Steering wheel don't work proper way how should be. Steering wheel getting frozen when is vehicle driving.NHTSA campaign id # 08v682000
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class steering problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 35 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 35.
Steering accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering failures dominate this cluster. Owners report the steering wheel becoming rock hard to turn or seizing up entirely while driving, often without warning. Failures range from intermittent (locks up, then works after a restart) to total loss of assist while turning, creating dangerous situations. Several owners avoided collisions by chance; one hit a fire hydrant at 30 mph.
The hydraulic system leaks persistently. Puddles of fluid appear under parked vehicles, and owners find leaks at the rack seal, pump, and reservoir as early as 25,000 miles. Repairs don't hold: one owner's power steering pump failed again within 20,000 miles of replacement.
Rack and pinion wear is common, sometimes requiring replacement twice. Abnormal noise while turning—grinding or squealing—is a frequent warning sign.
The broader pattern: Mercedes issued recall 08V682000 for steering/hydraulic power assist defects in 2008 GL models, but many affected vehicles were excluded from the recall list despite owners reporting identical failures. Dealerships sometimes can't diagnose intermittent failures. Mercedes customer service responses ranged from refusal to help to offering small "good will" discounts ($600) after warranty expiration. Repair costs typically exceed $1,000 for rack replacement.
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering pump failure and malfunction
Power steering assist fails or becomes unresponsive, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Failures occur suddenly while driving at various speeds, and some restart temporarily after vehicle restart.
When: 32,000 to 196,000 miles; several owners report issues within 4–5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist becomes unresponsive or seized; Steering wheel extremely hard to turn, especially at low speeds and during parking; Sudden loss of power assist while driving and turning; Steering wheel locks up, sometimes intermittently; Difficulty steering vehicle to safety during failure events
Codes mentioned: 08V682000
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of power steering pump (often at independent shops for cost savings, though Mercedes dealers perform warranty repairs). One owner replaced pump; failure recurred within 20,000 miles. Costs cited: $600+ reported by one owner for 'good-will' discount repair after warranty expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 08V682000 issued for steering/hydraulic power assist system. Multiple owners report their VINs were NOT included in the recall despite having identical symptoms. Mercedes customer service refused information on one call; another rep stated no guarantee. Dealership diagnostics sometimes unable to reproduce the failure.
Power steering fluid leaks from rack, pump, reservoir, and hoses
Fluid leaks from various power steering system components—rack seals, pump, reservoir, and high-pressure lines. Leaks occur prematurely, well before typical wear-and-tear intervals, and often recur after repairs.
When: 25,817 to 136,000 miles; one owner saw leak at 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid visible under vehicle or in garage; Puddles of power steering fluid after overnight parking; Fluid splattering or leaking at input shaft seal; Continuous fluid loss; Concern about fire hazard due to proximity to hot exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include: replacement of power steering reservoir and seal ring (costs vary; one owner paid $600 after warranty); replacement of high-pressure power steering fluid hose (owner DIY repair); rack and pinion replacement (cost over $1,000 reported for one owner); resealing of rack head assembly. One owner replaced reservoir at 74,000 miles, yet leaks persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes admitted defect in one case but offered only 'good-will' discount (20% off $600 repair). Service bulletins exist but dealers did not always call owners' attention to them. Campaign 08V682000 applies to some but not all affected VINs.
Steering rack and pinion wear and seizure
Steering rack and pinion components fail prematurely, requiring replacement. Failure manifests as hard steering, abnormal noise from the steering wheel, or complete loss of steering control.
When: 70,000 to 136,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from steering wheel area when turning; Steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn; Oil leaking while vehicle is parked; Rack and pinion diagnosed as faulty
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement required. One owner had to replace rack and pinion steering unit for a second time. Another owner reported cost would exceed $1,000.
Steering wheel lockup and intermittent unresponsiveness
Steering wheel seizes or becomes unresponsive without warning during normal driving. Failure can be intermittent, making diagnosis difficult. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable during turning maneuvers.
When: 5 to 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or locks up suddenly; Intermittent steering failure (occurs sporadically); Loss of vehicle control during turning; Steering wheel turns with extreme force and jumps between positions; Failure occurs at slow, medium, and fast speeds
Codes mentioned: 08V682000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired in several cases; dealers were unable to diagnose the failure when the vehicle was brought in. One crash resulted (fire hydrant impact, minor injuries to occupant).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 08V682000 referenced but many affected VINs not included. Mercedes manufacturer stated vehicle was not eligible for recall despite identical symptoms to recalled units. Dealership diagnostics often failed to identify the problem.
Engine shutdown and multiple electrical failures related to steering system
Vehicle experiences complete engine shutdown while driving, accompanied by loss of steering and a cascade of warning lights and beeping. Multiple electrical system failures appear correlated with steering component defects over time.
When: 5 years of ownership; multiple incidents since 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Complete vehicle shutdown while driving; Loss of steering assist; All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Continuous beeping sound; Gears shut down; Vehicle stops abruptly; Smoke from dashboard (fire department called); Blown fuses; Wiring issues
Codes mentioned: CAN technology related
Repairs/costs cited: Owner history shows repeated repairs: camshaft and balance shaft replacements (per 2009 and 2012 bulletins), timing chain tensioner installation, light bulbs/fuses replaced for blown fuses, battery replacement, wiring repair under seat. One owner received critical note from Mercedes: 'NEW TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MUST BE INSTALLED ONLY AFTER ENGINE HEAD COVERS ARE INSTALLED. FAILURE TO OBSERVE WILL RESULT IN OVER TIGHTENING THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO ENGINE HEAD DAMAGE.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes issued technical bulletins (2009, 2012) addressing camshaft and balance shaft issues. Owner notes that repairs were completed years after bulletins were issued. Dealership work documented in service records.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Vehicle malfunctioned for the 5th time since june 2017 while driving on the surface street. SUV completely shut down while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal including a beeping sound; gears shut down and SUV completely stops was driving. In looking at the history (I'm the 3rd owner), the work performed for the defective camshaft was completed 2 years after…
Vehicle goes on one side, dealer blames and repairs struts, same issue happen after 5 months, and dealer blames air suspension bellows. Stiff and noisy steering may also be related to takata recall.
Vehicle keeps losing air, steering wheel hard to turn, car leaning to right side, airbag lights keeps coming on, the car looses power when turning. During the night car will lower it self. ABS will come one, smell smoke. Was told by dealer I have leaks in the engine, had to repair suspension, and different struts and parts while during warranty and after spending thousands of dollars. I notified…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes benz gl320. The contact noticed oil leaking from the vehicle while it was parked. While driving 60 MPH and making a turn, an abnormal noise was heard from the steering wheel. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was…
Since dec 2017 the car presented steering problems at slow speeds, loss of power and hard to turn. Took it to the dealership that informed me that there were no issues. I did find in the glove compartment a receipt from a previous owner in which they replaced the power steering components in late 2016. It seems that this is a recurring issue with the car based on the many reported instances on…
Had steering trouble with your 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 54,000 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 79,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 111,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mercedes-Benz/GL-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.