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.
Most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems
34 of the 55 complaints (62%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
34
2
0
2
Suspension
6
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
3
1
0
1
Unknown or Other
2
1
0
0
Electrical System
2
0
1
0
Suspension › Front
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
1
0
0
0
Seats
1
0
1
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
1
0
0
0
Parking Brake
1
0
0
0
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 airbags problems
62% of all complaints
34 of the 55 complaints are about the airbags.
Share of the 34 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
“I [XXX] own. The Mercedes Benz, it was in recall for the Air Bag, I took it to the Dealer at the Coral Gables Dealership of the Mercedes, 300 Almeria Ave, Coral Gables 33134. Phone (305)306-3549. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did not OPEN, the Brake did not brake properly the truck slip through the grass, and we end it in the Canal.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 31, 2024
“I have been calling mercedes for going on 3 years about fixing this recall issue. I get a letter periodically pushing back my parts available date. The dealership always said they cannot provide any estimate on when the parts will be available. Finally, I received a letter from vice president of customer services christian trieber dated march 2019 regarding this "urgent-important safety recall 2019030018".”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 12, 2019
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2011 GL450 peaked in 2017, with 19 filed that year. Owners had filed 1 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 16V081000 in February 2016; 33 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.
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.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2011 GL450.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …
Technical service bulletins
65 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 GL450. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 13headlights 11transmission 8body and frame 5engine 5equipment 5seats 4suspension 3
NCU - 2022080005Service campaignAug 10, 2024electrical system
Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231, and 190 platforms) vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software …
Additional information around the recent recall announcement affecting approximately 705,983 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles involving Takata driver-side airbags containing PSDl-5 type inflators
Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Suspension
Filed May 13, 2026TX
Air compressor fail
Unknown or Other
Filed May 11, 2026NY
My tires were wearing on the inner sides, replaced tires and had a 4 wheel alignment. Rear wheel alignment could not be corrected due to severe rusted and corrosion. Mechanic said the rear sub frame needs replacing. They advised that I do not drive the vehicle because it is not safe. I have the wheel alignment printout. I only have 48,000 miles on vehicle and keep up with maintenance. The Mercedes Benz dealer quoted 8,000 to replace. This issue was known by Mercedes Benz which they did not disclose to owners. Very dangerous.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 26, 2025120,000 milesSC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message for brake and traction control failure was intermittently displayed, causing the cruise control to disengage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ha ydraulic control unit failure. The contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to two undisclosed recalls; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 25, 2024140,000 milesNY
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle failed to stop, which led him to rear-end a truck in front. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a fracture in the finger, and forehead injury caused by the impact with the steering wheel that required medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was deemed destroyed. The contact related the failure to the received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was invalid.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 31, 2024FL
I [XXX] own. The Mercedes Benz, it was in recall for the Air Bag, I took it to the Dealer at the Coral Gables Dealership of the Mercedes, 300 Almeria Ave, Coral Gables 33134. Phone (305)306-3549. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did not OPEN, the Brake did not brake properly the truck slip through the grass, and we end it in the Canal. I did not was advise the brake were in recall found out later on after the accident the GEIGO the insurance Company advise, but it was too late. I We were Born that Day my husband and me. I have picture of the accident; The check engine was on and off sometime like a year before or maybe more can't recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Parking Brake
Filed Nov 6, 2023284,000 milesMO
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Release Parking Brake" was displayed. The contact stated that she engaged the parking brake release button. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 284,000.
Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2023VA
Check Engine Light came on and took it to the mechanic who identified low compression on cylinder #3. The injector was replaced which did not fix the issue since the vehicle lags when first accelerating. We were also informed of a service bulletin that included the issue with our vehicle and to take the car to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who did not check the cylinder low compression/leakage issue because the check engine light wasn't on, which it would not be since it was recently serviced, and the number of miles required had not been driven for the check engine light to come back on. Even though the service bulletin is for the same make, model and years because our VIN was not included that there is no warranty on this vehicle. I now have a vehicle with an engine issue that should be included in the recall based on being the same make, model, year and mechanical issue.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 15, 2023RI
We smelled smoke from under the passenger seat. We had the car in for a recall and service recently and didn’t understand what was happening. Our three Children smelled the smoke too. Everyone exited the car and it burst into flames.
