2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Problems & Complaints

Average30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ML350 at the same age

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the ML350 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (12 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles). 4 recalls cover this model year.

56complaints
4recalls
2crashes
3fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems

  • Engine & cooling~92,000 miles
    1221%
  • Electrical system~80,000 miles
    1120%
  • Other / not specified~85,000 miles
    1018%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~129,000 miles
    814%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~40,000 miles
    611%
  • Speed control & acceleration~40,000 miles
    59%
  • Brakes~199,000 miles
    59%
  • Steering~80,000 miles
    47%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~26,000 miles
    35%
  • Seat belts~51,000 miles
    35%
  • Air bags~51,000 miles
    35%
  • Driver assistance
    35%
  • Wheels & tires~51,000 miles
    24%
  • Stability & traction control~50,000 miles
    12%
  • Lights~71,000 miles
    12%
  • Seats~67,000 miles
    12%
  • Suspension~125,000 miles
    12%
  • Body & structure~74,000 miles
    12%

Share of the 56 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 complaints by model year

200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201525352317283679310111165566852
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz ML350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best ML350 years: 2003, 2005, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 2010, 2011. Compare all years →

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 recalls (4)

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module

NHTSA recall 22V-955 · Dec 23, 2022 · 348,183 vehicles

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.

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.

Communication

NHTSA recall 19V-787 · Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles

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.

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.

Suspension › Front

NHTSA recall 18V-272 · Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles

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…

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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 17V-177 · Mar 14, 2017 · 51 vehicles

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…

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.

What 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 owners say

Engine & cooling

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. …

96,000 miles · Dec 2025

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. …

66,000 miles · Sep 2024

Electrical system

Good morning ! I am an owner of a 2013 ML 350 . I live in San Diego ,CA ,92103 . I was driving my car on [redacted] 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 . …

Nov 2025

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.

May 2024

Fuel & propulsion system

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. …

Delivery › Fuel pump · 96,000 miles · Dec 2025

Good morning ! I am an owner of a 2013 ML 350 . I live in San Diego ,CA ,92103 . I was driving my car on [redacted] 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 . …

Nov 2025

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automaticRWD18 / 23 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 a good car?

Based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 ML350 rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ML350 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (11) and fuel & propulsion system (8).

How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 have?

There are 4 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350, the most recent from December 23, 2022 (control/drive module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2005 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2010 and 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz ML350 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.