Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While at freeway speeds the right front wheel bearing began to growl and continued to get worse until replaced at a dealer. It seems it is premature for a bearing to fail, the vehicle had been serviced at about 121000 miles.
At 57,000 the rack and pinion seals went out on the steering making the car extremely difficult to steer. Rear seat belts had never been used until 12/1/14 at which time I found they were not usable. They were locked into position. The service writer at the Mercedes dealership said he owned the same model and had to replace his twice. Dealer and factory both refused to repair either item.
Loss of power steering fluid, it appears to be from the hose connection to the radiator during driving and while stationery. This issue was previously recalled, I believe twice. Dealer requested $125 diagnostic charge. Mb USA informed in a phone conversation, that this problem was already fixed October 2008 under recall, and the warranty expired and I should fix on my own cost.
Car makes a "washing machine" type nose when the steering wheel is turned. Mercedes dealer evaluated and found the steering gear box/rack & pinion is "worn" and should be replaced. Although dealer recommended replacement of part they did add a lubricant to power steering fluid to "eliminate" the noise (which is still there presently). Warranty company refuses to replace rack & pinion because they state part is still functioning as intended. However, if part completely fails and the steering goes out, I could be involved in an accident, possibly causing death or injury.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320. After the vehicle was started, the contact heard an abnormal sound under the hood of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and discovered that the power steering hose was fractured and fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under manufacturer safety campaign number: 2003-040005. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
I was pulling away from the curb, steering wheel started making whining noises and harder to turn. I continued on city streets then to a freeway where my car began to overheat. I pulled over at a gas station opened the hood and could see fluid all over right lower driver side. It seemed to be coming from a hose by the power steering cap and the right side of the radiator. Under the car same spot right passenger side I could see power steering and radiator coolant leaking from that area.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle. He crashed into a tree and the vehicle was completely destroyed. The air bags deployed and the chemicals caused severe burns on his right arm. He has supporting documents. After the crash, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08V465000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections), which explicitly referenced the failure that he experienced. He called the manufacturer and is currently waiting for a response. The failure and current mileages were 68,000.
While driving at 40 MPH unintended brake application causing loss of control. This has happened numerous times under different speeds and condition. It has happened on curves and straight road conditions. This has been happening since May 2016 at least 15 to 20 times.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz ML320 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (45), 1999 (29), 2001 (25), 2002 (24) and 1998 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz ML320 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Mercedes-Benz ML320 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz ML320 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (50 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (19).
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.