Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls
Vehicle speed control: cruise control
NHTSA campaign 11V208000 · reported March 31, 2011 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 136,751 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 1999-2002 m-class and model year 2000-2003 m-class amg vehicles. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles allows the driver to disengage the system in a number of ways, including tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to reach a certain rate of deceleration. Mercedes-benz has determined that under certain circumstances use of the brake pedal may not automatically disengage cruise control as expected by the driver, although the other means of deactivating cruise control remain fully operative. Specifically, where the driver pumps the brakes rather than applying consistent pedal force, the level of force required may be unusually high.
- The risk
- Difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began during october 2011. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA campaign 08V465000 · reported September 17, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 125,228 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA campaign 03V121000 · reported March 27, 2003 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 211,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
Electrical system: wiring
NHTSA campaign 01V061000 · reported February 27, 2001 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 377 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain all activity module II (aam II) could have a sub-component that could cause the module to intermittently not function properly. The aam II controls a number of systems including the high beam lights, instrument cluster, door locks, and wiper systems.
- The risk
- This condition could cause an intermittent non-functioning of these systems.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the aam II. Owner notification began february 16, 2001. 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jan 23, 2009 · Steering · 60,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPAIRED IN 2003 ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS); HOWEVER, THE STEERING WAS NEVER CORRECTED PROPERLY. THE STEERING MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED…
Nov 14, 2005 · Air bags · crash reported
I WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER DOOR SIDE ON 8/6/05 BY A CAR RUNNING A RED LIGHT. MY CAR WAS HIT SO HARD IT ROLLED OVER RESTING ON IT'S ROOF. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, NOT EVEN SIDE ONES. I CALLED MB-USA TO COMPLAIN. THEY DIDN'T SEEM CONCERNED ABOUT THE EVENT.
Sep 8, 2005 · Electrical system · 100 miles
SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IT CONTINUES TO HESITATE AND STALL OUT GIVING A "START ERROR" ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HAD CONFIRMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER, GERRY GRIFFITH (CAR PURCHASED IN INDIANAPOLIS, RECENT MOVE TO ALABAMA), THAT THE MODEL M-CLASS HAS PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. JUST HAD TO SPEND $1000+ ON A "FIX" AND…
Aug 6, 2005 · Electrical system · 86,000 miles · crash reported
JUST AS REPORTED IN CONSUMER REPORTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSING ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS (IE., BRAKE ASSIST, SAFETY BELTS, AIR BAGS) TO FAIL. THE PROBLEM CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR WHEN THE 4,400 LB. VEHICLE COULD NOT STOP. OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ARE ALSO FAILING. FURTHER, THE REAR GATE LATCH…
Jan 15, 2004 · Structure · 30,000 miles
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY OF THIS YEAR AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TURNING IT IN FOR ONE PROBLEM OR ANOTHER. I AM ASSURED THEY ARE DOING ALL THAT THEY CAN BUT I HAVE NOT GONE 30 DAYS IN A ROW WITH A FUNCTIONING, NO PROBLEM, VEHICLE. I PURCHASED A MB BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE VALUE AND…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 23, 2009.