2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems

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

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 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

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)

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.

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 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

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.

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.

VEHICLE HAS 129,000 MILES. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, MOSTLY NOTICEABLE WHEN FUEL IS LOWER IN THE TANK AND/OR ON AN INCLINE, RPM DROPS TO ZERO, NO AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL DOES ANYTHING UNTIL THE ENGINE SPEED PICKS UP, USUALLY WITH A JERK FORWARD. MAKES GOING ONTO A BUSY STREET VERY UNSAFE. HAVE READ IT MAY BE SOFTWARE RELATED.

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.

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.

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

I BROUGHT MY MERCEDES TO AN INDEPENDANT MERCEDES SPECIALIST FOR A LUBRICATION SERVICE. THEY NOTICED A BOLT BROKEN FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THEY GAVE ME THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN MERCEDES CAMPAIGN NO. 2019080019 AND TOLD ME I SHOULD CONTACT MY LOCAL MERCEDES NEW CAR DEALER FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS. WHY ISN"T THIS A RECALL?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HEADREST FAILED TO GO DOWN AND REMAINED STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS 5'5" AND WOULD NOT BE PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PARAMUS (755 NJ-17, PARAMIS, NJ 07652, (201) 977-6365), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON AND ABOUT 5 SECONDS LATER, A LOUD NOISE CAME PROBABLY FROM THE ENGINE. THE CAR THEN STARTED JOLTING BACK AND FORTH; I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE AND GOT ALMOST KNOCKED OUT. THE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE I WAS STILL RUNNING AT 70 MPH. MOST IF NOT ALL THE LIGHTS IN MY DASHBOARD CAME ON THEN I STARTED SLOWING DOWN. THE SEAT BELT NEVER TIGHTENED ON ME AS THE CAR WAS JOLTING. I KEPT THE CAR ROLLING AND GOT OUT OF A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AS THE CAR CAME TO A HALT, A LOT OF ENGINE OIL LEAKED ON THE STREET, MAYBE ABOUT AQUART. I TOOK A PICTURE AS I JUST GOT OUT OF THE CAR. ALSO, AS THE TOWING TOOK THE CAR, THE TOWING BED GOT OVER A QUART OF ENGINE OIL THAT LEAKED FROM MY CAR. I TOWED THE CAR TO MERCEDEZ BENZ OF NOVI BUT THEY REFUSED TO TAKE IT. THEY ORDERED ME TO TOWED IT OUT AND TOW IT BACK TO THEM TWO WEEKS LATER. I TOWED IT TO MERCEDES BENZ OF BLOOMFIELD ON SEPTEMBER 6. I NOTIFIED MBUSA OF THIS INCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 7 AND PROVIDED THEM ACCESS TO CHECK THE CAR BUT THEY SHOWED NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINT AS THE VEHICLE HAS 92,273 MILES AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY INSTEAD OFFERED ME A $2,000 DISCOUNT ON A PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR MBUSA VERIFIED THE CAR FOR SAFETY RELATED ISSUES ON THE ENGINE OR SEAT BELT THOUGH IT WAS AND STILL IS PARKED AT THE MB DEALERSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD. I COULD HAVE EASILY WENT UNCONSCIOUS FROM THE JOLTING AND HITTING MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I THINK THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT REQUIRES AT A MINIMUM FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO LOOK AT LET ALONE ISSUE A RECALL FOR SAFETY REASONS ON THE ENGINE AND THE SEAT BELT.

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.

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INFORMED OVER A YEAR AGO OF MY VEHICLE BEING IN THIS ACTIVE RECALL AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO DATE BY THE DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURE

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.

