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2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 66.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

33 reports with mileage · 23 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

56 reports
66,000 miles · Sep 24, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while adding washer fluid to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the upper timing chain covers down onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the upper timing chain covers ne…

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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while adding washer fluid to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the upper timing chain covers down onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the upper timing chain covers needed to be removed and resealed. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the oil needed to be cleaned off the engine and the alternator. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware that the upper timing chain cover coating material did not allow the cover to seal properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #11616163

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2024
Electrical SystemLane Departure

Started to have an issue with the blind spot assist showing inoperable. Shortly after depending on the outside temperature the AC would start shutting off and on. The days the temperature was above 95 degrees the AC would suddenly stop working. Took the vehicle to the dealer for AC service. Dealer reports the engine "back" wirin…

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Started to have an issue with the blind spot assist showing inoperable. Shortly after depending on the outside temperature the AC would start shutting off and on. The days the temperature was above 95 degrees the AC would suddenly stop working. Took the vehicle to the dealer for AC service. Dealer reports the engine "back" wiring harness had been rubbing, exposing and chaffing the harness wires, and for safety concerns a complete harness replacement is necessary. When asked how was this possible since the harness clearance is a manufacture design. Was told it happens on these vehicles and currently there is no recall.

NHTSA ODI #11603207

136,000 miles · Apr 11, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the transmission shifted from second to third gear and was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that t…

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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the transmission shifted from second to third gear and was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was water intrusion into the transmission and determined that the transmission coolant line, radiator, transmission, and transmission cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ODI #11582358

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

Both the front distronic system,which controls adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, and the blind spot warning have failed. Failure of both systems is usually caused by water getting into the respective control units related to poor sealing allowing water to enter and causing the systems to fail. I believe that these s…

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Both the front distronic system,which controls adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, and the blind spot warning have failed. Failure of both systems is usually caused by water getting into the respective control units related to poor sealing allowing water to enter and causing the systems to fail. I believe that these systems are critical to vehicle safety. The pre safe braking is essential to the safe operation of the vehicle. Blind spot warning failure is also a safety item on vehicles like these with large blind spot areas. Dealer has been no help other than repairs costing almost as much as the vehicle is worth. Very poor design and unsafe when these critical systems fail.

NHTSA ODI #11581528

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2024
Steering

Power Steering Motor snapped from the casing while driving. Seems like a defective casting.

NHTSA ODI #11580290

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2023
Service Brakes

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Brake How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Car didn't stop upon pressing on the brake pedel. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes Has the vehicle or …

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Brake How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Car didn't stop upon pressing on the brake pedel. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -No

NHTSA ODI #11554257

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
Unknown Or OtherFire

I STOPPED TO GET GAS AT A CLUB STORE & LEFT ON A FULL TANK. RIGHT AFTER LEAVING THE PUMP I PULLED ASIDE IN THE PARKING LOT TO GET SITUATED AND AFTER TURNING ON THE HEATER I BEGAN TO DRIVE AWAY AND THEN I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING WEIRD ABOUT THE SAME TIME I NOTICED A THIN CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE AND I WAS LOOKING AROUND TO SEE WH…

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I STOPPED TO GET GAS AT A CLUB STORE & LEFT ON A FULL TANK. RIGHT AFTER LEAVING THE PUMP I PULLED ASIDE IN THE PARKING LOT TO GET SITUATED AND AFTER TURNING ON THE HEATER I BEGAN TO DRIVE AWAY AND THEN I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING WEIRD ABOUT THE SAME TIME I NOTICED A THIN CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE AND I WAS LOOKING AROUND TO SEE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM AND THEN I SAW MORE SMOKE COMING UP FROM BEHIND MY GLOVE BOX AND THEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO MOVE MY CAR AWAY FROM OTHERS AND PARKED IT, TURNED IT OFF AND DIALED 911. MY CAR MY 2013 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350 STARTED BURNING UP LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AFTER SCHOOL DROP OFF!!!! THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR WARNING BEEPING SOUND. NOTHING! JUST SMOKE AND FIRE. THIS JUST HAPPENED 5 DAYS AGO AND NO INSPECTION AS YET BUT MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. I COULD HAVE DIED. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11546949

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2023
Electrical System

Turn signals stop working after driving a mile or so. If possible, I turn the car off and on. Turn signals work but fail again within a few miles. Hazard light work even when the turn signals fail. I’ve read this is a common issue searching the internet. Definitely a safety concern

NHTSA ODI #11541795

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2023
Lane Departure

Blind spot inoperative message appeared while driving. Upon doing diagnosis with OBDII tester a fault was found with the left rear radar unit. There seem to be many social media accounts of these units failing due to water intrusion from apparently poor or defective water sealing. This may cause lane intrusion accidents due driv…

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Blind spot inoperative message appeared while driving. Upon doing diagnosis with OBDII tester a fault was found with the left rear radar unit. There seem to be many social media accounts of these units failing due to water intrusion from apparently poor or defective water sealing. This may cause lane intrusion accidents due drivers being accustomed to the warning system working and notifying them of a vehicle in the blind spot. 2013 Mercedes Benz ML350 4Matic. Thank you for your consideration. Fault verified by OBDII tester. Vehicle not yet involved in an accident. Fault message was intermittent for several weeks before finally constant, Blind Spot Inoperative message stayed on.

NHTSA ODI #11508024

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2023
Service Brakes

The brake booster failed while driving and I almost got in an accident. The brakes did not fully work and started pulsating almost like if the antilock system engaged. The brake booster was leaking air around the piston that attaches to the brake pedal. You could hear the air leaking when the pedal was pressed. It has been repai…

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The brake booster failed while driving and I almost got in an accident. The brakes did not fully work and started pulsating almost like if the antilock system engaged. The brake booster was leaking air around the piston that attaches to the brake pedal. You could hear the air leaking when the pedal was pressed. It has been repaired at he MB dealer for about $2300. There were no indications of a malfunction, no lights or errors showed up.

NHTSA ODI #11506040

Official recalls

4

22V955000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module

Dec 23, 2022

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Consequence: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Consequence: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

19V787000 · Communication

Nov 1, 2019

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

18V272000 · Suspension:front

Apr 27, 2018

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

17V177000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Electrical System:software

Mar 14, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.