The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08V465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) and had the recall repair performed at the local dealer. The hose and clamp were replaced; however, the dealer stated that the power steering pump was damaged and causing a leak. The contact was informed that the repairs would not be covered under the recall and would cost $1,025. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist with the repairs. The failure mileage was 72839. Updated 12/14/09.

- Millersville, MD, USA

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 has a recall for power steering pump. Consumer states that the dealership repaired the hose and clamp but refused to replace the power steering pump. The consumer stated the power steering pump had failed previously and ran completely dry and was making a lot of noise and there was a loss of power steering control. The consumer stated the failure of the hose and clamp caused damage to the power steering pump. The consumer was informed the recall only covered repairs to the hose and clamp and additional damage was not covered.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Vehicle was repaired under recall 03V121000 concerning power steering hose clamp. After the repairs were done, the vehicle lost power steering while driving 55 mph due to a clamp failure. This demonstrated that recall remedy was inadequate. After the recall failure, the consumer learned Mercedes redesigned the clamp three times. The clamp used on the consumer's vehicle wasn't the same clamp being used throughout the recall. Mercedes was continuing to modify the clamps. Consumer noted that the recall should be recalled again. Steering was lost without notice and which was unacceptable.

- Malibu, CA, USA

Power steering fluid on my 2001 Mercedes ml 320 leaked out.

- Clayton, CA, USA

The defect stated in recall 03 V 121 000 for the power steering hose clamp happened while the consumer was waiting to be notified. The consumer experienced the following: The entire instrument cluster lit up and flashed and beeped, lost the speedometer, tachometer, gas/gas temperature gauge, and the vehicle had gone into second gear and did come out for some time(discovered it was in limp-home mode). The service dealer advised the consumer that the problem was the gear selector. The instrument cluster lights had gone off, except for the bas/brake assist system light, the gauges, speedometer, and tachometer had resumed. There was an incident where half of instrument cluster display on the left lit up, although the vehicle continued to run. The service dealer thought the problem may have been the battery. During a rainstorm, the entire instrument panel lit up, the tachometer, speedometer, and the gas gauge stopped and the instrument panel kept beeping intermittently but did not go into limp mode. There was a crack in one of the D-pillars, and the rear hatch lock did not work. The ignition lock seemed loose since the gear shift assembly had been replaced, the windshield washer reservoir leaked. The bas/esp control module had been changed, but the problem persisted. The consumer was told the vehicle needed a new battery. The brake pad wear light displayed, the power steering had failed again. The consumer was advised the vehicle needed front and rear brakes then was told that it was a clamp problem. Also the driver's window switch hesitated. The safety recall notice that related to the failure of the hose clamp for the power steering fluid which apparently caused the complete loss of power steering in the vehicle as well as damage to the hydraulic fluid pump which resulted in repairs performed on the vehicle. The consumer requested full reimbursement for the charges related to the repairs. Recall# 03V121000

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

The power steering hose had become disconnected, and caused fluid to leak out.

- Granada Hills, CA, USA

Power steering failure

- Spring Lake, NJ, USA

My wife was driving the ML320 and the power steering failed and made the vehicle very difficult to control. Roadside assist indicated that this is a very common problem with the ML320 but there has not been a recall. This is a very significant safety problem for this vehicle. Mercedes should recall this vehicle and develop a permenant fix asap.

- Raritan , NJ, USA

I was driving and the catr started stalling. I tried to turn off the road and I could not turn at all becasuse the steering wheel could not turn. It felt like it was locked. I called the Mercedes roadside assistance and their representative said that the power steering hose unsnapped, as a result, he had to go to a local track auto store to buy a temporary part to replace it. This was a scary and close call as I saw a metro bus almost run into me as I was trying to maneavor the car out of the way.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

Power steering cooler hose came loose during operation causing loss of steering. It was brought to my attention that the clamp holding the hose in place is defective; however, Mercedes has not had a recall to fix the item. If my wife had been in a turn when this occurred an accident would have been the most likely result. It is unbelievable that a car company would not recall and resolve a known issue.

- Beaufort, SC, USA