1998 Mercedes Benz M Class problems

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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 vehicles repaired prior to november 15, 2003, will be repaired again. The recall is expected to begin during november 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 08V465000 · Recall details

What is 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.

Risk

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 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 number 03V121000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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.

Recall number 99V328000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The certification label on these vehicles fail to comply with the labeling requirements of part 567, "certification."

Risk

The rear gross axle weight rating was listed as 3257 lb. Instead of 3527 lb. And the tire size was listed as 276 rather than 275. A consumer could incorrectly inflate the tires or improperly load the vehicle.

Remedy

Dealers will send a representative to the owner's home and remove the non-compliance label and replace this with a label which is in compliance.

Recall number 98V090000 · Recall details

Mercedes-benz USA (mbusa) will notify certain model year (my) 1998 through 2003 m-class owners of the need to bring their vehicles into dealers to address the issue previously campaigned under mbusa recall 2003-040005 (the federal safety agency recall 03v‑121).the mbusa campaign, which odi is designating recall 08v‑465, will replace the power steering cooler hose and clamp in all vehicles that received the original recall remedy for 03v‑121 and which haven't received a subsequent repair to install a revised hose and clamp.approximately one-third of the vehicles that received the original repair procedure and parts returned for subsequent service for leakage from the hose fitting and, in approximately 10 percent of these vehicles, complete separation of the hose from the cooler.a revised service procedure for 03v‑121, which involved replacing the old hose and clamp with modified parts, had significantly lower rates of return repairs.mbusa will apply the revised service procedure from 03v‑121 to the vehicles covered under 08v‑465.accordingly this recall query is closed.

RQ08002

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.

PE03058