ON 1/11/14 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:45 P.M. AMIDST A VERY HEAVY DOWNPOUR WITH THE WIPERS IN USE, I WAS TRAVELING EASTWARD ON I-95 AT ABOUT 60 MPH APPROACHING NEW HAVEN, WITH MY WIFE AND SON AS PASSENGERS, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY SAW THAT MY WIPERS HAD INTERLOCKED AND STOPPED FUNCTIONING, LEAVING ME WITH ALMOST NO VISIBILITY. I SLOWED DOWN, PUT ON FLASHERS, AND WAS ABLE SAFELY TO REACH THE NEXT EXIT AND COME TO A STOP ON A LOCAL STREET. THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MECHANISM HAD COME APART. I DISENGAGED THE BLADE SO THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION. I TOOK THE CAR THIS MORNING (1/14) TO THE MERCEDES DEALER IN WHITE PLAINS, NY. THE SERVICE REP UPON SEEING THE DISENGAGED ARM SAID HE'S SEEN IT HAPPEN BEFORE, AND HE IMMEDIATELY CONCLUDED THAT THE "SCREWS" HAD COME LOOSE DUE TO USE OF THE WIPERS DURING THE RECENT SEVERE COLD WEATHER/SNOW WITHOUT SCRAPING THE WINDSHIELD BEFORE USE, AND THAT THE LOOSENING OF THE SCREWS WAS "BETTER" THAN BURNING OUT A $700 WIPER MOTOR. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT IN LIGHT OF THE SERIOUS RISK OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING I HAD ALMOST NO VISIBILITY AT NIGHT IN A HEAVY DOWNPOUR DOING 60 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY.

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE MY ML 350 MERCEDES BENZ WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN A CAR PASSING ME LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE AND STRUCK ME. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR ON THE REAR WHEEL. THE IMPACT PUSHED MY SUV TO THE RIGHT. UPON IMPACT, THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE, SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE FLEW AWAY CAUSING MY ML350 TO ROLL FIVE OR SIX TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST JUST INCHES FROM ON COMING TRAFFIC TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MEDIAN. THE OFFICER INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT SAID HIS MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT UPON IMPACT THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SNAPPED CAUSING THE CAR TO ROLL FIVE OR SIX TIMES. I CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ AND REQUESTED THEY INVESTIGATE THE CRASH. I SENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACCIDENT TO MERCEDES TO REVIEW IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL IMAGES OF THE ML350. I RECEIVED A RESPONSE BY PHONE FROM MERCEDES BENZ IN WHICH THE MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVE AGREED WITH THE OFFICER THAT THE WHEEL BREAKING UPON IMPACT WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. I REQUESTED THE INFORMATION IN WRITING; HOWEVER, I WAS INFORMED THAT MERCEDES BENZ DOES NOT SHARE FINDINGS FROM SUCH INVESTIGATIONS THEY CONSIDER TO BE INTERNAL INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BUT THE GOOD NEWS WAS THAT THERE WAS NO LOSS OF LIFE.

TWO BENT WHEELS ON RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. IT IS UNKNOWN WHEN THE DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED OR IF THE WHEELS WERE IN FACT INCORRECT WHEN INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE DURING MANUFACTURE. INSPECTION BY THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER ON MAY 30 THOUGHT I HIT A LARGE POTHOLE IN ROAD. I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF HITTING A POTHOLE. I HAVE DRIVEN OVER THE NORMAL LESS THAN PERFECT "ROUGH " HIGHWAY ROADS IN THE US ONLY; NO OFF-ROAD. I BELIEVE THE WHEELS ARE DEFECTIVE. EITHER POOR METALLURGICAL SPECIFICATIONS BY MERCEDES-BENZ, A SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURE OF THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS OR A FRAGILE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR NORMAL ROAD USE. THIS VEHICLE IS A SUV WHICH IMPLIES A MORE HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION COMPARED TO A "CAR". MERCEDES-BENZ COMPANY VIDEOS ILLUSTRATE TRAILER-HAULING AND OFF-ROAD USAGE. *TR

THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. IT WAS A PRE-OWNED CAR WHICH I PURCHASED FROM MYRTLE BEACH AUTOMOTIVE ON JULY 28, 2018. HOWEVER, THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIGNAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED NEXT DAY JULY 29, 30, 31 AND AUG 1 WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS. ON AUG 2, THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND SOFTWARE UPGRADED AT THE DEALER AND WAS DRIVEN HOME THIS SAME DAY. AUG 3, THE CAR RAN WELL AND THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS IT WAS PARKED IN LOT. AUG 6. THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIGNAL MALFUNCTION APPEARED AGAIN. I AM NOW CONTACTING THE DEALER AGAIN FOR A SOLUTION. IT IS REALLY A DANGEROUS AND DISTURBING SAFETY ISSUE.

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.

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.

2013 MERCEDES BENZ ML 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PUSHED THE BUTTON FOR THE TRANSMISSION, BUT IT WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK, AND REMAINED IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENTIRE STOCK PART ON THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED.