Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 82 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Top problems: ENGINE (12 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (11 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is approximately $2,079/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 has 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 107. The most common issue is engine problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: while at highway speeds vehicle braked unexpectedly due to what seems to be a malfunction in the front collision warning radar. this resulted in a multiple near miss collisions coming from the rear, for many vehicles on i5 near woodburn or during high traffic times. the vehicle suddenly braked causi. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 1 crash report 4 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

12 complaints

15%

• WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE BRAKED UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING RADAR. THIS RESULTED IN A MULTIPLE NEAR MISS COLLISIONS COMING FROM THE REAR, FOR MANY VEHICLES ON I5 NEAR WOODBURN OR DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BRAKED CAUSI
• IN MAY 2017, WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ACCELERATION WAS EXTREMELY REDUCED IN A VERY DANGEROUS WAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS AN OIL LEAK THAT HAS BEEN LEAKING ON THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED WIRING/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR ENTIRE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY F
• I KEEP EXPERIENCING THE "PRE-SAFE LIMITED" WARNING. THE CAR BREAK STARTS FADING, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON THE WORKING CONDITIONS. THIS SITUATION IS SO UNSAFE BECAUSE THE CAR BECOMES HEAVY AND THE STEERING TURNS HARD TO MANEUVER.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE BRAKED UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING RADAR. THIS RESULTED IN A MULTIPLE NEAR MISS COLLISIONS COMING FROM THE REAR, FOR MANY VEHICLES ON I5 NEAR WOODBURN OR DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BRAKED CAUSI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Based on 50 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 73K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 40K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Reported earliermedian 40K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 92K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 85K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 80K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,079

Full coverage / month

$173

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+24%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2079

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz ML350 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2013 ML350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 82 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE BRAKED UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING RADAR. THIS RESULTED IN A MULTIPLE NEAR MISS COLLISIONS COMING FROM THE REAR, FOR MANY VEHICLES ON I5 NEAR WOODBURN OR DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BRAKED CAUSI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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 FINE. WAS ABLE TO GET
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE BRAKED UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING RADAR. THIS RESULTED IN A MULTIPLE NEAR MISS COLLISIONS COMING FROM THE REAR, FOR MANY VEHICLES ON I5 NEAR WOODBURN OR DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BRAKED CAUSI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: VEHICLE HAS 129,000 MILES. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, MOSTLY NOTICEABLE WHEN FUEL IS LOWER IN THE TANK AND/OR ON AN INCLINE, RPM DROPS TO ZERO, NO AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL DOES ANYTHING UNTIL THE ENGINE SPEED PICKS UP, USUALLY WITH A JERK FORWARD. MAKES GOING ONTO A BUSY STR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)