2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class recalls and problems

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class has 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 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 01V-061: Electrical System

Reported Feb 27, 2001 · 377 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

Problem: 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 systems.

Risk: This condition could cause an intermittent non-functioning of these systems.

Fix: Dealers will replace the aam II. Owner notification began february 16, 2001. 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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Structure1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Unknown or Other1
Equipment1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Air Bags1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Electrical — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class complaints

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

Steering · at 60,000 miles · reported Jan 23, 2009
The contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz ml350. The steering wheel was repaired in 2003 according to NHTSA campaign id number 08v465000 (Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections); however, the steering was never corrected properly. The steering makes a loud noise when the steering wheel is turned. The contact recently received a second recall notice and she will take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 90,642.
Air Bags · reported Nov 14, 2005
I was hit on the passenger door side on 8/6/05 by a car running a red light. My car was hit so hard it rolled over resting on it's roof. No air bags deployed, not even side ones. I called mb-USA to complain. They didn't seem concerned about the event.
Electrical System · at 100 miles · reported Sep 8, 2005
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 $1000+ on a "fix" and the problem has been ongoing since the beginning of purchasing the car. Detailed service records are not given to the customer only a brief synopsis and all work is not included in that report, I.e., the actual testing codes, etc.
Electrical System · at 86,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2005
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, the rear gate latch was not locking and the dealer never verbally told us when we picked up the vehicle from being serviced, nor did they ever ask if we wanted it fixed. We just found out about this. One would expect more from a mercedes product. After the truck was "fixed" twice, we then paid to have…
Structure · at 30,000 miles · reported Jan 15, 2004
I purchased this vehicle in may of this year and every month I have been at the service department turning it in for one problem or another. I AM assured they are doing all that they can but I have not gone 30 days in a row with a functioning, no problem, vehicle. I purchased a mb because I thought the value and dependability was there. I thought the vehicle would be hassle free and I could enjoy few mechanical issues. I AM not spending time away from work which is causing me problems, just to keep this SUV maintained. The defects or issues with this vehicle are becoming an added expense to me…

Other Mercedes-Benz M Class years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class: 11V-208 (vehicle speed control), 08V-465 (steering), 03V-121 (steering), 01V-061 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M Class?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by structure (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 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.