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2008 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage47kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 16, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems

1 complaint 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
Steering10

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

2 recalls

2008 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

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Recall 08V-682 · Dec 19, 2008 · 577 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system

Recall 08V-303 · Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles

Risk. 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…

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

2008 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
In owners' words

What M Class owners report

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

THE POWER STEERING RACK DEVELOPED A LEAK CAUSING THE OIL PRESSURE TO THE UNIT TO FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING FUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE DOSE NOT HAVE A WARNING SYSTEM TO ALERT THE DRIVER OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED JANUARY 2009 (SAFETY RECALL #2008-120011)…
Complaint 10458718 · May 16, 2012 · 46,600 miles

Own a 2008 M Class?

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