2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350

Do not drive

Owners filed 22 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags13
000
Engine4
010
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler1
001
Fuel/Propulsion System1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum24V298000Do not drive
Filed Apr 26, 202415,604 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum22V315000Do not drive
Filed May 9, 2022350,294 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V081000
Filed Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jan 2, 2025130,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormally loud crack. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear glass in the moon roof had fractured without impact. The contact used tape on the fractured glass to prevent water from entering the interior of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the replacement parts were no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger
Filed May 31, 2024130,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with turbo failure. The contact was informed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under the warranty. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred almost two years prior, and the repair was covered under an unknown recall. The contact also stated that the repair was completed with a refurbished turbo charger. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler1 injured
Filed Jan 30, 202499,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's seat was excessively hot while using the heated seat feature. The contact was burned by the excessive heat while using the heated seat. The contact stated there was no medical attention needed; however, the contact placed a pad on the seat for protection. In addition, while using the heated seat feature, the contact became aware of a burning odor. The contact contacted the dealer, and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the feature was not covered for repair under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2023MA

Mercedes Benz settled with U.S Government the diesel emission scandal. There are about 122k class members. Under the settlement, Mercedes gave 122k class members 4 year/48k miles warranty. Under the warranty, MB replaced the timing chain in May 2022 but on April, 2023 while driving on I-95 in Massachusetts, the engine completely got shut down while driving 55 miles per hour. Luckily, no one got injured. But the car was not controllable. I barely pulled to the side of the hwy and called the towing. Brought it to MB of Westwood. MB Westwood did a diagnostics.Below is the note Mercedes Benz of Westwood: The car is still at the dealership if you want to send an investigator, Engine Rebuild/Replace: after further tear down found that timing chain guide rails broke, which then got chewed up from chain and gears into smaller pieces. these small pieces got suck up into the oil pump pick up tube, blocking oil flow. The lack of oil to main engine components caused them to overheat and contacted each other (metal to metal). which ends up heating to a point in which the components stick to each other and not able to move freely any more.. Basically, The replaced Timing Chain destroyed plastic guide rails, which destroyed my engine. I notified Mercedes Benz of USA and the dealership that they need to recall 122k class members and fix the problem, but they refused to take any actions. By ignoring the problem, it could lead to casualties to thousand of people. I hope you take actions and br

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 24, 2022MD

I would like to file an official complaint with Mercedes Service center prior to escalating. Due to neglection the part of your authorized dealership, I am confronted with poor and conniving customer service, strong safety concerns, and financial loss. Also, Euro Motors did not report any issues with the vehicle wire harness during the pre inspection. During the pre inspection the only thing Mechanic pointed out was the rear left air suspension bag losing air (see attached videos of pre and post inspection).I brought in my GL350 for the manufacturing recall on September 20th, with sufficient time to file for the $878.75 cash back rebate for Class Action Settlement. Euro Motors of Germantown, deliberately or carelessly kept my vehicle past the due date of the rebate. When I received the vehicle almost a month later, it stalled in the middle of the highway, risking my life as it gave no prior indication of stalling. When I opened the hood to inspect the vehicle, I noticed the harness wires were tampered with. I have actual evidence of the engine prior and post Euro Motors maintenance, which I will make available if necessary. I have lost my trust with this dealership performing and further work, and I would like Mercedes to take further action to ensure my trust in their brand. I can be available for direct discussion with contact information below. On 20th October 2022, I received my car back from the dealer. I was told their mechanic performed all safety inspection and the ca

Air Bags
Filed Jun 7, 2022OH

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 26, 201970,000 milesSC

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK IS INOPERATIVE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE DUE TO FACT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE FAILS. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2012 ##

Air Bags
Filed Mar 29, 2019CO

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF DENVER (LOCATED AT 940 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303) 953-4581) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 2019OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350W4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. CROWN EUROCARS (6500 PERIMETER LOOP RD, DUBLIN, OH 43017, (888) 854-8278) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

EngineFire
Filed Sep 25, 2018100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350BTC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT END AND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND LEFT TO COOL DOWN. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BURNED. THERE WAS NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS STUCK AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEDFORD AT 440-439-0100 (LOCATED AT 18122 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE PICKED UP BY THE DEALER AND A DISCOUNT COULD BE OFFERED TOWARD THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 201827,400 milesCA

