2013 Mercedes-Benz ML: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  3.5% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  10% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Gearbox and electrical faults

  All engines

  Most reported problems are gearbox and non-engine electrics, which are expensive to repair. Engines are fairly bulletproof.

  At the viewing: Check smooth gear changes, and test the sat nav, electric seats and tailgate.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes M-Class (2012-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the gearbox had any work?
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?