AI Damage2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550 filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 33% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 33% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 33% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Visibility: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz ml550. While driving at least 55 mph down a hill, the contact noticed that the vehicle wobbled and shook while depressing the brake pedal. There were no warning indicators illuminated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes benz ml550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front windshield glass caused a glare and distorted his visibility. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer for inspection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes benz ml550. The contact stated that while driving 53 mph, there was a noise under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that they heard the noise but could not diagnose the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,152 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the ML550 has 6 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 3, below average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, service brakes, visibility. Total complaints: 3.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.