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2000 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints251 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage50kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 26, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems

25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering80
Service brakes, hydraulic60
Electronic stability control (ESC)60
Vehicle speed control20
Electrical system20
Service brakes10
Service brakes, electric10
Visibility10
Engine and engine cooling11
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

Recall 11V-208 · Mar 31, 2011 · 136,751 vehicles

Risk. DIFFICULTY OR DELAY IN DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 08V-465 · Sep 17, 2008 · 125,228 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 03V-121 · Mar 27, 2003 · 211,000 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seat belts

Recall 00V-352 · Oct 30, 2000 · 16,246 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS IS THE CASE, THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2000 vs. every other M Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M Class median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LINE CHAFEEA08009 · closed Dec 16, 2009
    No recall
  2. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
  3. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTIONPE07007 · closed Jul 11, 2007
    No recall
  4. Brake lamp switch failure.PE10050 · closed May 4, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-208
  5. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKRQ08002 · closed Sep 17, 2008
    Led to recall 08V-465
In owners' words

What M Class owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ ML. IN DECEMBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING). AFTER THE REPAIR, HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL LEAKING FLUID.…
Complaint 10263170 · Mar 26, 2009 · 80,000 miles
THIS COMPLAINT ARISES OUT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V465000 (MOST RECENT) INVOLVING A DEFECTIVE HOSE AND CLAMP ASSOCIATED WITH THE POWER STEERING. I AM WAITING TO HAVE THOSE ITEMS INSTALLED ON MY 2000 MERCEDES ML55 WHEN THE PARTS ARE OBTAINED BY MY DEALER, MBL OF TYSON'S CORNER, VA, WHICH…
Complaint 10252349 · Dec 20, 2008
POWER STEERING LEAKING LOSS OF STEERING TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. ADVISE NOT AWARE OF RECALL. CAR WAS REPAIRED IN 2003 DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE UNDER ANOTHER RECALL. FINALLY REPLACE HOSE, BUT POWER STEERING CONTINUES TO LEAK. *TR
Complaint 10250823 · Dec 5, 2008 · 140,000 miles

Own a 2000 M Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.