Power Steering Fluid problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz ML500

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz Ml500. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and required excessive force to control the wheel. The contact noticed fluid leaking from the vehicle. The failure has occurred for the past eight months. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 08v465000 (steering). The dealer stated that the steering fluid was low and needed to be replenished. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

2004 Mercedes Benz Ml500. Vehicle was serviced / repaired by zembrick mercedes in adison wisconsin on Feb 3 2011. The repairs / service included replacing a seal on the power steering pump. Within days of the repair the power steering unit leaked all it's fluid from a hose clamp. Found the recall 08v465000 for this problem which per the recall covered all 1998-2004 mb ml's . However, the dealership and mbusa states this recall is VIN specific and this vehicle is not covered under this recall. The problem is obviously still present and ongoing, however mbusa seems to be applying this recall to suit their interpretation. The problem has not been fixed and the hazards originally identified has not been addressed and corrected.