Mercedes-Benz ML350 fuel pump problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC (OM642 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel) Current Mileage: Approx. 117,925 miles Dealer / Location: Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale (RO #260467) Summary of Safety Issue & Defect: The vehicle is experiencing an active liquid diesel fuel leak from a replacement fuel pump assembly that was previously installed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership four years ago. Active diesel leaks directly over/near hot engine and exhaust components pose an acute, severe vehicle fire hazard and expose cabin occupants to toxic diesel fumes. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits a severe oil leak in the engine inner-V caused by prematurely degraded factory oil cooler seals (addressed in Mercedes TSB LI18.30-P-055434), along with an active DEF reductant heater circuit fault (DTC P20BD). The dealership confirmed the fuel leak but refused to rectify or honor Goodwill coverage for the prematurely failing fuel pump, presenting a repair quote exceeding $14,000. Active fuel component leaks present an unreasonable safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Fuel system · NH

The failed/malfunctioning component appears to be the fuel pump controller / fuel pump control unit, and possibly the fuel pump system. The Mercedes-Benz dealer identified water/moisture-related damage and corrosion at the fuel pump controller area. The failed component should be available for inspection if the dealer preserves the part during repair. I have requested that the dealer not discard the damaged component. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the fuel pump controller is related to fuel delivery. If it fails, the vehicle may not start, may lose fuel supply, or may stall while driving. This creates a safety risk, especially if the vehicle stalls in traffic, at an intersection, on a highway, or during normal driving. The problem has been confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The dealership diagnosed water/moisture damage to the fuel pump controller area and provided an estimate of $768.22 for fuel pump controller replacement, plus $244.88 for the inspection fee. The dealer also indicated that this was the first inspection and that the fuel pump itself may also need further inspection or may have related damage. The vehicle/component has been inspected by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Mercedes-Benz USA / the manufacturer’s representative has also reviewed the case through its goodwill process, but they refused to treat it as recall-related coverage. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Prior to the current failure, the vehicle had starting/no-start related symptoms beginning around the middle of 2023. The engine could not start successfully at times. I do not recall receiving a clear warning lamp or message specifically identifying the fuel pump controller before the failure. However, the symptoms were consistent with a fuel delivery problem, and the dealer later confirmed water/moisture corrosion damage in the fuel pump controller area.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Fuel system · WA

Re: My 2013 ML350- Intermittent Start/ Vehicle cutting off while in heavy traffic. Fuel Pump and Fuel modulator failed due to water collecting in the spare tire wheel-weld causing water intrusion into the fuel system. I paid out of pocket for this service twice, AND then found out from MB Tacoma there was a RECALL with the exact same issue. I took the vehicle in to the closest dealer- Seattle Mercedes to handle the outstanding recall issues. I was advised to contact MERCEDES BENZ USA GOODWILL DEPARTMENT. My initial claim was approved, as I submitted ALL DOCUMENTATION of the repairs related to this issue. NOW, after 5 months of my RECALL REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM BEING BOUNCED AROUND by customer service agents that were not trained to handle recall issues- my dealership needed approval to process it. I even provided MB-USA w/a Bulletin # (FROM MB-USA) that clearly states to claim reimbursement IF THESE PARTS FAILED AND THE CUSTOMER PAID OUT OF POCKET.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Fuel system · NM

Engine stalled driving on interstate highway at 70mph. Mechanic diagnostic indicated to be faulty fuel pump and/or fuel pump control unit. This issue has been recognized by mercedes benz as a faulty issue and subject to recall. Upon calling mercedes benz dealer was told there was no recall on this matter for my vehicle contradicting this issue previously recognized by mercedes benz.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · CA · fire

Today at 1/27/25 630 pm my vehicle caught fire.i was told that the vehicle was subject to the Active Curve System (Recall 18V272) and Fuel Pump (Recall 23V010).

