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2001 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints53 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage43kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 31, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems

5 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
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling10
Equipment10
Latches/locks/linkages11
Steering10
Structure10
Air bags11

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

4 recalls

2001 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 →

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

2001 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
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class, and the recalls they led to.

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

What M Class owners report

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

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…
Complaint 10135790 · Sep 8, 2005 · 100 miles
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,…
Complaint 10131784 · Aug 6, 2005 · 86,000 miles

Own a 2001 M Class?

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