There are 5 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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 expressway I was scared for our lives. The dealership has the truck and they said the engine is locked up. This morning s unacceptable for a car I’ve had for a year.
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 the contact that the oil needed to be cleaned off the engine and the alternator. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware that the upper timing chain cover coating material did not allow the cover to seal properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
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. I was told by the Mercedes dealer that fires have happened from this while driving or as the car or SUV is parked.
OIL CAP FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE LEAK OIL SLOWLY CAUSING THE OIL GET INTO THE AIR HOSE IN FRONT OF THE ENGINE. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
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 REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED BE TO CLEANED DUE TO SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF OIL LEAKING ONTO THE MOTOR OF THE DIESEL ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TT CONSUMER OIL SEAL LEAK -BLOWS OIL OVER ALL OVER ENGINE. *JB
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