2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls and problems

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class has 5 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls

Recall 11V-208: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Mar 31, 2011 · 136,751 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-465: Steering

Reported Sep 17, 2008 · 125,228 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-121: Steering

Reported Mar 27, 2003 · 211,000 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump.

Fix: 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.

Recall 00V-352: Seat Belts

Reported Oct 30, 2000 · 16,246 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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

Risk: If this is the case, the seat belt anchor may not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Fix: Dealers will install an additional rear middle seat belt anchor plate.

Recall 00V-203: Seat Belts

Reported Jul 26, 2000 · 4,354 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Drivers may become confused regarding the purpose of the chime.

Fix: Dealers will repair the seat belt warning chime system.

2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)6
Electrical System2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Fuel System, Other1
Visibility1
Unknown or Other1
Power Train1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Service Brakes, Electric1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 67,600 miles · reported May 26, 2012
At highway speed car jerked violently to the left as off the from right brake was being applied on its own. Turned the esp (Electronic stability control) off and proceeded and the event happened again, car jerked to left and headed to ditch but was able to overcome with steering wheel. It appears a car system failed crash rather than fail safe.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 138,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2011
The contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz ml320. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH with the cruise control in activation. When pressure was applied to the brake pedal, the cruise control failed to disengage. Suddenly the brakes locked and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The gear was shifted into neutral and then into park, which brought the vehicle to a stop. The contact resumed in operation with caution. There was a recall associated with the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v208000 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). The recall part was unavailable to perform the…
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 160,000 miles · reported Feb 3, 2011
While driving my 2000 ml320 mercedes, the car suddenly applies brakes while traveling at various speeds. The bas/esp warning lights come on. This is a very dangerous malfunction and someone should make mercedes address this defect immediately before someone is killed! If you do a search on the internet, it will amaze you how many people have experienced this horrifying ordeal. Please do not ignore my complaint.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 116,885 miles · reported Aug 9, 2010
I was driving my 2000 mercedes benz ml 430 at approximately 40 MPH, when without any warning lights being displayed it abruptly stopped. The brake pedal had not been depressed. The vehicle then skidded, stopped, skidded again and stopped. This went on for approximately 45-60 seconds then the bas esp malfunction light came on. I was then able to drive the vehicle while the light was illuminated. I have experienced this on 4 separate occasions and have almost been involved in three accidents which all could have been fatal because the vehicle stops completely, it does not slow down then stop, it…
Service Brakes, Electric · at 120,000 miles · reported Nov 23, 2009
The antilock braking system can take over throttle and braking. Vehicle will automatically apply brakes to various wheels. It will pitch the car left or right and require driver to counter steer to keep the vehicle straight. There is no warning on when this will happen. Can cause accident or cause vehicle to spin. Mercedes dealer service manager advise me it is a faulty sensor and it is replace at owners expense for $600. I complaint that it is dangerous and should be replaced. Service advisor simply replied " yes it is, you should pay for the repair. "

Other Mercedes-Benz M Class years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz M Class years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class: 11V-208 (vehicle speed control), 08V-465 (steering), 03V-121 (steering), 00V-352 (seat belts), 00V-203 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M Class?

Owners report steering problems most often (8 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.