US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained
Mercedes-Benz M-Class recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class,
sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1998–2009 with 33 recall campaigns and 115 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2002 (5), 2000 (5), and 2001 (4).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2000 (32), 1999 (28), and 2006 (18).
Top recall themes: Seats and restraints, Steering and suspension, and Electrical.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Steering, Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Seats and restraints
4 campaigns · Years: 1998–2000, 2002
These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Mercedes-Benz M-Class in NHTSA complaint data are
Steering, Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2009
1
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body:tailgate.
2008
2
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering.
2007
2
3
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler, Electrical system, Seats.
2006
2
18
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling.
2004
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2003
3
12
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Exterior lighting:headlights.
2002
5
5
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module, Steering.
2001
4
9
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Equipment:electrical.
2000
5
32
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electronic stability control (esc), Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic.
1999
4
28
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Seat belts.
1998
4
6
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body:door, Structure:body:roof and pillars, Engine and engine cooling.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Steering
, Vehicle speed control
and Seat belts
Show recall evidence by year
2009
Exterior lighting: Tail lights:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 po
2008
Electrical system:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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-clas
Steering: Hydraulic power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2007
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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-clas
2006
Steering: Hydraulic power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Electrical system:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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-clas
2004
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2003
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 br
2002
Tires: Sidewall:
Safety recall involving the tires area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Seat belts: Warning light/devices:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 br
2001
Electrical system: Wiring:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 system
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 br
2000
Seat belts: Warning light/devices:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 f
Seat belts:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The seat belt anchor in the rear folding middle seating position may have been manufactured with out-of-tolerance hardware.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 br
1999
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Vehicle speed control: Cruise control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 br
Seat belts: Anchorage:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1998
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering: Hose, piping, and connections:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Equipment: Labels:
Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The certification label on these vehicles fail to comply with the labeling requirements of part 567, "certification."
Seat belts: Anchorage:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Other Mercedes-Benz Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Mercedes-Benz models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
