1999 Mercedes Benz M Class
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 18 |
| 2000 | 25 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 18 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 18 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
FIRST OCCURANCE WAS LEAKAGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR, CLAMP TIGHTENED BY DEALER. 2ND OCCURENCE ON REPORTED DATE, STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF, LOST ALL FLUID AND POWER STEERING ASSIST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030221
POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030220
2 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 99V328000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 03V121000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK
BRAKE LINE CHAFE
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 CLA
Remedy: 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 T
Campaign 08V465000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SY
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 11V208000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Mercedes Benz M Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V328000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V121000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V465000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V208000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz M Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mercedes Benz M Class?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz M Class have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.