SeatsFire
Filed Jan 31, 2023TX
Heated seat caught fire while driving
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 2, 2022FL
Brought this vehicle into Mercedes-Benz of Peoria, Peoria, IL. for routine maintenance on May 19, 2022. When I returned to pick up vehicle, I was informed of the Do Not Drive recall and was informed I could not drive my car. I was only offered a curtesy car for that night and then had to find my own rental car, which I have done, incurring $7,675.11 in rental charges through August 2022. I have received zero updates from Mercedes as to when they will fix this problem. I have also not received any reimbursement for my rental car expenses.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 13, 2022FL
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Suspension
Filed Apr 5, 202180,000 milesCT
WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED STOPLIGHT, OUT OF NOWHERE THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, SHOOK THE WHOLE CAR AND SANK, THE FEELING LIKE WE WERE IN A SINK HOLE OR LIKE A TIRE BLEW BUT THE TIRE WAS FINE. A LOYD HISSING SOUND ENSUED. THANK GOD, WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT AND NOT IN A SPEED THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.
Air Bags
Filed May 29, 2019TX
STILL WAITING FOR DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed May 9, 201960,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE IGNITION. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. OPEN ROAD MERCEDES-BENZ (1250 US-22, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ 08807 (908) 685-0800) DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *AS CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE ISSUE IS SAME AS NOTED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THEIR SERVICE CAMPAIGN (HTTPS://TESTING-PUBLIC.CARMD.COM/TSB/DOWNLOAD/97801/218390). ON THE 3RD PAGE, THERE IS A REFERENCE TO THE 'GL' MODEL CARS AND THE YEAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WASN'T NOTED IN THAT CAMPAIGN, WHICH SHOULD'VE BEEN. I WENT THROUGH QUIET AN INCONVENIENCE AS A RESULT PERSONALLY AND MONETARILY BY M. BENZ'S FAILURE ACCURATELY INCLUDE MY VEHICLE AS PART OF THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Apr 12, 2019CA
I HAVE BEEN CALLING MERCEDES FOR GOING ON 3 YEARS ABOUT FIXING THIS RECALL ISSUE. I GET A LETTER PERIODICALLY PUSHING BACK MY PARTS AVAILABLE DATE. THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAID THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ANY ESTIMATE ON WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. FINALLY, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICES CHRISTIAN TRIEBER DATED MARCH 2019 REGARDING THIS "URGENT-IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2019030018". IT STATES THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT "IMMEDIATELY". I CALLED AND WAS PUT ON WHAT WAS PROBABLY A FAKE HOLD TO 'CHECK' PART AVAILABILITY, AND TOLD THE SAME THING I'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AFTER TIME WHICH IS THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO TIME ESTIMATE CAN BE PROVIDED. THE LETTER STATES THAT "SAFETY IS OF UTMOST CONCERN TO MERCEDES BENZ", BUT THAT'S A BIT HARD TO BELIEVE AT THIS POINT. THIS HAS TO BE THE LONGEST TIME EVER TAKEN TO ADDRESS AS SERIOUS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE? IS THERE NO ACCOUNTABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS WITHING WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN A RIDICULOUSLY UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME? ACCORDING TO MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO, THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE BUT WAIT LONGER AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 201960,000 milesMD
SINCE 2/2017 THE SUPPOSED TOP QUALITY BRAND MERCEDES BENZ HAS POSTPONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TAMARA AIRBAGS. THEY ARE JEOPARDIZING THEIR CUSTOMERS LIVES. I SPEND $70 000 ON THIS CAR TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE, BUT THEY RATHER SPEND MILLIONS IN A FORMULA E RACING SERIES THAT NOBODY WATCHES THEN TO REPLACES THESE DANGEROUS AIRBAGS
Air Bags
Filed Feb 13, 201998,000 milesTX
TAKATA RECALL - THE RECALL ORIGINALLY CAME OUT IN 2/2016, AND AT THE TIME, IT SAID A REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. I RECENTLY READ ANOTHER ARTICLE ABOUT THE RECALL AND WHEN I CHECKED IT STILL SAID A REMEDY WASN'T AVAILABLE. THAT'S THREE YEARS THEY'VE HAD TO FIX IT AND THEY HAVEN'T.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 27, 2018NY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF WHITE PLAINS (50 BANK ST, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606, (914) 750-4148) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE 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.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2018HI
TAKATA RECALL: MERCEDES BENZ CONTACTED VIA MAIL STATING THE AIRBAG RECALL BACK IN FEBRUARY 2017 FOR 2011 GL450. MB STATED THAT AIRBAGS WILL BE REPLACE NO LATER THAN JUNE 2017. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACE HOWEVER; I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS OR THE REMEDY WAS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. IT'S NOVEMBER 2018 AND I AM STILL WAITING ON A FIXED, WHILE I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE THAT HAS VERY HIGH POTENTIAL TO KILL ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2018NC
TAKATA RECALL: THE RECALL WAS INITIATED FEBRUARY 9, 2016 AND WE ARE STILL WAITING TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REPLACED. THE WAIT TIME IS EXCESSIVE PARTICULARLY BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A WARMER CLIMATE.
Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 201893,000 milesTX
MY 2011 GL450 MERCEDES SUV IS DRIVING SIDEWAYS ONE FRONT AND ONE BACK SUSPENSION AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING I FEEL LIKE MY CARE IS GOING TO FLIP OVER WHEN I TURN. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS PROBLEM. CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS A DEATHS NOT ONLY ON THE DRIVER BUT OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD
Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2018TX
THE TAKATA AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED SINCE FEBRUARY 2016 WITH RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH. AFTER 2.5 YEARS, THERE IS STILL NO RESOLUTION AND I AM UNABLE TO GET NEW AIRBAGS OR CONFIRM IF MY VEHICLE EVEN HAS TAKATA AIRBAGS. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 30, 2018IL
RECALL THE AIR SUSPENSION BAGS KEEPS BUSTING ALSO I CAN'T TELL HOW MUCH GAS IN MY TANK I REPLACE THE BACK AIR SUSPENSION AIR BAG AND NOW THE FRONT HAS GONE OUT I ALSO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION LEVELING VALUE THE CAR BOUNCES WHEN DRIVING
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 12, 20185 milesNY
DEAR LADY/GENTLEMAN GOOD MORNING I WAS DRIVING OUT FROM THE PARKING VERY SLOW. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BUT FOR WHAT I KNOW CAR INCREASE SPEED RAPIDLY. I PUSH BRAKES BUT DOESN'T STOP AS A RESULT MY CAR HIT OTHER CARS IN PARKING. FOR WHAT I KNOW STEERING WAS LOCK. PLEASE CHECK IF MY CAR HAD ANY ELECTRONIC ATTACK . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2018NJ
I AM THE OWNER OF THIS 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 FOR 7 YEARS. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THE AIRBAG RECALL NOTICES FROM MERCEDES-BENZ. SO FAR, NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS RECALL WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. OBVIOUSLY MERCEDES-BENZ DOESN'T CARE OF ITS' CUSTOMERS' SAFETY. I ALSO APPALL THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS NO REGULATION IN PLACE TO FORCE THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. IS THAT BECAUSE OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURES CAN AFFORD STRONG LOBBYING IN CAPITAL HILL ?I?!?!
Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2018FL
TAKATA RECALL. THIS CAR IS USED TO TRANSPORT MY GRAND KIDS AROUND TOWN. I ALSO USE IT AS A REALTOR TO CARRY CUSTOMERS AROUND. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SLOW REACTION FROM THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THE LIABILITY I CARRY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. PLEASE PUT SOME PRESSURE ON THEM TO REPAIR/REPLACE THESE DANGEROUS AIR BAGS.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 201880,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 116V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF HEMPSTEAD, 110 W GRAHAM AVE, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND TO WAIT UNTIL THE NOTIFICATION INFORMING HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Filed Feb 4, 2018104,000 milesCA
THE AIRMATIC SYSTEM EXPLODED WHILE THE CAR WAS AT THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALIER IN MODESTO, CALIFORNIA PARKED TO HAVE THE BREAKS REPAIRED .. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE CAR IS NO OPERABLE DUE TO ONE OF THE VARIOUS AIRMATIC CONTROLES EXPLODED WHILE PARKED WAITING BEING SERVICES. THE EXPLOSION WAS LOUD AND KEEPT THE CAR BOUNCING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES WHILE THE OTHER AIRMATIC CONTROLES WERE DEFLATING DUE TO THE EXPLOTION. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER IN MODESTO CALIFORNIA SINCE THE EXPLO TION OCCURRED AT THEIR SHOP
Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 2018CO
TAKATA RECALL. SINCE 2/11/16 THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN AVAILABLE. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 11/10/17, REMEDY WAS STILL UNAVAILABLE. HOW LONG BEFORE A REMEDY WILL BE AVAILABLE? RECALL # 2016020003.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 4, 2018TX
