2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and upscale features. The ML350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2013 ML-Class include the ML550 with a 4.7-liter V8, the ML63 AMG with a 5.5-liter V8, and the ML350 BlueTec with a 3.0-liter diesel V6. All engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the ML350’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and luxurious amenities. Common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some reported electronic issues.

Engine

3.5L V6 Engine

• Oil Filter Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak is detected around the oil filter housing area. You may notice oil spots under the vehicle, or a burning oil smell. Low oil levels may also trigger a warning light.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing assembly with an updated design.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Cam Magnet) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Diesel V6 Engine (ML350 BlueTec)

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, frequent regeneration cycles, and potential for a clogged DPF.
  • Solution: DPF regeneration (if possible), DPF replacement, or addressing underlying issues causing excessive soot buildup.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, “Check AdBlue” warning message, and potential for the vehicle to enter limp mode. Issues could stem from a faulty AdBlue injector, pump, or level sensor.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the AdBlue system component (injector, pump, sensor).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Slipping between gears, harsh shifting, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. In severe cases, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or failure to shift. Check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, compressor running constantly, “Visit Workshop” message related to air suspension, sagging suspension.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the air suspension system. This may involve replacing air struts, the air compressor, or addressing leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. May be related to a faulty motor, switch, or damaged track.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the sunroof mechanism. This may involve replacing the motor, switch, or track components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking with the remote or interior switch, alarm system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the central locking system. This may involve replacing door lock actuators, the central locking module, or addressing wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to produce heat, cold air blowing even with the heater set to high, engine overheating, coolant smell inside the cabin, or foggy windows.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heater core. This is a labor-intensive job as the dashboard often needs to be removed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Assembly Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED lights flickering or failing within the tail light assembly.
  • Solution: Replace the entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per assembly
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen flickering, freezing, or completely failing.
  • Solution: Replacing the navigation screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350, especially with the 3.5L V6, generally enjoys a reputation for reliability. However, some common issues exist, potentially resulting in substantial repair costs. Oil leaks and electrical problems, while not always catastrophic, can be irritating and expensive to fix. Suspension issues are costly to repair and can vary depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with the Airmatic system. Although not common, transmission issues can result in the costliest of repairs. The diesel engine, while offering better fuel economy, introduces the potential for expensive DPF and AdBlue system repairs. Overall, prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and maintenance history to identify potential issues early on.