2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Owner Complaints

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 modules. The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical and electronic issues following discovery of the water intrusion condition. Multiple repair facilities have been involved, and I have incurred significant diagnostic and repair expenses while attempting to determine the full extent of the damage. The primary concern is not ordinary wear and tear. The concern is that water intrusion has affected vehicle systems and that the recall remedy has not resulted in a complete resolution of the condition. I am concerned that moisture exposure may continue to impact vehicle electronics, control modules, sensors, and other safety-related systems. Mercedes-Benz USA has been notified and a case has been opened. The dealership has also been involved. However, despite escalation requests and requests for management review, I have not received a meaningful resolution. The dealership continues directing me back to Mercedes-Benz USA while Mercedes-Benz USA has not provided a final management response. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy adequately addressed the water intrusion condition and whether additional investigation is warranted regarding continuing moisture intrusion, electronic system exposure, and potential safety risks associated with this condition. I am prepared to provide repair orders, recall documentation, photographs, diagnostic findin

NHTSA ID

11741266

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

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 this issue. NOW, after 5 months of my RECALL REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM BEING BOUNCED AROUND by customer service agents that were not trained to handle recall issues- my dealership needed approval to process it. I even provided MB-USA w/a Bulletin # (FROM MB-USA) that clearly states to claim reimbursement IF THESE PARTS FAILED AND THE CUSTOMER PAID OUT OF POCKET.

NHTSA ID

11734678

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

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, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando (4301 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839), where it was diagnosed with a faulty fuel sensor and control valve. The parts were replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced four times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and escalated the failure was escalated to an engineer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ID

11711198

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

96,000 mi

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 well portion of the trunk( The Wheel well is not water proofed and doesn’t have a drain port for water to escape ) . I proceeded with inspecting the area and of course it was full of water . The fuel pump control module is located in that area and it was damaged which shorted it and cause the malfunction of the vechile and the error code U0109 stated above . Tried calling Mercedes Benz but they confirmed about that specific recall but said my VIN is not part of it and I should file a claim or complain with you . I will attach proof and pictures of the water and the damaged component. My car now need to be towed and fixed on my expense because of Mercedes Benz negligence… Hopefully you can add my car to this recall and when this happens I would get some kind of reimbursement… Thank you for your time and understanding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11699776

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

The engine locked up after blowing the top part of the engine off, fire shot out of the engine and quickly went out like a flam thrower. I was driving on the expressway when the accelerator would not work without any warning I didn’t have any issues with this truck. The car cut off immediately thank God I was able to coast to the side of the expressway because it stopped in the left lane on the expressway I was scared for our lives. The dealership has the truck and they said the engine is locked up. This morning s unacceptable for a car I’ve had for a year.

NHTSA ID

11686235

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

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. After extended time in the field and in conjunction with prolonged water exposure, this corrosion might lead to a vacuum leak at the brake booster. Loss of braking power puts me and everyone I am near while operating this vehicle in eminent danger!! This problem has been inspected and documented by Mercedes Benz of Macon Ga. 9-3-25 There were no warning lamps or messages present.

NHTSA ID

11685348

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

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 field as it is designed to maintain and regulate the amount fuel flowing into the engine.

