NHTSA attached 2 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
08000080,000 milesMedian miles at failure
101 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems
34 of the 115 complaints (30%) are about the seats.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Seats
27
0
21
9
Electrical System
18
0
6
1
Power Train · transmission
12
1
0
1
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
7
0
4
2
Suspension
6
1
0
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
6
2
0
0
Steering
4
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
4
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
3
0
0
0
Suspension › Front
3
0
1
0
2 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.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Feb 3, 2025190,000 milesUT
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he felt a sharp pinch coming from the driver’s side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact’s husband noticed an abnormal hole with smoke coming from the driver’s side seat. There was no visible fire present. No medical attention was sought. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Structure
Filed Nov 7, 2024GA
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the SRS warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while the dealer was servicing the air suspension strut failures, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had sustained severe water damage. The dealer informed the contact that the water had leaked from the sunroof through the headliner and onto the floor. The dealer informed the contact the water leak had caused mold on the headliner, and mold and corrosion on the floor, where the battery and electrical wires were located. The dealer informed the contact that the water entry had caused electrical failures, causing the driver's side and passenger's side third-row windows and the horn to become inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2024FL
Blinkers and horn stopped working windshield wipers coming on without being turned on it’s saying drive to workshop without shifting gears and won’t start in the middle of the highway
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Sep 8, 2023187,000 milesAL
The contact owned a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had been inspected but the brake booster was not replaced. The contact then stated that approximately eight months later, while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was informed that he would be in contact however, had not received a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
Seats1 injured
Filed Jun 21, 202359,050 milesCA
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH in the rain, there was an abnormal smoke odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then started filling up with smoke. The contact checked and became aware that the back of the front driver's seat was on fire. The contact was able to pull over and extinguish the fire with his hand. The contact sustained a little burn to his hand, but medical attention was not sought. The Fire Department was not contacted. Neither a Police nor Fire report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 59,050.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 12, 2022CA
The steering wheel airbag spontaneously deployed with no prior warning sensors activated or collision (moments after pulling into driveway at home). Mercedes Benz refuses to take any responsibility, or at least inspect and replace the steering wheel and airbag. Driver's arm was partially injured due to deployment, not severe. However the concern remains of whether this could have deployed while driving, causing critical injuries. Should we worry about the remaining airbags spontaneously deploying?
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Oct 17, 2022130,000 milesAL
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission slipped and failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer replaced the transmission control module. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The contact stated that their vehicle still has not been repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer have a remedy to fix the vehicle or accommodate him.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 6, 2022MN
Was driving my vehicle on the freeway and pulled off on and exit ramp. Brake pedal went to floor with very little braking had to pump the brake pedal to regain control. Brakes felt soft. Returned home by pumping brakes. No warning lights, Next day bled brakes and replaced brake fluid. Function restored but no cause could be identified for the air in the brake lines. Very disturbing and unsafe. Sounds very much like 22V315000.
Service Brakes
Filed May 30, 2022MI
In the past several weeks, whenever I press on the brake pedal firmly at a stoplight or even on the highway, the "low brake light" alarm on the vehicle turns on. I went and checked the brake fluid level, but it is normal. It also seems to take longer to brake the car than before. I'm not sure if it is related to the recent recall or not.
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2021153,000 milesCA
The GL450 has the balance shaft problem .It skipped timing and caused major engine failure.. This problem is prevalent for the M273 engine. The parts wear prematurely. The timing is affected and the 4 cam power train misaligns. The engine quits and the repair is usually over 4000.00. It produces 1208 1200 codes along with misfire codes. I feel Mercedes Benz Corp is responsible and has liability for the loss. Thank You. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Seats
Filed Nov 18, 202096,382 milesTX
ON NOVEMBER 17, 2020, I TURNED MY DRIVER SEAT HEATER AND SUDDENLY SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES DRIVING I DECIDED TO TURN OF THE HEATER, THE BURNING SENSATION ON MY BACK WAS INTENSE. ONCE I PARKED, I NOTICED A HOLE IN MY SEAT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER! I CHECKED MY CLOTHING AND NOTICED IT MELTED THE ELASTIC PART AT THE BOTTOM MY JACKET.
