2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 11% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 to shoulder, put car in park, and restart car. Everything was fine afterwards, but obviously a dangerous condition if it happens again. Will take to dealer for investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #10668108, filed 2014-12, 14,500 miles“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 fail. Estimated repair is $13,500. The vehicle has 34k miles, and the original factory warranty expired in late february 2017. Had routine oil change at dealer in february, no oil leak detected. Dealer service tech was very familiar with this issue and has seen ten or so of them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991521, filed 2017-05, 34,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While parking the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed and the gear shifter in the reverse position, the vehicle accelerated backwards on its own. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10918462, filed 2016-10, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the transmission shifted from second to third gear and was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was water intrusion into the transmission and determined that the transmission coolant line, radiator, transmission, and transmission cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11582358, filed 2024-04, 136,000 miles“2013 mercedes benz ml 350. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The consumer stated he pushed the button for the transmission, but it would not go into park, and remained in drive. The consumer was informed the entire stock part on the vehicle had failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10502971, filed 2013-03Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- 10165840Jul 10, 2014The 1-2, 2-3 and/or 3-4 acceleration upshift can be uncomfortable when the transmission oil is cold.
- 10056067Jun 1, 2014Mercedes: information provided regarding the engine control module scn coding that is optimizing the shift quality of the transmission.
- 10167504Mar 14, 2014Brake linings on rear axle exhibit differential wear
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | 13% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 6 | 11% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 20% |
| 2006 | 43 | 25% |
| 2005 | 5 | 22% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology