Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 1.7× | 2 | Steering | Few |
| 2008 | 1 | −40% | 3 | Wheel & Tire | Few |
| 2007 | 3 | 1.7× | 2 | Fuel System | Few |
| 2006 | 0 | −60% | 2 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median GL year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GL problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz GL recalls
Fuel system, diesel
Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from July 2010 through February 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from April 2010 through April 2011, ml-class (w164 platform), manufactured from January 2010 through March 2011, gl-class (x164…
Remedy: Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2011. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz USA at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel system, other › Fuel filter
Mercedes Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 m-class, model w164, gl-class, model x164, e-class, model w212, r-class, and model v251vehicles. The o-ring May not have been properly lubricated in all cases. Lack of lubrication can lead to leakage of the fuel filter.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372. This campaign has been superseded .
Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 577 my 2008 gl-class, m-class, and r-class vehicles. A defect May exist in the driving pin used to control the oil pressure of the power steering.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will replace the steering gears. The recall began on January 28, 2009. Owner May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Trailer hitches
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 52,740 my 2006-2008 gl and ml class vehicles equipped with flex-n-gate trailer hitch. Some of the weld seams connecting the trailer hitch receiver to the attachment bar used to secure the trailer hitch to the body frame do not meet performance specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the trailer hitch. The recall began on June 16, 2008. Owenrs May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with diesel engines, the crankshaft sensor could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. The recall began on February 4, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz GL should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz GL years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL?
2006 has the fewest complaints compared with other GL years at the same age, followed by 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GL problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (2), fuel & propulsion system (1) and seats (1). Steering complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz GL had?
5 recalls across 2006–2011. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Mercedes-Benz GL recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.