I have a 2003 Mercedes ml 320 that has power steering fluid problems. This is due to a recall issued by mb for faulty hosing, piping and connections. I had loss of steering capability while driving which lead me to steer off the road during rainy conditions.

- Newport Beach, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact exited an offramp at 10 mph and the vehicle came to a complete stop. When she attempted to accelerate, she lost all power steering ability. She was able to drive home and later had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that there was a leak in the power steering unit and one of the O-rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, but the contact feels that it is a manufacturer defect. The current and failure mileages were 62,000.

- Kingston, NY, USA

: the contact stated while driving at 30 mph going around a curve the steering became difficult and then locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection and determined there was NHTSA recall #03V121000 for the steering hydraulic power assist hose, piping and connections. The hose clamp on the power steering hose was replaced. Updated 5/2/2006 - the vehicle had been recalled and replaced in 2003 for the hose clamps. Contact was told by Mercedes that this failure did not involve the clamp but the hose wore out. Also, was told that the steering failure had nothing to do with the mechanic who had serviced the vehicle 2 days prior. It was just something that happened, and that there are no problems with the current clamp/ hose in the steering column. When the contact pickup the vehicle from dealer noticed a charge for replacing the steering hose clamp and lower hose. The contact was told it was only a billing code for the work done by the mechanic. The new clamp was also defective. Simpson Mercedes reimbursed the contact with $1,950 because it was felt this should not hav ehappened. Contact uneasy about the steering in the vehicle.

- Pacific Palisades, CA, USA

Consumer has contacted dealer for the last 6 weeks regarding recall remedy 03V121000, but dealer continually asked consumer to call back and never gave valid reason of why could not perform recall repairs. Dealer has yet to set up an appointment or even state whether parts were available or been ordered.

- Lodi, NJ, USA