NHTSA ID

11677894

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

On [XXX], while driving on the highway about 30 miles from Columbus, Ohio my 2013 Mercedez Benz ML350 suddenly stalled and lost power. There was no prior warning. Luckily, we were in the outer lane with no car close behind us so my husband slowly guided the car to the side road. The car has since been towed and is currently at the Service Department at Mercedez Benz of North Olmsted, Ohio, 44070, for repairs. I have been informed by the Service Manager that they have identified the fuel pump to the problem and that it needs to be replaced. Coincidentally, this vehicle went for Maintenance Servicing at the same dealership and was returned to me on Monday December 16th. No problem with the fuel pump was identified or reported to me. This vehicle is available for inspection About 4 years ago, the exact same incident happened with this same vehicle where it suddenly stalled and completely lost power on the highway in the middle of nowhere on our way from Ohio to Iowa. There was no prior warning. Similarly, the car was towed to Mercedez Benz North Olmsted but per the same service manager their inspection revealed no problem and the car restarted on its own so nothing needed to be fixed. I am reporting this recurring problem with my vehicle because of the obvious safety risk of sudden stalling and power loss on the highway, the fact that 4 years ago when this happened Mercedez Benz should have recognized what the issue was and replaced the fuel pump but did nothing about it, and also due to the fact that many Mercedez Benz vehicles have experienced this same problem leading to multiple recalls including many 2013 ML 350s. I believe my vehicle has a defective fuel pump from the manufacturer just like the recalled vehicles and that my vehicle and many more need to be recalled INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632362

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that there was water on the floor below the front driver’s side. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer because the battery was drained. The contact stated that while the vehicle was placed onto the tow truck, the contact and the hauler noticed that the vehicle continued to leak water. The contact advised the dealer that after the battery was replaced, the contact asked that the location of the leak be sought. The contact received the vehicle with the battery replaced; however, contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11628398

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Mileage

74,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH as the contact depressed the brake pedal, he felt that the brake pedal was soft and he had to depress the pedal with more force to stop. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.

NHTSA ID

11619805

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

Mileage

199,000 mi

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 ID

11616163

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

Mileage

66,000 mi

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 ID

11603207

Incident

May 13, 2024

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 ID

11582358

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Mileage

136,000 mi

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 ID

11581528

Incident

Feb 14, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11580290

Incident

Mar 30, 2024

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 ID

11554257

Incident

Nov 7, 2023

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 ID

11546949

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

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 ID

11541795

Incident

Aug 30, 2023

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 ID

11508024

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

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 ID

11506040

Incident

Jan 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact pulled over, stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle and was able to resume normal driving. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that oil had leaked from the reservoir oil cap onto the alternator and damaged the alternator. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V272000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11502264

Incident

Feb 17, 2018

Mileage

125,000 mi

The contact owned a 2013 Mercedes Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopped waiting for traffic to pass when a second vehicle suddenly crashed into the front end of the vehicle. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged and the vehicle was destroyed but no airbags were deployed. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ID

11469179

Incident

Jun 13, 2022

Mileage

96,000 mi

2013 ML350 STRONG MOLDY SMELL IN CAR WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING, CHANGE AIR /CABIN FILTER SEVERAL TIMES SMELL STOP FOR A WHLE AND THEN COME BACK. CHECK FOR WATER OR LEAKING FOUND NOTHING. IF I GOOD TO THE MERCEDES THIS GOING TO COST ME A LOT OF MONEY FOR THEM LOOK OR TO FIND THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11465954

Incident

Jun 8, 2021

2013 Mercedes Benz ML350 (W166) engine (m276) began misfiring. Palm Springs Mercedes Benz diagnosed faulty camshaft positioning sensor leaking engine oil into engine electrical harness which wicked through harness to ECU. Faulty (leaking) camshaft positioning sensor caused faulty harness, ECU, injectors, o2 sensors. Said common problem on these and other models and engines.

NHTSA ID

11463905

Incident

Apr 23, 2022

I participated in the Emission Recall Campaign 2020050014. I have a 2013 ML350BlueTec. I have been back to the dealer 10 times to fix my car after the recall was performed. The check engine continues to return in an on (orange light) position after only a few days. On trip 5 my car could not accerlate and lost power. The problem related to the NOX sensors that are being replaced each visit. MB USA replaced b19/9 temp upstream of turbo charger and b9/11 temperature sensor upstream of catalyst. Also remove and replace 3 temp sensors. Again, I have been back 10 times to the dealer for continual problems related to the recall. Since Nov. 29, 2021, the warning light (check engine) remains on and MBUSA does not respond to fixing it. MBUSA reported that there is a software issue they are working on. Can you help please?

NHTSA ID

11461820

Incident

Apr 8, 2021