Nearly 103,000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUVs are being recalled due to a malfunctioning hose clamp.

The SUVs -- 102,954 from the 1998-2003 model years -- are fitted with a clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose that may not provide sufficient force.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 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.

The NHTSA said 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.

"Since it is not possible through inspection to identify specific vehicles that may not have been properly repaired, all vehicles repaired prior to Nov. 15, 2003, will be repaired again," the NHTSA said.

The recall is expected to begin during Cctober 2008.

For more information, owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.