Power Train
Filed Nov 13, 2020135,000 milesPA
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT AND I COULD ONLY GO 40 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD I STEPPED ON THE GAS. I HAD TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF, WAIT TEN MINUTES AND THEN START IT UP AGAIN. AGAIN THIS WEEK IT ALSO HAPPENED.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 3, 2020GA
RAIN LEAKED IN THROUGH THE BACK CAUSING THE REAR SAM TO BE FILLED WITH WATER. THIS CAUSED ALL OF MY TAILLIGHTS TO GO OUT. I SAW A RECALL FOR VEHICLES WITH THE SAME YEAR AS MINE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE GL 450 THAT I CAN FIND. I CALLED MERCEDES WHICH YIELDED NOTHING.THEY TOLD ME THE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC, NOT VEHICLE SPECIFIC. I GUESS MY VIN WASN'T CHOSED EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS THE ONES THEY RECALLED IN 2009. THIS IS A NEW SAM. IT WAS REPLACED BY US WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED.
Power Train
Filed May 21, 2020142,000 milesPA
MY CAR BATTERY DIED, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE JUMPED MY CAR, MECHANIC REPLACED MY BATTERIES. THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEMS, BUT THEN A MESSAGE CAME UP IN MY DASHBOARD IN RED SAYING TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE WORKSHOP WITHOUT SHIFTING GEARS; AFTER THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE CAR AND DID SOME RESEARCH HE FOUND THAT THE INTELLIGENT SERVO MODULE WAS BAD; THE CARD WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING IN THE SHOP. *TR
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Nov 15, 201983,000 milesDC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND HER COAT. AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED AND FLAMES APPEARED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EURO MOTORCARS BETHESDA (7020 ARLINGTON RD, BETHESDA, MD 20814, (301) 986-8800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2019190,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. IN ADDITION, THE ESP AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ALL THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER .THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH ORLANDO AT 407-374-0033 (LOCATED AT 4301 MILLENIA BLVD, ORLANDO, FL 32839) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 8, 2019130,000 milesTX
HEATING ELEMENT IN DRIVERS SIDE DEFECTIVE. THE CAR SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. MERCEDES REFUSES TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY. WILL ONLY COVER 25% OF A 1400$ REPAIR. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE SEAT.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 23, 2018168,000 milesGA
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE ENGINE HAS SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT IDLE (STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT) AND WHEN TRAVELING 70+MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE EVENT HAPPENS VERY FAST AND THE ENGINE RESTARTS WITHIN 30SEC. THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE BUT ALL SYSTEMS CONTINUE WORKING (AC, RADIO, ETC). I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND NEITHER ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN VERY SCARY AND MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 2018153,000 milesMI
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUT-OFF WITH NO WARNINGS WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING ALL THE INTERNAL ELECTRONICS (E.G. NAVIGATION, DASHBOARD). AFTER 1 SECOND, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ALL BY ITSELF. THE CLOCK INSIDE THE VEHICLE KEPT ON CIRCLING BACK AND FORTH AS IF SOME LIGHTNING HIT IT OR SOMETHING, AND IT WAS VERY SCARY, SINCE THERE WERE MANY CARS ON THE FREEWAY.
Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2018117,000 milesCA
THE FOLLOWING CONDITION APPEARED WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. (I PUT A DATE OF 1/1/18, IN THE BOX BELOW, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES SINCE THEN, AND I FIND IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY MORE). AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WILL DOWNSHIFT TO BY ITSELF INTO 1ST GEAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. EVEN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS RPMS WILL SUDDENLY JUMP UP TO "RED-LINE" LIMITS AS THE DOWNSHIFT OCCURS FROM 7TH GEAR TO 1ST GEAR. THE VEHICLE MUST BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP AND ENGINE MUST BE TURN OFF AND RESTARTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS WHEN OTHER VEHICLES ARE FOLLOWING OR IN ADJACENT LANES TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO, AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, VEHICLE RPMS DROP SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. TRANSMISSION BASICALLY DISENGAGES AND WILL NOT RE-ENGAGE EVEN WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED. ENGINE MUST BE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY AND RESTARTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. EQUALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION - ESPECIALLY WHEN DECELERATING ON FREEWAY OFF-RAMPS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED (ALL SERVICE RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE), AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER (BOUGHT NEW IN LATE 2006). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 117,500 MILES AS OF FEBRUARY 2018. WHAT ALARMS ME THE MOST IS THAT I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE REPORT EXACTLY THE SAME DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. EVEN MY INDEPENDENT MECHANICS SAYS ITS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. I SAY IT'S A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I SH
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 23, 201899,801 milesWA
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES GL 450. CONTACT LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALL FOR VEHICLE.MILEAGE ON VEHICLE IS 99,801. CONTACT WAS GOING 66MPH AT TIME WHEN DRIVERS SEAT CAUGHT FIREAND CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. MERCEDES HEATED SEATS RECALL FOR SEAT OVERHEATING AND HOLE BURNING IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN
Power Train
Filed Jan 13, 2018125,000 milesCA
TAKATA RECALL .MY CAR HAVE THE AIR SHOCKS COMPLETELY DOWN THE AIR IS ESCAPING FROM 3 OF THEM AND THE CAR LOOKS AND DRIVE VERY BAD ,ALSO THE TURBINE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR IS FAILING SINCE I PURCFCHASE THIS VEHICLE, THA CAR STOP MOVING FORWARD EVERY TIME IGOT TO A STOP ,AND I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURN THE CAR ON IN ORDER TO KEEP MOVING
Wheels
Filed Jan 4, 2018SC
275/55/19 SCORPION VERDE ALL SEASON PLUS TIRES I PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 YEARS AGO. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER MERCEDES GL 450 ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT A SIDEWALL FOR NO REASON. I HAVE A REPORT FROM THE TIRE DEALER THAT THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE OR ABRASION NOTED.