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES BENZ USA GIVING ME A DATE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR A AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND MARCH 31, 2018. IT IS JUNE 26 AND THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. WAITING FOR ALMOST 12 MONTHS TO HAVE THE AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO WAIT ALMOST A YEAR TO BE REPAIRED.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 15, 2018AE

TAKATA RECALLS HELLO, I AM CURRENTLY STATIONED IN GERMANY AND NEED TO SHIP MY VEHICLE BACK BUT CAN'T WITH THIS OPEN RECALL WHICH WAS GENERATED AFTER DEPARTING FROM THE US. HOW DO I GET AN EXCEPTION TO THIS RECALL UNTIL THE VEHICLE ARRIVES IN THE US? THANKS, MATT

Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2018TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ SAN JUAN, 400 E EXPY 83, SAN JUAN, TX 78589 (956) 436-5702) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A POSTCARD FROM TK HOLDINGS, ALERTING HER THAT THEY FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 26, 2017GA

TAKATA RECALL THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT BUT IF THERE WAS IT COULD BE FATAL. I LIVE IN A HOT, HUMID AREA THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED BEFORE OTHER AREAS. MY COMPLAINT IS THE PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOCATED FOR MY CAR. NEED IT DONE!

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2017NV

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN JULY OF 2016. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF HENDERSON, 925 AUTO SHOW DRIVE, HENDERSON, NV, 89014) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2017OH

TAKATA RECALL - I'VE SPOKEN TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE TO DATE. OF COURSE, THIS IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING GIVEN THE DEATHS THAT HAVE OCCURRED TO DATE.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 201746,000 milesWA

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN BOISE GOING TO PORTLAND, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOST OF POWER IN VERY DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATION. THERE WERE A ROAD WORK AREA, I HAD SEMI-TRUCKS IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME. IT HAPPENED ON I-84W, AROUND 20 MILES OUT OF BAKER CITY OR, MY CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP BARRIER IN BELLEVUE. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. I HAD FUEL, THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SIMILAR INDICATION OR COMMING TECHNICAL ISSUE. THE CAR LOST POWER, I MANEGED TO MOVE TO SIDE THAT THE TRUCK BEHIND ME DIDN'T HIT ME! I CALLED A BAKER CITY TOWING, THEY TOW MY VEHICLE TO A SHOP IN THE TOWN, THE SHOP HAD RUN DIAGNISTICS, OIL WAS OK, OBD GAVE THEM 2 FAILURE CODES, THE TROUBLE CODE 126800, STANDART DIAGNISTICS COULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE FAILURE, FURTHER INTERNET SEARCH DIRECTED TU TURBO CHARGE FAULT AND ADVICED ME TO CONTACT MERCEDES. I CALLED BARRIER, THEY DIDN'T HELP ME AT ALL, DIRECTED ME TO MB-ROAD ASSISTANCE, THEY ORGANIZED TOWING MY CAR TO MB DEALERSHIP IN BOISE. I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE THAT THE WAY HOW THE CAR FAILED WAS NOT A 21ST CENTURY EXPERIENCE. NO WARNING, NOTHING TELLING ME THAT THE TECHNICAL STATUS OF THE CAR DETERIORATE..

Air Bags
Filed Jul 24, 2017FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CUTLER BAY AT 10701 SW 211 ST, CUTLER BAY, FL 33189 (305) 251-0345 WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. (VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE/PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT)

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2017FL

TAKATA RECALL IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT THIS RECALL IS STILL NOT RESOLVED BY MERCEDES. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE YEAR SINCE IT WAS REPORTED AND STILL NOTHING. THERE WAS SOMEONE IN CANADA THAT WANTED TO PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BUT BECAUSE OF THE RECALL IT COULD NOT BE IMPORTED.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 20, 2016SC

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20 of 22 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20171200Routine
20164400Routine
20157300Routine
20146300Routine
20137310Routine
2012 — this page22310Do not drive
201123300Do not drive
201016200Do not drive
20091100Do not drive

Compare every GL350 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 26, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.