My 2001 mercedes benz ML430 was leaking power steering fluid about 8 months ago I figured out that the clamp had come off so I retightened it and filled it up again because it was empty. 2 months ago it happened again I noticed the clamp did not tighten so I replaced the clamp then I received the recall notice. …”

NHTSA complaint #10259430, filed 2009-02

“The contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ML430. While attempting to exit the highway in rainy conditions, the steering wheel locked and could not be moved. She was driving less than 25 MPH at the time of the failure. The vehicle spun out of control and crashed into the median. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries. Although there was a recall for the same failed component for this year, make, and model vehicle, the manufacturer would not assume liability for the damages referenced in NHTSA campaign id number 08v465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). …”

NHTSA complaint #10258589, filed 2009-02, 80,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2001511%
20001430%
1999614%

Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430

Brakes
23 complaints
Electronic stability control
7 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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