There are 6 owner-reported brakes complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
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
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML550. WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH DOWN A HILL, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOBBLED AND SHOOK WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF LITTLETON (8070 S BROADWAY, LITTLETON, CO 80122 (303) 738-7700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE WARPED FROM ONE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE ROTORS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE WARPED UNLESS THE PADDLE SHIFTER WAS BEING APPLIED WHILE BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS DOWNHILL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DISAGREED WITH THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THE BRAKES ON MY BRAND NEW 2013 MERCEDES BENZ ML 63 AMG SCREETCHES/SQUEALS WHEN SOFT BRAKING TO A STOP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE MB DEALER IS WESTMINSTER, CO THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND I NEED TO BRAKE HARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE NOISE. THIS AWFUL NOISE DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN I FIRST STARTED DRIVING IT A FEW WEEKS AGO. IT STARTED ONLY RECENTLY AND IT IS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL DEFECT WAITING FOR A DISASTER. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING TO A CAR THAT IS BRAND NEW AND COSTS OVER $100,000. *TR..UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. THE BRAKE NOISE IS APPARENTLY NORMAL FOR AMG BRAKES. THIS IS NOT A POTENTIAL DEFECT MATTER. UPDATED 2/4/2013 *JS
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026