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2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 63owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 19%fail the UK MOT
The least complained-about Mercedes-Benz ML-Class year on file: 63 complaints, against an average of 68 for the other model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz ML-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
The components named most often in the 63 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 63 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 7.9%
- Why does water leak into my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?5 owners · 7.9%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?3 owners · 4.8%
- Why is my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class burning or losing oil?3 owners · 4.8%
- Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?3 owners · 4.8%
Has the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well.On affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well. The water could briefly come into contact with the fuel pump control unit impairing the fuel supply to the engine.
Risk: On affected vehicles water might accumulate in the spare wheel well. The water could briefly come into contact with the fuel pump control unit impairing the fuel supply to the engine.
Fix: Install a water drain plug in the spare wheel well check for water infiltration and replace the fuel pump control unit if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Replace brake booster in vehicles that have not passed XENTRY test and require part replacement.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Replace brake booster in vehicles that have not passed XENTRY test and require part replacement.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Check the brake booster on the affected vehicles and - depending on the result of this inspection - replace it where necessary.
UK DVSAThe function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing
Risk: The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.
Fix: Check the brake booster on the affected vehicles and - depending on the result of this inspection - replace it where necessary.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSASoftware update to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace N0x sensor if necessary.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAFloor mat may impede accelerator pedalYears estimated
Risk: If the vehicle is equipped with all weather or ribbed accessory mats it is possible that the mats may impede the operation of the throttle pedal to the extent that it could cause a delay in the throttle pedal returning when released.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles check and if fitted remove the accessory mats.
UK DVSAAccelerator pedal may be impeded by floor matYears estimated
Risk: With the use of all weather or ribbed accessory floor mats temporary contract between the floor mat and accelerator pedal cannot be completely ruled out. In the event of contact between the floor mat and accelerator pedal the accelerator pedal may possibly be released with a delay.
Fix: Check whether the vehicle is equipped with an all weather or ribbed accessory floor mat. If one of the affected floor mats is inserted in the driver footwell the floor mat must be removed from the vehicle so that the above complaint can no longer occur.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSevere corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force…Severe corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force required to decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a possible increase in stopping distance. Moreover, due to severe corrosion, a particularly strong or severe braking manoeuvre may cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, preventing the vehicle from decelerating through the service brake and thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under…The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe sealing cap of the Active Curve System's oil reservoir does not prevent oil from leaking out.Oil may leak out and spray onto hot components. As a consequence it may ignite and lead to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class owners report?
12 of the 63 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
MBUSA CLAIM #24526507 - 2013 MB AMG ML63 Engine Signed - my vehicle is not drivable due to random sudden engine stalling at highway speeds, electronic failures, gear-shifting lockouts, hazard alert/radar failures, and distronic system crashes. i have spent over $37,000 out-of-pocket at authorized manufacturer service centers, and recurring check engine lights have required multiple flat-bed tows. yet to date, zero safety recalls have been accurately addressed and fixed by the franchise service centers. instead, i have been charged for unnecessary repairs, marked-up parts, and inflated labor…
NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT SUPPORTING STATEMENT Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a continuing safety concern involving water intrusion and electronic system damage in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. My vehicle was subject to a Mercedes-Benz recall involving water intrusion and related components. Despite recall-related repairs being performed, moisture and water intrusion concerns remain unresolved. During the diagnostic process, Mercedes-Benz personnel identified evidence of water and humidity in areas associated with vehicle electronics and control…
Re: My 2013 ML350- Intermittent Start/ Vehicle cutting off while in heavy traffic. Fuel Pump and Fuel modulator failed due to water collecting in the spare tire wheel-weld causing water intrusion into the fuel system. I paid out of pocket for this service twice, AND then found out from MB Tacoma there was a RECALL with the exact same issue. I took the vehicle in to the closest dealer- Seattle Mercedes to handle the outstanding recall issues. I was advised to contact MERCEDES BENZ USA GOODWILL DEPARTMENT. My initial claim was approved, as I submitted ALL DOCUMENTATION of the repairs related to…
