1999 MERCEDES-BENZ M CLASS
4 recalls — 28 complaints — 5 TSBs
11V208000 Mar 31, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Defect Description
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2002 M-CLASS AND MODEL YEAR 2000-2003 M-CLASS AMG VEHICLES. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO DISENGAGE THE SYSTEM IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, INCLUDING TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL, USING THE CRUISE CONTROL STALK, OR BRAK... Read more
Consequence
DIFFICULTY OR DELAY IN DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
08V465000 Sep 17, 2008
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Defect Description
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 125,228 MY 1998-2004 M-CLASS 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.
Consequence
THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
AN EARLIER RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT A FUTURE LEAKAGE OR FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTION (PLEASE SEE 03V121). SINCE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THROUGH INSPECTION TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC VEHICLES THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED, ALL VEHICL... Read more
03V121000 Mar 27, 2003
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
Remedy
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 ... Read more
99V328000 Nov 22, 1999
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS LOOSE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE BUCKLE TONGUE TO THE LATCH MECHANISM, THE BUCKLE COULD UNLATCH.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Complaint Statistics
28 total complaints
1 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 6, 2011
Incident date: Aug 20, 2011
DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Sep 6, 2011
Incident date: Aug 20, 2011
DRIVING ON TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEAR NYC AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 15 MPH FOR TOLL BOOTH AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TOLLS. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY LOUD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS AND I ALMOST CRASHED TRYING TO PULL OVER AS THE EZ-PASS IS ALL... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Jan 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 29, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V328000. SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL. SEAT BELT BUCKLE EVEN AFTER THE RECALL INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT IS DEFECTIVE, THE CONNECTION IN BETWEEN METAL SPRING AND PLASTIC IS UNSAFE AND UNSAFE, IT IS MADE OUT OF CHEAP PLASTIC, EVENTUALLY PLASTIC WILL FAIL AND SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH. IT ... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Jan 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 29, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V328000. SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL. SEAT BELT BUCKLE EVEN AFTER THE RECALL INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT IS DEFECTIVE, THE CONNECTION IN BETWEEN METAL SPRING AND PLASTIC IS UNSAFE AND UNSAFE, IT IS MADE OUT OF CHEAP PLASTIC, EVENTUALLY PLASTIC WILL FAIL AND SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH. IT ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 12, 2010
Incident date: Sep 5, 2010
MY 1999 MERCEDES ML320 STALLED IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WHICH SHOWED A MARGINAL PROBLEM. WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MANAGER THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" WAS ILLUMINATED. HE SAID THAT WAS BECAUSE TH... Read more
TIRES
Feb 13, 2010
Incident date: Feb 2, 2010
TIRE ALMOST NO TREAD AFTER 31,000 MILES WARRANTY FOR 65,000 MILES. *TR
STEERING
Nov 17, 2009
Incident date: Oct 7, 2009
WHEN TRYING TO TURN MY VEHICLE FROM A PARKING LOT, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SO HARD TO TURN. THE CAR WAS NOT IN DRIVABLE CONDITION AND I TOWED IT TO MY NEAREST SERVICE STATION. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP WERE REPLACED AND TH... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jul 17, 2009
Incident date: May 6, 2009
1999 ML 320 BEGAN JERKING ON MEDIUM GRADES. JERKING WAS REPORTED TO KNOXVILLE TN. MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP. THEY REPORTED THE TRANSFER CASE IS FAILING. THEY INDICATED THAT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TRANSFER CASE FAILURE ON AN ML 320. I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED AT A COST OF $430... Read more
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Jul 17, 2009
Incident date: May 6, 2009
1999 ML 320 BEGAN JERKING ON MEDIUM GRADES. JERKING WAS REPORTED TO KNOXVILLE TN. MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP. THEY REPORTED THE TRANSFER CASE IS FAILING. THEY INDICATED THAT TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TRANSFER CASE FAILURE ON AN ML 320. I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED AT A COST OF $430... Read more
STEERING
Mar 16, 2009
Incident date: Dec 13, 2008
MY CAR STOPPED STEERING. I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT OCCURRED ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13,2008. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A MEINEKE SHOP. THEY DISCOVERED THAT MY HOSE AND CLAMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WENT TO MY CLOSEST MERECEDES BENZ SERVICE CENTER IN GREENWICH, CT THE NEXT WEEK. THEY COM... Read more
STEERING
Jan 20, 2009
Incident date: Dec 8, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ ML320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IMMEDIATELY, THE DRIVER EXERTED MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 7, 2005