SeatsFire
Filed Dec 11, 2017145,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING 2007 MERCEDES GL450 WITH MY WIFE, AFTER DRIVING FOR 1 MILES FROM OUR HOME WITH FRONT SEAT HEATING I FELT BURN AT MY BACK AND THEN MY WIFE SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SEATS, WE STOPED THE CAR AND SAW DRIVE SEAT WAS BURNING AND MADE A QUARTER SIZE HOLE IN THE SEAT, I TALKED TO MERCEDES BENZ OF PLANO BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE. EVEN NOW IF I TURN IT ON IT WILL CATCH FIRE -
Power Train
Filed Sep 6, 2017130,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IT FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THEN THE GEARS OPERATED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND THAT THE SPEED AND PCU SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Seats
Filed May 16, 201765,000 milesCA
WE WERE DRIVING ON SAN VICENTE BLVD IN BEVERLY HILLS, MY HUSBAND IN THE DRIVER SEAT TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATERS IN OUR SUV AND ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER WE STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING AND COULD NOT RIGHT AWAY DISTINGUISH WHERE THE PUTRID SMELL ORIGINATED FROM. MOMENTS LATER THE CABIN STARTED FILLING WITH SMOKE AND THE FUMES BECOME UNBEARABLE WHICH MADE US, MYSELF, HUSBAND AND OUR 1.5YR OLD COUGH. MY HUSBAND NOTICED HIS SEAT WAS HOTTER THAN USUAL, AND QUICKLY REALIZED IT WAS THE SEAT THE FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM AND QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE HEATER. WE STOPPED THE CAR, JUMPED OUT, I GRABBED MY SON FROM THE BACK SEAT AND WE FOUND A BURNT HOLE IN THE DRIVER SEAT!!
Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2017NC
2007 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSES FIRE. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE SEAT HEATER. UPDATED 04/04/2017*JS UPDATED 04/14/2017*JS *JS
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 2017TN
MY TAIL GATE WON'T LOCK MY POWER STEERING IS WAY HARD TO TURN
Tires
Filed Feb 8, 2017134,000 milesCA
1. NORMAL USE. 2. TIRE DEVELOPED RADIAL RUNOUT - PROBABLE TREAD SEPARATION 3. REMOVED TIRES FROM CAR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 201691,000 milesCA
THE ISM (INTELLIGENT SERVO MODULE) HAS FAILED IN MANY OF THE SIMILAR MERCEDES CARS THAT I OWN. I CAN NOT START THE CAR AND CAN NOT EVEN ORDER THIS PART BECAUSE ONLY A DEALER CAN INSTALL THIS PART. MY VEHICLE IS STUCK IN A PARKING LOT AND THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO. I THINK THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2016127,561 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE REMAINED FUNCTIONAL DURING TWO OF THE FAILURES, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE CORRECT GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,561.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 23, 2016145,000 milesNJ
I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON I-80 HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 70 DOWN TO 10 MPH IN ABOUT 2 SECONDS. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO LIGHTS, BELLS, OR SIGNALS TO WARN ME THAT MY FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TO CUT ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC WITH NO POWER, AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER WHO HAD TO IMMEDIATELY SWERVE OFF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR, AND HAD TO BE PUSHED BY A NJ STATE OFFICER TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS ON A VERY BUSY MAJOR HIGHWAY, AND HAD IT OF BEEN RUSH HOUR I DON'T THINK I WOULD HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I SERVICE MY CAR REGULARLY, AND NEVER AT ANY POINT HAD THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP EVER ADVISED ME THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP. OF COURSE THEY HAVE WARNING SIGNALS TO TELL ME MY WINDSHIELD FLUID IS LOW, BUT NOTHING TO SIGNAL THIS TYPE OF MALFUNCTION. I THEN