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 96,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle lane. The driver was able to push the vehicle safely to the roadside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The following day, it took two minutes to start the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable, but the vehicle eventually stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando (4301 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839), where it was diagnosed with a faulty fuel sensor and control valve. The parts were replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced four times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and escalated the failure was escalated to an engineer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

As we were driving 50mph, the car stalled and lost all power. The dashboard lights all lit up and the car wouldn't start. I don't get unnerved easily and it was fairly intense not being able to move your car out of traffic. After about 5 mins, the car would start again only to stop a minute or so later. After taking the car to the dealer, the issue stemmed from the fuel pump electronics board getting wet in the spare tire wheel well where water was accumulating. This was part of the recall and the dealer installed a drain and replaced the board. HOWEVER, this issue again happened nearly one year later in our next rainy season. After taking it to the dealer, they said WE would need to replace the electronics board ourselves. We asked about the recall and they said they fixed the issue by installing the drain plug and there was nothing else they could do for us. Even the service adjuster was upset and very sympathetic to our plight as the car was obviously not fixed. Even though the drain plug was installed, the water was still acumulating in the wheel well. It seems apparent to me, and several others who have complained about the same issue, that the recall fix has not addressed the main issue of why the water is coming in and why it's still not draining. Unfortunately we're going to have to fork over $1200 to have it fixed. My ask to the federal safety agency is that this issue be readdressed with Mercedes. I would like them to be notified that the recall does not address the underlying issues and the solution they provided does not fix the problem. I appreciate your time in considering this.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

Good morning ! I am an owner of a 2013 ML 350 . I live in San Diego ,CA ,92103 . I was driving my car on [XXX] and it was raining a lot . After around 30 miles I got to my destination parking area and my car died 20 feet away from the parking zone .I tried to reignite it but it wouldn’t start . I checked it with a OBD2 scanner and it was indicating a code U0109 - Lost communication with fuel pump control module . After looking into solutions and reasons for the issue online I came across a post regarding an existing recall with the federal safety agency with ID 22v955 regarding water intrusion in the spare wheel well portion of the trunk( The Wheel well is not water proofed and doesn’t have a drain port for water to escape ) . I proceeded with inspecting the area and of course it was full of water . The fuel pump control module is located in that area and it was damaged which shorted it and cause the malfunction of the vechile and the error code U0109 stated above . Tried calling Mercedes Benz but they confirmed about that specific recall but said my VIN is not part of it and I should file a claim or complain with you . I will attach proof and pictures of the water and the damaged component. My car now need to be towed and fixed on my expense because of Mercedes Benz negligence… Hopefully you can add my car to this recall and when this happens I would get some kind of reimbursement… Thank you for your time and understanding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling in the driveway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that AAA added fuel to the vehicle, and the vehicle was able to restart and operated as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline), and the dealer installed a water drain plug on the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was later intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Complete Performance, where it was diagnosed with fuel pressure failure. The contact replaced the gas cap; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled while there was sufficient fuel in the fuel tank. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after fuel was added to the vehicle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the fuel pump was not previously replaced during the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V955000( Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I purchased my car used at the Mercedes dealership in Tyler Texas June 2023. I took all my savings and paid cash and was told that the car was impeccable shape and there were no current issues and all the service records were up to date. November 2023 is when everything started happening and my engine light came on. It was revealed to me by a service tech that I was sold the vehicle with an existing major oil leak /seals broke. Etc. SEE Attached invoices. I have endured driving down the road and my car just giving out and losing power steering. The car has been sputtering and there have been misfires, fauled fuel injectors, coils, s and spark plugs, oil leaks, fuel pump leaking gasoline in the engine and smoke coming from the hood. I thought my car was going to start on fire it smelled like a hot electrical wires and gasoline. My nerves are frayed from this car because of how many times it has broke down. I have missed work because of the car, I'm behind on my home bills, I missed my airline flight to see my sick father, I have had to pay for rental cars, all due to this vehicle. I am very concerned for my safety in this vehicle and I would like the vehicle fixed at the expense of Mercedes or my money back. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)