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 it. This is a known issue but there are no recalls. Oil runs under the entire car and on to the braking surfaces as well…
2013 mercedes-benz ML-Class engine problems
severe 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE OIL COOLER FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OIL LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. SULLIVAN-PARKHILL IMPORTS (401 WEST MARKETVIEW DRIVE, CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS 61822, (217) 352-4161) DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLER GASKET WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE…
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 t…
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 ex…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 mercedes-benz ML-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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