Mercedes-Benz Recalling 103,000 M-Class SUVs to Fix Possible faulty Hose Clamp

Mercedes-Benz has recalled 102,954 of its M-Class SUVs -- model years 1998 to 2003 -- for a possible faulty clamp used to secure a power steering cooling hose, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The possible faulty clamp can result in a gradual loss of power steering and premature wear to the power steering pump. Prior to this occasion, NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz recalled the M-Class SUVs for the same problem in 2003.

Owners are urged to call Mercedes-Benz should any further information be needed at 1-800-367-6372.

Here's the official NHTSA release:

Make / Models : MERCEDES BENZ / M CLASS
Model/Build Years: 1998-2003
Recall Number: 08V465000

Summary:
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 102,954 MY 1998-2003 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.

Consequence:
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.

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 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 OCTOBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Notes:
MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003-040005. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236