NHTSA Recall 03V121000: Hose, piping, and connections (steering)
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 211,000 vehicles. It affects 1998–2003 Mercedes-Benz M Class.
| NHTSA campaign | 03V121000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 2003-040005 |
| Component | STEERING › HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST › HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS |
| Report received | March 27, 2003 |
| Owner notification | June 16, 2003 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
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 covered by recall 03V121000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.