Mercedes Benz ML350 power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Steering · 90,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 22, 2021 · Steering · CA

Losing power steering pressure while driving the car: safety issue it appears Hard to steer the ML350

Filed May 26, 2020 · Steering · 113,000 miles · CA

A loss of power steering fluid can damage the power steering pump and may result in diminished power assist for steering which could lead to a crash. *bf what you should do: dealers will replace the power steering hose clamp. The recall is expected to begin on may 23, 2005. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372. Summary: on certain passenger vehicles, a hose clamp that secures the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection. *tr consumer was told by the dealer recall was expired and would no longer honor it.

Filed May 15, 2020 · Engine · 135,000 miles · CA

Mercedes has produced several thousand engines with defective balance shaft seen in model years 2005-2007 in the m272 and m273. The decided use of soft metals for engine components, such as the balance shaft, lead to a rapid deterioration over time and renders the engine unusable and a potential hazard as the camshaft and crankshaft will not turn, potentially causing the vehicle to break down on the roadway, lose power steering or even lock the steering column, heat excessively, or possibly even catch fire. Mercedes has accepted a settlement offer in 2015 covering many plaintiffs, but denied responsibility. It is obvious that the consumer had nothing to do with the choice of materials used to make the balance shaft, and therefore the manufacturer is clearly responsible, and must know it. Upon replacement of the balance shaft, the issue seems to go away, indicating that the manufacturer made a fix for an issue they knew they were responsible for, covered it up, and denied responsibility. The newer balance shafts are reliable as mercedes knew of issues with their previous faulty ones. Mercedes has only offered to cover up some of the damages, in most cases less than 38% or none at all, only gave customers a few months to file a claim, and almost none were notified of the issue or the settlement, and had come to realize it when it was too late. Many vehicles still well within warranty have been affected by the defective balance shaft, which means that older vehicles with the same issue prevails on the basis of the initial defect. The balance shaft issue has caused my vehicle to stall on the roadway on many occasions, and in one instant, my vehicle's steering column locked as a result. I have reached out to mbusa for a resolution, only to be told that since the vehicle is too old, it's not their responsibility. Vehicles 3 years old have had this issue. Age is no factor.

Filed Dec 26, 2018 · Steering · 175,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz ml350. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver when turned to the left. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v465000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 107,000 miles · AZ

Serpentine belt system. While driving on road at the highway speed, one of the idler pulleys locked up due to the failed bearing, leading to damaging/braking serpentine belt. That LED to loss of steering (loss of power steering) and overheating the engine. Created a very danger situation and left my family stranded many miles away from home. Very costly towing service and repair.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · SC

Loss of power steering fluid resulting in diminished or total loss of power steering. Though total loss did not happen yet, this could easily have resulted in a loss of control and a crash without any warning. 1998-2004 class was recalled for that very reason; why not the model years thereafter that have same problem; likely in same frequency.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Steering · 50,600 miles · FL

Loss of power steering fluid resulting in diminished or total loss of power steering. Though total loss did not happen yet, this could easily have resulted in a loss of control and a crash without any warning. 1998-2004 class was recalled for that very reason; why not the model years thereafter that have same problem; likely in same frequency.

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Steering · 65,000 miles · CA

In a parking lot, the power steering failed without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the steering malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Js

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Steering · 45,000 miles · DC

The 2005 ml 350 I believe is experiencing the same problems that LED to recalls for ml series in 2003, 2004 and possibly other years. The power steering system looses fluid caused by leaks in the plumbing of the power steering pump. The only sign of an initial problem was the noise made by the pump because of loss of fluid. This vehicle requires special fluid which is not commonly available. Loss of steering control is the result of the loss of fluid.