The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt which connects the steering gear to the steering coupling May not be tightened correctly.
The risk
The loosening of the nut could result in a slipping of the connection over time, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. Owner notification began August 21, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-289 (03V289000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 2003-080003 |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Component | Steering |
| Report date | August 7, 2003 |
| Owners notified | August 21, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 554 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-289 repair free?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. Owner notification began August 21, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 554 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.