2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class problems
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 62 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has 62 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 8 complaints, typically surfacing around 100,234 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 ML-Class | 66 | 0 |
| 2013 ML-Class (this page) | 62 | 0 |
| 2014 ML-Class | 73 | 0 |
| 2015 ML-Class | 66 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 100,234 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 70,700 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 109,000 mi · ~$450 to fix
- engine — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 93,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 93,000 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Going north on I-95 in mass at 65 MPH in a driving rain the car suddenly lost ability to accelerate. The RPM and speedometer both went to 0, and the nothing happened when pressing the accelerator. All other systems (including brake, lights, radio, wipers, etc) appeared to work…
The seal for the oil cooler is leaking and could cause an engine fire. The Mercedes repair says they only expect this repair to last 30,000 miles before it fails again. Each time this fix occurs it is a $4,800 repair by the dealer as they have to tear the engine apart to replace…
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…
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 8 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 100,234 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 62 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 100,234 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 8 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 100,234 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 100,234 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz ML-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 62 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.