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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1998–2009

Mercedes-Benz M-Class recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 86 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, covering model years 1998 to 2009. The 2000 model year drew the most complaints (25), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 15 recall campaigns on file
  • 86 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1998–2009)
  • most complaints: 2000 (25 for that model year)
  • top component: Steering (22 complaints)
  • latest recall 11V208000 (reported Mar 31, 2011)
  • 6 complaints reporting a crash (7.0%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a fire (4.7%)
  • 3 complaints reporting an injury (3.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2000 model year has the most complaints: 25 of 86, or 29.1%. Next come 1999 (18) and 2006 (14). The fewest are for 2009, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz M-Class owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1998–2009Column chart of 86 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2000 with 25. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1998: 5 complaints519981999: 18 complaints1819992000: 25 complaints2520002001: 5 complaints520012002: 5 complaints520022003: 10 complaints1020032004: 0 complaints20042005: 0 complaints20052006: 14 complaints1420062007: 2 complaints220072008: 1 complaint120082009: 1 complaint12009
Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199851000
1999180100
2000251000
200152010
200250000
2003101120
2006141000
200720200
200810000
200910000
All model years866430

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz M-Class components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 22 complaints (25.6% of all 86), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (15) and Electrical System (14).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Steering2225.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling1517.4%
Electrical System1416.3%
Power Train1011.6%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)89.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic89.3%
Seats55.8%
Fuel System, Gasoline44.7%
Structure44.7%
Seat Belts33.5%
Vehicle Speed Control33.5%
Visibility33.5%
Air Bags22.3%
Equipment22.3%
Unknown or Other22.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class recalls

15 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name M-Class, newest first. The 15 campaigns cover model years 1998 to 2009. The 2000 and 2002 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 15 recall campaigns
Mercedes-Benz M-Class recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1998: 4 campaigns1999: 4 campaigns
2000: 5 campaigns2001: 4 campaigns2002: 5 campaigns2003: 3 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: no campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 11V208000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control

    Model years 1999–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V076000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights

    Model year 2009

    Mercedes Benz is recalling 16,130 MY 2009 m-class W164 passenger vehicles equipped with the optional power lift gate. As a result of a faulty seal around the rear tail lamp assembly, water may enter the rear compartment containing the spare tire. Water contamination of the control unit for the power lift gate can result in disabling of the power lift gate motor.

    Consequence:
    Water will cause a short circuit which could lead to a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the seal of the rear tail lamp assembly with a thicker one and reposition the affected power lift gate control unit inside the chassis. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 08V682000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System

    Model year 2008

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling 577 MY 2008 GL-class, m-class, and r-class vehicles. A defect may exist in the driving pin used to control the oil pressure of the power steering.

    Consequence:
    If a defective driving pin exists in a vehicle and the pin breaks during normal vehicle turning, the normally available hydraulic support function will no longer function and steering wheel operation will be limited.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes-Benz will replace the steering gears. The recall began on January 28, 2009. Owner may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 08V465000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 1998–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 08V303000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2006–2008

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling MY 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, MY 2005-2009 SLK-class, MY 2005-2008 c-class, MY 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLK-class, MY 2003-2008 e-class, MY 2004 and 2008 CL-class, MY 2008 CLS-class, MY 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, MY 2003 g-class, and MY 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 SL-class vehicles. A software calibration number (SCN) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect SCN coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recode the SCN free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 06V495000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model year 2007

    On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal might not have been fully fastened to its mounting studs.

    Consequence:
    Over time, the pedal may not maintain a consistent pedal position, which could make it more difficult to operate the accelerator.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedal. The recall began on January 16, 2007. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 05V224000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System

    Model year 2006

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the power steering hose clamp free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2005. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 03V121000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 1998–2003

    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 02V203000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices

    Model year 2002

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, S7.3, "occupant crash protection." The seat belt chimes may not function as designed and is not consistent with the requirements of the standard.

    Consequence:
    If the driver buckles his seat belt prior to starting the vehicle, the chime will not sound at all when the vehicle is started.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the vehicles to ensure that the seat belt chime operates as required by the standard. Owner notification began September 25, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-201-573-0117.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 02V058000

    Reported

    Tires › Sidewall

    Model year 2002

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with dunlop SP5000 tires. Some of these tires have a separation around the entire circumference in the area of the side wall and tread.

    Consequence:
    This could result in premature tire wear.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the dunlop tires which exhibit this defect when visually inspected. Only dunlop tires in week 4901 with tire codes 4909 or 4917 are involved and will be replaced. Owner notification by telephone began febuary 27, 2002. 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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Show 5 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 01V061000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring

    Model year 2001

    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.

    Consequence:
    This condition could cause an intermittent non-functioning of these systems.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 00V352000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The seat belt anchor in the rear folding middle seating position may have been manufactured with out-of-tolerance hardware.

    Consequence:
    If this is the case, the seat belt anchor may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an additional rear middle seat belt anchor plate.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 00V203000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "occupant crash protection." An audible seat belt buzzer warning sounds for approximately two seconds when the vehicle ignition is turned to the on or start position and the driver seat belt is fastened. This buzzer activation exceeds the limitations set forth in the standard.

    Consequence:
    Drivers may become confused regarding the purpose of the chime.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will repair the seat belt warning chime system.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 99V328000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

    Model years 1998–1999

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The latching mechanism on the seat belt assembly was not assembled correctly. If the plastic cover is loose during the engagement of the buckle tongue to the latch mechanism, the buckle could unlatch.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the seat belt buckles. If either the driver or front passenger seat belt buckle is found to be defective, it will be replaced.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 98V090000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The certification label on these vehicles fail to comply with the labeling requirements of part 567, "certification."

    Consequence:
    The rear gross axle weight rating was listed as 3257 lb. Instead of 3527 lb. And the tire size was listed as 276 rather than 275. A consumer could incorrectly inflate the tires or improperly load the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will send a representative to the owner's home and remove the non-compliance label and replace this with a label which is in compliance.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz M-Class have?

NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, covering model years 1998 to 2009. The most recent, 11V208000, was reported on March 31, 2011 and is filed under “Vehicle speed control”. The 2000 and 2002 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class model year has the most complaints?

The 2000 model year, with 25 of the 86 complaints in NHTSA’s file (29.1%). The next are 1999 (18) and 2006 (14). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 22 complaints, or 25.6% of all 86. Engine and Engine Cooling (15) and Electrical System (14) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz M-Class?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz M-Class complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 86 complaints, 6 report a crash, 4 a fire, 3 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.