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2013 Mercedes Benz Ml Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Mercedes Benz Ml Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake booster corrosion reducing braking power.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Mercedes Benz Ml Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake booster corrosion reducing braking power

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2025-09

“Brake Booster failure, this vehicle is exhibiting the EXACT same symptoms as described in Recall Campaign: Campaign No”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685348
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619805
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506040

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Blind spot monitor and turn signal electrical failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2024-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547283
“Blind spot inoperative message appeared while driving. Upon doing diagnosis with OBDII tester a fault was found with the left rear radar unit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11508024
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leaks onto alternator and wiring harness

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2024-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616163
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463905
“IN MAY 2017, WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ACCELERATION WAS EXTREMELY REDUCED IN A VERY DANGEROUS WAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991521

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering and steering column failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2024-03

“Power Steering Motor snapped from the casing while driving. Seems like a defective casting”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580290
“I WAS DRIVING MY MERCEDES IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA AND HAD ONLY MINUTES GOTTEN OFF OF AN EXTREMELY BUSY 400. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF EXITING MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT. I WAS 80 MILES FROM HOME AND HAD A CAR FULL OF YOUNG WOMEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195902
“STEERING COLUMN MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. 400,000-500,000 RECALL ALREADY IN UK, 2017 RECALLED-IT AFFECTS 2013 MODELS ALSO JUST LIKE THE UK RECALL. CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PARK OR REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191431

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper arm detachment during rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2018-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105013
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10567307
“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 NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY SAW THAT MY WIPERS HAD INTERLOCKED AND STOPP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10560197

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump and fuel system failure linked to water intrusion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711198
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699776
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632362

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire and smoke

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686235
“I STOPPED TO GET GAS AT A CLUB STORE & LEFT ON A FULL TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546949
“AFTER PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DRIVE LESS THAN 1000 FT THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE TURNED IN FLAMES AND FIRE AND THEN BURNT TO THE GROUND. MBZ DID AN INSPECTION AND INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO FAULT WITH THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120425

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Mercedes Benz Ml Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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