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF THE RECALL APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO. WE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM FLAGSHIP MOTORCARS OF LYNNFIELD, MA BUT MOVED TO TEXAS IN NOVEMBER 2015. WE HAD OUR MERCEDES BENZ GL450 SERVICED AT MERCEDES-BENZ OF THE WOODLANDS, TX AT THE BEGINNING OF 2016 AND ASKED ABOUT GETTING THE AIRBAGS REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT US WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN BUT THEY HAVE NEVER DONE SO. WE'VE CHECKED IN WITH THEM ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT CONTINUE TO BE TOLD THAT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS FOR THE RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 16, 2017NC
I HAVE CONTACTED MERCEDES MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALSO QUESTIONED EACH YEAR WHEN I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, ALWAYS TOLD THE SAME....THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS. I HAVE PARKED MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2017MD
TAKATA AIRBAG STILL INSIDE CAR, HAVE BEEN ASKING DEALER FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS NOW TO FIX IT, THEY STATE THEY HAVE NO PARTS? WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN FIXED. NOW I HEAR TAKATA FILED BANKRUPTCY, SO WHAT HAPPENS NOW? SHOULDNT THE DEALERS BUY BACK THE CARS LIKE VW DID WITH THE ISSUE WITH MILEAGE, THIS IS A LOT MORE SERIOUS, CAN CAUSE DEATH IF IN A CRASH AND THEY CANNOT FIX IT.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2017NY
THE AIR BAG HAS A HOLE/ DAMAGED AND MERCEDES BENZ IS NOT FIXING IT... DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND CAN CAUSE DEATH IF NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY !
Suspension
Filed Nov 21, 2017AL
MY FRONT AIR STRUTS, REAR AIR SPRINGS AND SHOCKS, SUSPENSION AIR COMPRESSOR, AND VALVE BLOCK WENT OUT AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS. I'VE GOTTEN ALL THOSE COMPONENTS REPLACED AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION. MY CAR ROCKS FROM SIDE TO SIDE, LEANS ON THE LEFT SIDE WHILE DRIVING AND I CAN FEEL EVERY BUMP AND ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2017PA
TAKATA RECALL. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS AND REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2017MD
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (AMERICAN SERVICE CENTER ASSOCIATES, 585 N GLEBE RD, ARLINGTON, VA 22203 (703) 525-2100) 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 RECEIVED A POSTCARD FROM TK HOLDINGS, ALERTING HIM THAT THEY FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 2017WA
TAKATA RECALL, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPLACE IN MY 2011 MERCEDES BENZ GL450
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2017GA
"TAKATA RECALL".....DEALER TELLS ME THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART TO COMPLETE THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. IT'S BEEN MONTHS
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 201760,000 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL-HOW CAN YOU HAVE THIS LETHAL OF A SITUATION AND NOT HAVE PARTS TO REPLACE. I WANT IT IN WRITING THAT I TRIED TO RECTIFY THIS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2017MD
TAKATA RECALL. BEEN CALLING FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND EACH TIME I BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE I'M ASKING FOR AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. EVERY TIME "WE DON'T HAVE THE PARTS" I CALL 800-367-6372 MERCEDES CORPORATE TO DISCUSS AND THEIR ANSWERING SERVICE FOR TAKATA RECALL STATES SAME "WE DON'T HAVE PARTS" AND "MERCEDES BENZ FEELS ITS SAFE TO DRIVE" HOW IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE IF IT WILL EXPLODE ON FRONTAL CRASH IMPACT WITH SHRAPNEL?? WHY ISN'T ANYTHING BEING DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM? WHY ARE LAWYERS SUING FOR MILLIONS OF DOLLARS YET THE CONSUMER HAS GOTTEN NOTHING. I ALSO OWN A 2015 MERCEDES C 300 WHICH HASN'T BEEN FIXED WITH RECALLS AND A 2014 MERCEDES E 350. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I ALSO OWNED A 2010 LEXUS GX460 WHICH WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH, THANKFULLY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT I GOT NO COMPENSATION FROM ANY TOYOTA LAWSUITS. THE LAWYERS ARE GETTING ALL THE MONEY AND CONSUMERS NOTHING! NOT EVEN GETTING VEHICLES FIXED. WHY CAN'T THE GOVERNMENT STEP IN?
Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 2017AL
TAKATA RECALL--I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE REPLACEMENT FOR MY VEHICLE MAKE IS NOT EVEN AVAILABLE. I HAVE HAD THE NOTICE OF THE AIRBAG RECALL FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW. LEXUS DEALERS ARE OFFERING THEIR CUSTOMERS REPLACEMENT VEHICLES UNTIL THEIR PARTS COME IN, WHY WILL MERCEDES NOT OFFER THE SAME OPTION. IF THESE AIRBAGS ARE SUCH A DANGER IN THE EVENT OF A CAR CRASH, IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO BE AVAILABLE, THIS WILL CREATE AN EVEN BIGGER PROBLEM THAN WAS STARTED WITH.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 26, 2017NY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HELMS BRO MERCEDES-BENZ (208-24 NORTHERN BLVD, BAYSIDE NY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE 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.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 26, 2017NY
MANUFACTURER (MERCEDES BENZ) HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER, STATING THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE AIRBAGS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN, INCLUDING AN INFANT, USE THIS VEHICLE ON REGULAR BASIS AND THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS ARE KNOWN TO CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES AND/OR DEATH AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND MUST BE ADDRESSED.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2017TX
TAKATA RECALL - PARTS NOT AVAILABLE
Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2017FL
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED TWO NOTICES STATING THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THOSE HAVING THE TAKATA AIRBAGS AND THAT WE CAN HAVE "FREE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS". I HAVE CONTACTED APPROVED DEALERSHIPS SEVERAL TIMES IN MY AREA, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT TAKATA HAS NOT RELEASED THE "PARTS" TO REPLACE MY AIRBAGS YET (THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR TWO YEARS). I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AGAIN TODAY AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I DRIVE MY CAR DAILY WITH THESE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS WITH THE HOPES THAT WE DON'T GET INTO ANY ACCIDENTS WHICH CAUSES ME GREAT ANXIETY AND STRESS. TWO YEARS IS TOO LONG TO STILL BE WAITING ON PARTS TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN. WHEN WILL THIS BE FIXED?
Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2017CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. (VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE).
Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2017FL
MY TAKATA AIR BAGS HAVE STILL NOT BEEN FIXED. MY CAR HAS LOST VALUE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR THIS TO BE CORRECTED AND NOTHING YET HAS BEEN FIXED. PLEASE HELP.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 201767,000 milesAL
THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH EITHER WON'T START THE ENGINE OR WILL FINALLY START AFTER A LONG DELAY OR AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS ARE MADE TO TURN THE KEY AND START THE ENGINE USING EITHER OF THE TWO ELECTRONIC KEYS. THE CAR HAS FAILED TO START CAUSING MY WIFE TO BE STRANDED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. MERCEDES HAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN #2013040001 THAT APPLIES TO THIS VERY VEHICLE TO CORRECT THIS VERY PROBLEM BUT I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) PROBLEM WITH MOST OF THESE 2011 - 2012 VEHICLES AS ANY GOOGLE SEARCH WILL REVEAL.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 31, 2017NY
THIS CAR WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CPO VEHICLE FROM MERCEDES BENZ OF GREENWICH WITH 32K MILES IN 2014. SINCE OWNERSHIP ALL AIRBAGS HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED EXCEPT THE RECALLED TAKATA STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG. THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, REAR AIRBAGS ETC. ARE NOW ON THE SECOND REPLACEMENT. THE COMPUTER FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND THE DASHBOARD WENT COMPLETELY BLACK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT THIS YEAR VEHICLE HAS CONTINUAL PROBLEMS AND FAILURES. IT THE SOUND LIKE THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I WAS TOLD TO SELL THE CAR PRIVATELY SINCE THE VALUE HAS PLUMMETED.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2016CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Complaints 1-50 of 55, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the GL450 years to avoid. Owners filed 55 complaints, against about 51 for a typical GL450 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (62%).
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
The airbags: 34 of the 55 complaints (62%) are about it. The typical report comes at 79,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?
3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 26, 2024. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 16V081000, covered 711,159 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 79,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Yes, once. EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture") was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.
Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
The manufacturer filed 65 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (13), the headlights (11) and the transmission (8). They include a service campaign, NCU - 2022080005, filed Aug 10, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
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.