NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE03058

ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys

CLOSED

no recall issued

1999 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 -- 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 NHTSA 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. Investigation was initiated on December 17 2003. Closed on April 22 2004. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE03058 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE03006

POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE: Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections**

RECALL »

Recall #03V121000

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1999 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 -- The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for the connection. The loss of power steering fluid may result in gradual reduction in power steering assist (I. E., increased steering effort) over time, with potential damage to the power steering pump. There have also been a few incidents of hose separation from the fitting, that have resulted in more rapid reductions of power steering. Testing conducted by Mercedes-Benz indicates that the leaked fluid is not likely to be exposed to hot engine components. There are no known allegations that the defect condition has caused a vehicle fire. Mercedes-Benz will conduct a voluntary recall campaign for the subject M-class vehicles. Mercedes-Benz will install a new hose clamp on the power steering hose to the power steering cooler of the subject vehicles. During clamp replacement, the power steering cooling hose will be inspected and replaced as necessary. Investigation was initiated on February 13 2003. Closed on April 04 2003. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE03006 »