2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Suspension Problems

On December 6, 2025 I purchased a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG from Jaguar Land Rover Willow Grove (Piazza Auto Group) in Pennsylvania. The delivery documentation for the vehicle included a written service commitment stating: “Replace air compressor for suspension system.” On January 23, 2026 at approximately 6:30 PM, while operating the vehicle at highway speed on the [XXX] in [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden cooling system malfunction. An “Engine Overheat – Shut Off Engine” warning appeared on the instrument cluster and steam began emitting from the engine compartment. Because the failure occurred while traveling at highway speed, the driver was forced to execute an emergency maneuver across traffic lanes in order to reach the shoulder safely. The vehicle became disabled and required towing. The vehicle was transported to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for inspection. Initial repairs involved replacement of the coolant reservoir and hose assembly. Within several days the vehicle again displayed a low coolant warning and was returned for further inspection. At that time the radiator was found to contain a prior non-OEM epoxy repair and the radiator required replacement due to leakage. During a separate independent inspection, the air suspension compressor was observed to be mounted using plastic zip-tie fasteners rather than mechanical mounting hardware. The compressor is part of the vehicle’s AIRMATIC suspension system and is subject to vibration, pressure cycling, and heat during normal operation. Improper mounting of this component could allow the compressor assembly to move or detach during operation and may damage associated air lines or electrical connections. Because the air suspension system affects ride height and vehicle stability, this condition may present a safety risk during vehicle operation. Photographs and video documentation of the compressor mounting condition are available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact pulled over, stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle and was able to resume normal driving. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that oil had leaked from the reservoir oil cap onto the alternator and damaged the alternator. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V272000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.