There are 2 owner-reported driver assist & adas complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
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.
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 26, 2026