Incident date: Sep 27, 2005
MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Oct 7, 2005
Incident date: Sep 27, 2005
MY 1999 ML 320'S ENGINE RECENTLY (27 AND 29 SEPT 05) INSTANTANEOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING-NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!. GOOD WX, NO RAIN, DRY, DAYTIME. IT RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINS. TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. ML IS WELL MAINTAINED,VEHICLE HAS 117K MILES. ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Aug 25, 2005
Incident date: Aug 23, 2005
I WAS DRIVING ACROSS THE VERRAZANO NARROWS BRIDGE FROM BROOKLYN TO STATEN ISLAND. JUST PAST THE TOLLS, MY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED, CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SIZES AND STOPPING THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENTLY, I LOST STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME VERY HARD. I WAS MORE-OR-LESS POINTING TO AN SHOULDER/EMB... Read more
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2003
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUS... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2003
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUS... Read more
STEERING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2003
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM AND FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I HAD A HOSE DISCONNECT AND LOST POWER STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON THE HOSE CLOAMP AND I PAID THE TOWING AND REPAIRS MYSELF. NOW I HAVE HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND ON AUGUS... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Jan 20, 2004
Incident date: Jan 16, 2004
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CITY TRAFFIC. SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE NOTICING FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME THE FIREFIGHTERS PUT OUT THE BLAZE THE FRONT PART OF THE CAR WAS ... Read more
Fire
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Oct 31, 2003
Incident date: Sep 26, 2003
DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. *LA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Feb 21, 2003
Incident date: Feb 4, 2003
FIRST OCCURANCE WAS LEAKAGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR, CLAMP TIGHTENED BY DEALER. 2ND OCCURENCE ON REPORTED DATE, STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF, LOST ALL FLUID AND POWER STEERING ASSIST.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Feb 20, 2003
Incident date: Oct 1, 2002
POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS. BASED ON PUBLISHED COMMENTS BY INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS INTERNET CHAT GROUPS FOR THIS TRUCK REGARDING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS AND FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE, I CHECK MY HOSES AND FOUND THAT THE LOWER HOSE WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. THE CLAMP, WHICH WAS LOOSE, WAS RETIG... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Aug 7, 2000
Incident date: Dec 13, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Aug 7, 2000
Incident date: Dec 13, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED
SEAT BELTS
Aug 7, 2000
Incident date: Dec 13, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 7, 2000
Incident date: Dec 13, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Aug 7, 2000
Incident date: Dec 13, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPAIRED FOUR TIMES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED, OZ SENSOR FAILED REPLACE 3 TIMES, FUEL SYSTEM PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED, FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Jul 6, 2000
DESIGN DEFECT IN SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. IT WILL NOT EXTENDED FAR ENOUGH UP AND OUTWARDS, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *AK *ML
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 1, 2000
RECALL 99V328000/ SEAT BELT LATCH MECHANISM. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR PARTS FOR OVER A MONTH, AND MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CONTACTED CONSUMER AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF CALLS. *AK
Technical Service Bulletins — 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ M CLASS
5 manufacturer communications from 5 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 1 |
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 1 |
| 015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | 1 |
TB-46-30-13-B
Feb 15, 2013
015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
MERCEDES: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE LOWER POWER STEERING HOSE AND CLAMP SHOULD BE REPLACE, UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAKAGE FROM CONNECTION TO POWER STEERING COOLER. MODELS 1998-2003 163.154,
424562
May 16, 2005
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ESP LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT
26M992
Nov 5, 1999
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF POOR AM / ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE ON AM. *TT
078
Feb 4, 1999
140000 AIR BAGS
SUBJECT REGARDING SRS CONTROL UNIT PROGRAMMING. *TT
19M982
Oct 1, 1998
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
CONDITIONS REGARDING THE TELEPHONE PRE-WIRING FROM THE RADIO COMPARTMENT TO THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS NOT INSTALLED BY THE FACTORY ON TELEPHONE KIT. *YC
MERCEDES-BENZ M CLASS — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ M CLASS across all model years (1998–2008).
28
Total Recalls
93
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
6
Reported Crashes
3
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths