The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler May not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
The risk
The loss of power steering fluid May result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump.
The fix
Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. Owner notification began June 16, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-121 (03V121000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 2003-040005 |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Component | Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections |
| Report date | March 27, 2003 |
| Owners notified | June 16, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 211,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-121 repair free?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. Owner notification began June 16, 2003.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 211,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.