Large Recall NHTSA · 03V121000 Reported March 27, 2003

Mercedes-benz/power steering hose clamp

Mercedes-benz Usa, Llc · Steering · 211,000 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
03V121000
Manufacturer Campaign
2003-040005
Component
Steering
Vehicles Affected
211,000
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
March 27, 2003

Defect 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.

Safety Consequence

The loss of power steering fluid may result in diminished power steering over time and ultimately can damage the power steering pump.

Corrective Action

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.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Mercedes-benz Usa, Llc dealer and reference recall ID 03V121000 or campaign 2003-040005.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Mercedes-benz Usa, Llc or involving Steering.

FAQ: Recall 03V121000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 03V121000?

NHTSA recall 03V121000 was issued by Mercedes-benz Usa, Llc on March 27, 2003. It addresses: Mercedes-benz/power steering hose clamp. The recall affects approximately 211,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Mercedes-benz Usa, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V121000 or the manufacturer campaign number 2003-040005. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.