Owners filed 37 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
7
0
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
0
0
Seats
5
0
0
0
Suspension
4
0
1
0
Service Brakes
4
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
3
0
0
1
Air Bags
2
1
0
2
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
1
0
0
0
Steering
1
0
0
0
Power Train
1
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Communication19V787000
Filed Nov 1, 201924,226 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Suspension › Front18V272000
Filed Apr 27, 20189,725 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
Risk. The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
Seat Belts13V166000
Filed Apr 29, 2013256 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.
Risk. If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed May 21, 2026FL
I bought the vehicle with 104k miles. When hooked to a computer it shows 177k. The odometer was tampered with
Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2026SC
I was driving along in my 2013 MB GL450 with the M278 engine when the engine stopped. I had it towed to my home and checked it out. I had a suspicion the engine was seized. I eventually had to towed to my closest MB dealership for evaluation. The engine was seized. Their further investigation revealed that a wrong oil filter had been installed when the oil was changed 5 months and 3000 miles earlier. I tried to find out what this wrong filter would cause. I asked the dealership and then MB and got no response. I suspect if this filter caused the issue it would have been an oil pressure issue. The car gave no indication of anything wrong prior to engine seizing. I got no message on the display and when switching on the switch there is no indicator on the dashboard to indicate anything about oil pressure. There is no "oil can" that pops up red indicating an oil pressure issue. To this day have no idea why the engine seized other than an improper oil filter.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 9, 2024CO
While driving on the freeway, we picked up a big screw in our tire which immediately deflated. To continue our journey, we wanted to replace the tire with the spare wheel. To do that, we used the floor jack that came with the car and this would have been it's first use. While attempting to lift the vehicle, the threaded bushing of this scissor type floor jack completely stripped (see picture). Not only is this super dangerous to have such a floor jack included, but if could have left us stranded for a very long time in case we would have been more remotely. I would suggest to investigate these floor jacks whether the pose any safety hazards and if make Mercedes-Benz replacing them free if charge.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2024NJ
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite being securely in "PARK" mode, upon simply opening the car door, it displays a distressing message: "Transmission Not in P Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away." Furthermore, the transmission intermittently ceases to shift from "P," presenting an imminent hazard to myself and my children. Despite numerous attempts to engage with Mercedes Headquarters regarding this critical matter, regrettably, they have declined to address the issue, citing its expiration beyond the warranty period. However, extensive research indicates that this flaw is pervasive among GL450 owners, as evidenced by discussions on various automotive forums, such as: [XXX] [XXX] I am profoundly concerned about the gravity of this situation and implore you to take immediate action to rectify this widespread issue. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest c
Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 202478,000 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while opening the door to enter the vehicle, the message "Transmission not in P, Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and moved the gear shifter in and out of park(P); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that other unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that he became aware that there was water accumulation underneath the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that there was water on the battery and electrical wiring. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance Company later informed the contact that the water had frozen because the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle or drained the water. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 2023CA
SUROUND CAMERAS ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT AND BACKUP LIGHTS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE.
Steering
Filed Aug 1, 2023106,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had experienced the failure five times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The dealer stated the steering shaft failing because of corrosion. At this moment they suggested the part is not available so they wanted to fix my car with a used part.
Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2023CT
Exhaust valve not working properly and the result of an engine misfire. Mercedez sent us a warranty letter to extend the warranty for this issue 6 months after our warranty expired even though you can find online this has been a known issue for our model of car and year, GL450 2013. There are tons of online forums and threads from Mercedez Benz owners about this manufacturer issue. This should not fall under purchasing an extended warranty or in our case a $17,000 bill to fix the issue on a car with only 70,000 miles on it. This should be a recall.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 3, 2023110,000 milesMA
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. An unknown message was displayed. AAA arrived on the scene and added fuel to the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred on two separate occasions while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge module and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The contact stated that the failure has occurred twice. The vehicle is not a part of a recall for an engine stalling risk which the exact issue that is happening. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer has not offered any assistance yet.
Engine
Filed Nov 26, 2022NY
The engine failed under 100k miles after being properly maintained according to the manufactures guidelines.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 4, 2022GA
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted in the replacement of the engine wiring harness, four (4) Lambda sensors, four (4) camshaft hall sensors and four (4) camshaft solenoids. This trouble could cause engine failure or misfire if not corrected. Driving the MB GL450 in this condition is a safety issues for anyone driving on the road. Researching on the internet about MB GL450/550 engine oil intrusion into the engine wiring harness is a common problem.
Suspension
Filed Mar 12, 2022MD
Unknown:The road adaptive tire pressure sensors are off and the air suspension is malfunctions.At the cost of this model I would expected a little more class of safety measures.
Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Aug 2, 2021MD
AS YOU STATED ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT A REASON A DRIVER WOULD LOOSE CONTROL UNLESS YOU HAVE A MERCADES THAT IS LEAKING GAS AND MY KIDS AND PASSANGERS ARE SICK AND PASSING OUT AND SO AM I. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ALMOST 3 YEARS. GOES TO DEALERSHIP AND THEN SITS BECAUSE THEY NEVER FIX IT. FINALLY A LAW SUIT WITH PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM ENTERED THE CLASS ACTION SUIT NOTHING. TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAY NOW THE TOXIC GAS LEAKING OUT OF FAULTY A/C UNITS THAT MERCEDES WAS SUED AND CONSUMERS WON BUT NOW WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. SO I NOW HAVE SEVERE ASTHMA MY KIDS NOW HAVE BREATHING ISSUES AND WON'T DRIVE A SICK CAR. A/C UNITS ARE TO BE CONTAINED AND HOLD ANTI-FREEZE THAT IF INHALED AS IT IS LEAKING OUT OF THE NON CONTAINED UNIT IS TOXIC, A CARCINOGEN, SAME TOXIN USED IN NERVE GAS AND IT IS DEADLY AND MERCEDES DOES NOT FIX IT OR CARE. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS AND IS A NIGHTMARE. THEY MADE A SETTLEMENT BUT THEN THEY DON'T DO WHAT THE JUDGE SET FORTH IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE;
Suspension
Filed Jun 9, 2021NY
Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took vehicle to the shop with suspension complaints at the end of April 2021. We were told they did not find an issue with suspension but saw an issue with the sway bar. This cost $549.00. The week we brought the car home it was still bouncing up and down and we contacted the dealer again and was advised they did not find anything wrong. Within 2 weeks of having the vehicle, I was driving and the vehicle was violently bouncing up and down even traveling at a low level. We took the vehicle back and have not been advised now that they see the malfunction light for the suspension on they realize that's the issue. The suggested cost to repair only the rear is $4k. If the front and rear need repairs it over $7k. The issue is it appears this is a known issue for the Airmatic system and with a vehicle in this price range and under 90k miles - appears to be a issue with manufacturing. I was also advised this repair is no longer covered on their extended warranty.
Suspension
Filed Oct 14, 2020100,456 milesGA
WHEN ACTIVATION OF THE SUSPENSION LIFT SYSTEM. COMPRESSOR IS COOLING THEN A MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE SCREEN. VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR UP AND DOWN AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND OVER ANY SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS CONCERNS ME FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS WHOM MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL 450 IS THE MODEL I OWN CURRENTLY AND IVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS AND I'M ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR OF SOMETHING CATOSTROPHIC HAPPENING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN PARK AND ACTIVATING THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM THE ERROR MESSAGE STILL APPEARS.. I HAD A INDEPENDANT MECHANIC SAY ITS THE REAR AIR BAGS AND THE COMPRESSOR THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT BEING A 4 MATIC MODEL THE AIR LINE FROM THE COMPRESSOR IS NOT SUPPLYING THE REAR SUSPENSION WITH ENOUGH AIR TO LIFT THE VEHICLE THUS CAUSING THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 2020MD
A DEFECTIVE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG ALERT / SIGN COMES ON ONCE I TURN THE ENGINE ON. IT STAYS ON THROUGH OUT THE DRIVE. I SUSPECT THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2019100,000 milesCT
THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP, RADIATOR LEAK, LOT OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. OIL LEAK IT'S GOT LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. RADIATOR HOSES LEAK. CAR STOPPED ON MASS PIKE GOING TO ALBANY, NY TOOK IT TO BENZ OF ALBANY THEY SAID ENGINE MISFIRES NEEDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND IT WOULD COST $47,000 TO REPLACE. VERY VERY BAD ENGINES. I LEFT A VOICEMAIL ON BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO ONE CALLED BACK OR SEND ME ANY TYPE OF RECALLS. VERY BAD SERVICE.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 26, 201988,000 milesTX
UPON ACCELERATION AFTER A COMPLETE STOP THERE ARE SEVERAL SECONDS OF HESITATION TO ACCELERATE AND LOUD CLICKING SOUNDS THAT NEIGHBORING CARS CAN HEAR. AFTER DOING ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS ISSUE IS NOT LIMITED TO GL450. OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME CONCERN IN OTHER MODELS: 2008 C300, 2009 C300, 2015 C300, 07 GL450, 03 GL450.
SuspensionFire
Filed May 24, 201987,500 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR SECTION WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN VIOLENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY REAR AIR SUSPENSION. IN ADDITION, AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE ARM REST WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,500.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 8, 201958,000 milesNY
ENGINE HARNESS WIRES CONTAMINATION IN ME, CAUSE SENSORS DAMAGE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS TO START UP RIGHT NORMAL DEALER WANT TO CHARGE ME 14K FOR SERVICE AND REPAIR , EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IT SOUNDS LIKE IT TAKE TIME TO START AND I GET THE CHECK ENGINE EVERTIME I START THE CAR
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
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: Nov 1, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.