HAD TO REMAIN ON THE SIDE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY FOR OVER 90 MINUTES WHILE I WAITED TO THE MERCEDES ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE. I ADVISED THEM FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES THAT MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER WITH CARS FLYING BY ME AT TOP SPEED. MY FUEL PUMP WAS EVENTUALLY SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAD NO ANSWER FOR WHY THIS HAPPENED. I AM FILING THIS REPORT NOT ONLY BECAUSE I AM EXTREMELY UPSET, BUT POSSIBLE TO SAVE THE LIVES OF OTHER TRAVELERS. AS I STATED, THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO SIGNS OR MY CAR IN DISTRESS, OR ANYTHING THAT I COULD HAVE DONE TO PREVENT THIS. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER, AND IF YOU N
Seats
Filed Apr 13, 2016MD
2 COMPLAINTS -1 I WAS DRIVING W/OUT A COAT ON & TURNED THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER ON. THEN I STARTED FEELING A SHARP, STINGING PAIN ON MY BACK AND STARTED SMELLING THE BURNING OF WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE SEAT. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A STINGING OR BITING INSECT OFF MY BACK. ONCE I REALIZED IT WAS THE SEAT HEATER, I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF, ONLY TO FIND I NOW HAVE A HOLE IN MY SEAT. IF MERCEDES KNOWS THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AS I HAVE COME TO READ HERE, THEY SHOULD WARN PEOPLE NOT TO USE THE HEATERS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND AVOID HAVING A HOLE IN THE SEAT OR REPLACE THE SEAT AND HEATER. #2 THE FRONT AIR SUSPENSION SHOCK CRASHED ON THE FRONT OF MY CAR. MY CAR SAT IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH WAITING FOR MERCEDES TO REENGINEER THE AIR SHOCK. FINALLY, THEY TOLD US TO BUY AN AFTERMARKET AND THEY WOULD INSTALL. SHORTLY THEREAFTER REAR OF THE CAR WOULDN'T LEVEL AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE COMPRESSOR SO THAT WAS REPLACED. BUT STILL THE REAR WAS UNEVEN SO THEY REPLACED BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND STILL THE CAR WOULDN'T LEVEL. THEN THEY HAD THE NERVE TO TELL ME IT WAS THE FRONT AFTERMARKET AND THEY NOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS A 2007 SO WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT. I STOPPED GOING TO THE DEALER AND INSTEAD TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP. THEY REPLACED A SENSOR FOR A MINIMAL CHARGE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE SINCE.
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Mar 1, 2016100,101 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING, I TURNED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER. LESS THAN THREE MINUTES LATER, I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR FOLLOWED BY A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SMOKE AND HEAT COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE SEAT NEAREST THE DOOR. I FELT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SOMETHING POKING ME IN THE LEFT REAR POCKET OF MY PANTS, AND BURNED THE BACK OF MY KNUCKLE CHECKING FOR THE SOURCE OF THE HEAT. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE HEATER AND PULLED OFF AT THE FIRST SAFE LOCATION. I EXITED THE VEHICLE (A PALL OF SMOKE FOLLOWED ME) AND KNOCKED THE SMOKING EMBERS OUT OF THE VEHICLE (A HOLE LARGER THAN A QUARTER IS BURNED IN THE SEAT). I ALSO NOTICED A HOLE WAS BURNED THROUGH MY PANTS. APPARENTLY, I CAME VERY CLOSE TO SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL INJURY, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT OF POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SCHEDULED THE CAR FOR NEXT MONDAY. RESEARCHING INTO THE ISSUE, MINE IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE AS THERE ARE MULTIPLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AND COMPLAINTS WITH THE NHTSA. OBVIOUSLY, THESE SEATS ARE DEFECTIVE, MERCEDES IS AWARE, THE PASSENGER SEAT IS NEXT AND IS NOT SAFE.
Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2015150,000 milesCA
VEH SUSPENSION FELL, ALMOST LOST CONTROL
Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 201593,000 milesMI
2007 MERCEDES GL450 AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR ALL THE SUDDEN BECAME NOISY POPPED THE HOOD TO CONFIRM NOISE AND IT WAS THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR CAR WAS DRIVING FINE HAD TO GET TO MY DESTINATION ONLY 2 MILES AWAY THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN BOOM I THOUGHT MY TIRE BLEW OUT CAR STARTED BOUNCING IN THE REAR BADLY PULLED OVER TO CHECK AND THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS ALL THE WAY DOWN SCAIRED THE HECK OUT OF ME GOT HOME CRAWLED UNDER CAR AND THE LEFT REAR AIR SUSPENSION BAG BLEW APART COMPLETELY NO WARNING AT ALL EXCEPT THE DISPLAY ON DASH STATED COMPRESSOR COOLING DOWN HOPE MERCEDES WILL SOMEHOW HELP WITH REPAIR AND LOOK INTO THIS FOR A SAFETY ISSUE AND POSSIBLY HELP WITH THE REPAIR SOMEHOW AS I SEE THE AIRPUMP WAS JUST CHANGED IN 2013 THANKS FOR LISTENING.
Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2015117,000 milesFL
HEAD LIGHTS WENT OFF IN THE WHILE TRAVELING DUE TO DEFECTING WIRING SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO EXPERTS MB USED AN INFERIOR AND UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FOR THE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES OF SOME OF THE GL450 MODELS. THIS INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATES UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed May 19, 201583,000 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE SEAT WHILE THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE OFF AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Feb 20, 201560,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE AND BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S CLOTHING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
SeatsFire
Filed Feb 11, 2015100,000 milesCO
WE HAD LEFT THE HOME - DROVE APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AT 20 MILES AN HOUR WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE - IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE. WE HAD A BABY IN THE CAR, WERE TRAVELING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD IN ASPEN. WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THANKFULLY WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH SNOW FROM A SNOW BANK (WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF IT WAS IN THE SUMMER?). THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN OUR CAR SEAT NOW AND OBVIOUSLY - WE ARE NOT ABLE TO USE THE SEAT HEATERS. I SEE FROM THE REPORTS HERE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH THE SAME VEHICLE -- THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL DONE FOR THIS ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE AS SOMEONE MAY BE INJURED SEVERELY IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Steering
Filed Feb 11, 201538,425 milesWA
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE HORN INTERMITTENTLY GOES OFF AND WILL NOT STOP. MUST TURN OFF THE CAR TO GET THE HORN TO STOP SOUNDING. THEN, MUST TURN ON THE CAR AND TURN OFF THE CAR A FEW TIMES TO MAKE IT STOP UNTIL IT ALL STARTS HAPPENING, RANDOMLY, AGAIN. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASE AND HAS BEEN ROUTINELY SERVICED AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY STEERING WHEEL SWITCH. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE ISSUE IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL ITSELF. THE COST FOR AN IDENTICAL FACTORY WOOD STEERING WHEEL (WHICH IS WHAT THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH) IS $3,000; IF WE OPTED FOR A LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL INSTEAD THE COST WOULD BE $1500. THE OTHER WORKAROUND IS TO PULL THE FUSE AND NOT HAVE A HORN AT ALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD NOT COST THIS MUCH TO HAVE A STEERING WHEEL SWITCH REPLACED! THIS IS ESSENTIAL, BASIC EQUIPMENT, AND STARTING HAPPENING ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. HAVE CONTINUED TO FOLLOW-UP WITH DEALER TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL OR IF THEY WILL FIX, BUT MERCEDES IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR
SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Dec 8, 2014106,000 milesCO
