Buy me a coffee
NHTSA 03V121📅 Apr 2, 2003

2000–2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class recall: steering

⚠️ What's wrong

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.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
03V121000
Manufacturer recall #
2003-040005
Manufacturer
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Vehicles affected
211,000
Component
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Owner phone
1-800-367-6372
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Jun 16, 2003
Built
May 1, 1998 – Dec 31, 2002
Recall started by
ODI
Notes
Mercedes-Benz recall no. 2003-040005.customers CAN also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 03V121 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 03V121?

2000–2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class. 211,000 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-800-367-6372.