Vehicle recall 03V121000 · March 27, 2003
1998-2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class
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…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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 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.
- 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).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 03V121000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 27, 2003
- Filed by
- MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
- Manufacturer campaign
- 2003-040005
- Owner notification
- June 16, 2003
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 211,000
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
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