2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

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 failure occurred while traveling at highway speed, the driver was forced to execute an emergency maneuver across traffic lanes in order to reach the shoulder safely. The vehicle became disabled and required towing. The vehicle was transported to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for inspection. Initial repairs involved replacement of the coolant reservoir and hose assembly. Within several days the vehicle again displayed a low coolant warning and was returned for further inspection. At that time the radiator was found to contain a prior non-OEM epoxy repair and the radiator required replacement due to leakage. During a separate independent inspection, the air suspension compressor was observed to be mounted using plastic zip-tie fasteners rather than mechanical mounting hardware. The compressor is part of the vehicle’s AIRMATIC suspension system and is subject to vibration, pressure cycling, and heat during normal operation. Improper mounting of this component could allow the compressor assembly to move or detach during operation and may damage associated air lines or electrical connections. Because the air suspension system affects ride height and vehicle stability, this condition may present a safety risk during vehicle operation. Photographs and video documentation of the compressor mounting condition are available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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)

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 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.

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.

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)

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

I was driving from Florida to my home in Washington, DC on September 4th, 2023 on I-95. Somewhere in South Carolina, a message appeared on my display that said the blind spot assistant was disabled. Soon thereafter, my turn signals quit functioning. At first chance, I pulled over and turned the car off hoping it was some kind of computer reset. That worked but only for an hour or so. I made it home ok but not having turn signals was very dangerous and very concerning. I took the car to a local DC Mercedes mechanic who ran a diagnostic but nothing came up because the systems were functioning at the time. He took the car for a drive and they stopped working for him. He said take it to a dealer. I have an appointment for next week. I also have searched for this problem on social and it is definitely a problem with other owners. The part is nearly $700 and it is a big job to pull the steering wheel and replace this. I think this is a serious flaw and consumers should not be burdened with non-working turn signals. I think it might be a design flaw in their switch. Please look into this if you think as I do. Thank you.

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

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.

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.