Problem Reports

Problem started with leaking high pressure PS pipe to the rack. $1000 parts & labor from dealer. Steering rack seal went - went to a local shop - rebuilt rack installed - steering tight with no response. Replaced rack once more. Still poor handling. Power steering pump was blamed - replace with after-market pump. Bill - $2700. Still not happy with the steering response. After about 3 months, pump went again (most likely due to not flushing the fluid completely or using incorrect fluid). This time went to the dealer. He replaced the pump with new fluid. Bill $1000. Total $4700. Seems to be working ok now. What's a mere $4700 to be able to boast "I drive a Mercedes" - I'd much rather not drive at all.

Power steering just quit working. All the fluid drained out from, I believe, the rack. There was a lot of fluid on it.

Rack has completely failed, seals shot. All failed just around the time the hose clamp failure happened. I think the hose clamp failure is directly tied to the rack failure.

I bought this pile of junk at 80,000 miles. Noticed a noisy steering problem right away. Had the fluid flushed and replaced and it helped, but now getting louder and louder and more annoying. Buying this was a huge mistake as this is the LEAST of the problems.

Power steering has failed. Fluid is leaking profusely. The Chico Mercedes Dealer says that the problems are NOT covered by the recall notices. I plan to take my vehicle to a private mechanic to see what can be done to resolve the fluid leakage & get the vehicle running in a safe manner. I filed a complaint with the NHTSA.