2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Problems & Complaints

Few complaints40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GL at the same age

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (1 complaint). 3 recalls cover this model year.

1complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL problems

  • Wheels & tires
    1100%

Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz GL complaints by model year

2006200720082011313
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz GL. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best GL years: 2006, 2008. Compare all years →

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL recalls (3)

Steering › Hydraulic power assist system

NHTSA recall 08V-682 · Dec 19, 2008 · 577 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 08V-242 · Jun 2, 2008 · 52,740 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 08V-006 · Jan 9, 2008 · 9,004 vehicles

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

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL a good car?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the 2008 GL rates few complaints: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GL at the same age. It is one of the best GL years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL?

The wheels & tires — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL, the most recent from December 19, 2008 (hydraulic power assist system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz GL?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006 and 2008. See the full Mercedes-Benz GL years comparison.

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.