Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz GL350 complaints by model year
Best GL350 years: 2017, 2016, 2014. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 recalls (3)
Communication
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.
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.
Suspension › Front
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…
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.
Seat belts
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.
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.
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 owners say
Engine & cooling
Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate to long distances. Black tarry residue leakage visible on driveway and street underneath car when parked overnight or for short time with pan leaked.
Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate to long distances. Black tarry residue leakage visible on driveway and street underneath car when parked overnight or for short time with pan leaked.
Transmission & drivetrain
Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate to long distances. Black tarry residue leakage visible on driveway and street underneath car when parked overnight or for short time with pan leaked.
Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate to long distances. Black tarry residue leakage visible on driveway and street underneath car when parked overnight or for short time with pan leaked.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GL350 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the GL350 at the same age. 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350, the most recent from November 1, 2019 (communication). 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 GL350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz GL350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.