Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
As I noticed in other complaints they all focus in the power steering issues, fuel / oil leaks and loss, ESP option , electrical mail functions that relate with the ECU, problem with the shifter. All these are safety concerns since all the above problems can cause an accident . I have the same problems in my car and it is really difficult to operate the vehicle. The power steering is not working as the car is not in speed motion unless you use strength to turn the wheel , the ESP is not working at all , the shifter is not changing to drive unless you override it and that's the only way to start it and the fuel along with the oil is leaking and all the fluids are disappearing in no time . All these are safety hazards and not just a simple problem . …
Re: investigation pe 03-006. 2000 Mercedes ML320.in [redacted] vehicle engine compartment fire. Vehicle was parked in driveway 8 hours before fire was spotted at approx 4:00 a.m. Vehicle was always serviced my schumacher Mercedes of scottsdale arizona. Last service was approx sep 10, 2004. I do not know if repair to power steering hose assembly was ever performed. Had the vehicle been parked in our garage ,there would have been possible injuries or deaths. I am extremely upset. Vehicle was parked nose up on an incline. Insurance company has been notified , but I have not contacted Mercedes pending your advice. Updated 07/25/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. When the contact attempted to roll down both passenger side windows, they failed to roll down. The headlights and instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. The ABS, brake failure switch, and ESP warning lights illuminated. When using the power steering to attempt to turn the vehicle, the warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction of the power steering. The vehicle hesitated before completing the turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320. While driving 40 MPH the power steering failed and the steering wheel continued to move to the right or left. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into some small trees which damaged the left side of the vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle will be towed to the body shop for the repairs. The dealer was called and informed him to contact his insurance carrier. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I was severely injured when my 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 failed to steer in an attempted u-turn resulting in impact with a tree. I was hospitalized with three facial fractures (eye socket, jaw, and nose). The air bags did not deploy. The reason for the accident was failure of the cars steering mechanism which has subsequently been recalled. I also feel the dealership lied in connection with the accident. The car (SUV) sustained major damage. I have an ongoing medical issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving, the battery light illuminated and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The engine temperature increased and smoke released from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the contacts home. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 121,700.
I bought this vehicle from the auction in algona named whitey's public auto auction and that very day I had to put power steering fluid in because there was a leak and it was difficult to turn. I've had the power steering pump replaced and it continues to leak. I got on the internet and started to research and found out about the recall.
Vehicle was always being serviced and the air bags failed to deploy in a severe accident. The consumer was struck by another driver and caused damage on both sides of the vehicle. Both sides of the doors were smashed and there was extensive damage in the passenger's cabin. Other problems are as followed: the engine light was on, engine low level oil light had come on, when the right front and left rear windows were erratic when going down, the cigarette lighter was inoperative, the rear cargo accessory plug was inoperative, the trim on the left side of the left front seat cracked, there was a buldge on the right rear tire, lug bolts were missing on the right rear wheel and the rear pads needed to be replaced, there was a noise heard in the rear when going over bumps, the power supply plug in the rear cargo area was inoperative, the light behind the climate control panel was inoperative, …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 03V121000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) and had the necessary repairs performed by the dealer. However, she continued to experience failures with the power steering fluid leaking. The steering wheel became more difficult to turn over time. On a separate occasion, she received a second recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08V465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). The dealer stated that the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler needed to be replaced at the cost of $1,200. The dealer stated that it would be pointless to repair the vehicle according to the recall when additional components were affected as a result of the steering failure. …
Driving on interstate 295 in jacksonville fl at approximately 70 MPH in the middle lane and the brakes locked up for 5-10 seconds and the bas/ESP light came on. I nearly lost control of the vehicle and accidentally cut off several cars in the lane to my right. Fortunately nobody was injured, but it could have been very dangerous! After stopping, and shutting the car off, at an exit for so I could see if I could spot anything I tried to make my way home (off the interstate). The bas/ESP light was off, and everything seemed to be alright. However, after about 30 minutes, the brakes locked up again. I was only going about 30 MPH, but I was forced to come to a complete stop. There was a car behind me, but they were able to get around me safely.
NHTSA investigations
Power steering hose assembly leakage
The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection.the loss of power steering fluid May result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (I.e., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump.
Steering complaints in other ML320 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320, 27% of the model year's 166 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.