I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY TO AN AFTERNOON LUNCH ON THE 5TH OF DECEMBER, 2014, THE DAY WAS CHILLY AND IT WAS A GOOD TIME TO HAVE THE HEATED SEATS ON... AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE AREA (IT WAS ACTUALLY MY SEAT LIGHTING ME ON FIRE), NEEDLESS TO SAY THE SMELL CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I LOOKED FOR A SAFE AREA TO PULL OVER AND IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD MY SIDE STARTED SMOKING AND LIT ON FIRE. I FRANTICALLY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND JUMPED OUT. I THEN PROCEEDED TO RIP OF MY JACKET AND PUT OUT THE SMOLDERING SECTION OF IT. AFTER THAT I NOTICED THE CAR WAS STILL SMOKING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT ABOUT TO GO UP IN FLAMES, AT THIS TIME MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUR 2 YEAR OLD TWINS OUT OF THE VEHICLE I GOT BACK TO THE CAR TO TURN IT OFF AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE SCENE I FOUND THE HEATED SEAT HAD MALFUNCTIONED IN SOME MANNER AND BURNED A NICE HOLE IN THE SEAT WHICH IN RETURN LIT MY JACKET ON FIRE. I WILL GET IT INTO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE FUSE TAKEN OUT AND MAKE THE HEATED SEATS INOPERABLE NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 2014115,900 milesTX
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AND TURNING ON SEAT WARMERS, THE CAR SMELLED OF A BURNING SMELL AND I FELT A VERY HOT SPOT ON MY BACK. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMERS TO FIND A HOLE BURNED INTO THE LEATHER. ALL OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF 2007 MB GL-450.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire1 injured
Filed Dec 3, 201496,000 milesNV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SEAT HEATER WAS ACTIVATED AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE LOWER BACK AND HIP WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PAM UPDATED 4/30/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE CONSUMER DID NOT FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. UPDATED 10/23/2015 *JS
SeatsFire
Filed Nov 17, 2014107,260 milesMO
I WAS IN MY 2007 MERCEDES GL450 AND HAD DRIVEN APPROX. 2 MILES WITH MY FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ON. I STARTED TO NOTICE A STRANGE SMELL AND SUDDENLY THE CABIN WAS STARTING TO FILL UP WITH SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BACK OF MY FRONT DRIVERS SEAT WAS ON FIRE. SNOW WAS ON THE GROUND SO I SCOOPED UP SNOW TO PACK IN THE FIRE/HOT SPOT WHICH HAD BURNED A LARGE HOLE THROUGH THE VINYL AND INSIDE PADDING MATERIAL. I LATER NOTICED THAT MY JACKET HAD BURN MARKS AND A HOLE IN THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE POINT OF THE FIRE. *TR
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire1 injured
Filed Nov 5, 201468,690 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SEAT HEATERS OVER HEATED CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM BURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,690.
Engine
Filed Oct 7, 201470,000 milesCA
I HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 2 MILES AND GOING AROUND 25-30 MPH AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THERE WAS CARS BEHIND ME AND I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY HAZARDS ON. THANKFULLY CARS WERE COMING UP TO STOP SIGN SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER OFF ROAD. STARTED CAR UP AND DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND CAR SHUT DOWN AGAIN AND LOCKED STEERING REPEATED 4 MORE TIMES TIL WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. I WAS GETTING READY TO GET ON FREEWAY WITH MY YOUNG KIDS IN THE CAR COULD HAVE BEEN SO DANGEROUS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 201489,000 milesMA
PREMATURE TRANSMISSION UP-SHIFT AND REMAINS UNRESPONSIVE TO THROTTLE POSITION. SUSPECTED TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE/VALVE FAILURE AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED BY OTHERS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. WHEN WILL MB ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND ISSUE A RECALL? *TR
Suspension
Filed Jun 20, 201481,000 milesCA
THERE'S A WHISTLING SOUND ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING LOW THAN USUAL AND THERE MESSAGE INDICATOR STATES THAT THERE'S AN FAILURE WITH SUSPENSION. *TR
SuspensionCrash1 injured
Filed May 27, 2014110,000 milesMN
MERCEDES GL450 THE FRONT END STARTED RIDING LOW AFTER DRIVING IT AND WOULD THEN ADJUST ITSELF, WHICH WAS VERY NOTICEABLE NOT THE MINUTE AMOUNT IS SUPPOSED TO DO JUST FOR AERODYNAMICS. THEN IT STARTED OUT LOW FROM A PARKING POSITION AND ONCE ON THE ROAD IT WOULD RAISE A LITTLE TO WHERE IT WAS DRIVABLE THAT WENT ON FOR TWO DAYS I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT INSPECTED AND ON THE THIRD DAY THE FRONT END JUST LOWERED ITSELF AND THE WHOLE CAR WAS VERY UNSTABLE JUMPED UP AND DOWN BECAUSE OF TBE GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FRONT AND BACK I WAS DRIVING ON A ONE LANE ROAD ON A MOUNTAINOUS REGION WHICH IS WHERE I LIVE AND HAD NOWHERE TO PULL OVER. I MADE IT AFTER DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON A 45 MPH ZONE, FRONT AIR SUSPENSION STRUTS THAT WERE LEAKING AND TOLD ME THIS CAR WAS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I NEED YOU TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS O BELIEVE IT IS A HAZARDOUS DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE! *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 115, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.