On December 6, 2025 I purchased a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG from Jaguar Land Rover Willow Grove (Piazza Auto Group) in Pennsylvania. The delivery documentation for the vehicle included a written service commitment stating: “Replace air compressor for suspension system.” On January 23, 2026 at approximately 6:30 PM, while operating the vehicle at highway speed on the [XXX] in [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden cooling system malfunction. An “Engine Overheat – Shut Off Engine” warning appeared on the instrument cluster and steam began emitting from the engine compartment. Because…
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle lane. The driver was able to push the vehicle safely to the roadside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The following day, it took two minutes to start the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable, but the vehicle eventually stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer…
Good morning ! I am an owner of a 2013 ML 350 . I live in San Diego ,CA ,92103 . I was driving my car on [XXX] and it was raining a lot . After around 30 miles I got to my destination parking area and my car died 20 feet away from the parking zone .I tried to reignite it but it wouldn’t start . I checked it with a OBD2 scanner and it was indicating a code U0109 - Lost communication with fuel pump control module . After looking into solutions and reasons for the issue online I came across a post regarding an existing recall with NHTSA with ID 22v955 regarding water intrusion in the spare wheel…
Brake Booster failure, this vehicle is exhibiting the EXACT same symptoms as described in Recall Campaign: Campaign No. 2024050001, May 2024 TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS SUBJECT: Model GL-Class, ML-Class, and R-Class (X164, W164 and 251 platform) Model Year 2006 – 2012 Inspect Brake Booster – without Pedal Rework Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class (164 and 251 platform) vehicles, the function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing…
Fuel system failed carbon and shut off without any notification while driving two times put me at risk of getting hit both times as the vehicle was not in a safe spot. This has been confirmed at the dealership where my vehicle is at this point. It has been inspected by the dealership in Georgetown, Texas. Again, no warning lights just cut off two times while driving. I already had one recall fixed two times dealing with the fuel system and now it’s shutting off with no notice while I’m driving 60 70 mph and causing a dangerous safety hazard. Dealer stated… pressure regulator and control valve…
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…
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…
Power Steering Motor snapped from the casing while driving. Seems like a defective casting.
MY CAR TRABSFERT CONVERTER IS LEAKING. I HAVE TO FILL IT UP PERIODICALLY. THE CAR STOPPED ON HGW 9A AFTER A CONTINOUS NOISES UNDERNEATH.THE REPAIR COST IS ESTIMATED TO $6000. I COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS EQUIPMENT SINCE IT IS UNSAFE FOR THE DRIVER.
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2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; the most common categories were engine (14, 22.2%), electrical system (13, 20.6%), fuel/propulsion system (8, 12.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Across 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (22.2% of complaints), electrical system (20.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (12.7% of complaints), power train (12.7% of complaints), service brakes (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 63 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (7.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Fuel system failed carbon and shut off without any notification while driving two times put me at risk of getting hit both times as the vehicle was not in a safe spot. This has been confirmed at the dealership where my vehicle is at this point." (NHTSA complaint 11677894, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does water leak into my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
5 of the 63 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (7.9%) describe water leaks into the cabin, sunroof or trunk. One owner wrote: "Blind spot inoperative message appeared while driving. Upon doing diagnosis with OBDII tester a fault was found with the left rear radar unit." (NHTSA complaint 11508024, February 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
3 of the 63 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Oil cap from the top of the engine leak oil slowly causing the oil get into the air hose in front of the engine. engine light comes on." (NHTSA complaint 11174624, February 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class burning or losing oil?
3 of the 63 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz ml350. while the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the oil cooler failed. the contact stated that a significant amount of oil leaked onto the engine during a routine oil change." (NHTSA complaint 11152448, November 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
3 of the 63 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (4.8%) describe windshield wipers stopping or failing. One owner wrote: "I was driving down the road in a heavy rainstorm and the passenger side main wiper arm detached from the mechanism and went under the driver side wiper. it is no longer controlled by the wiper motor." (NHTSA complaint 11105013, July 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own ML-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.