Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | −90% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2016 | 13 | −53% | 5 | Seat | Good |
| 2015 | 18 | −43% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2014 | 21 | −43% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2013 | 37 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2012 | 47 | 1.7× | 3 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2011 | 55 | 2.0× | 3 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2010 | 42 | 1.4× | 3 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2009 | 15 | −60% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2008 | 55 | 1.6× | 2 | Steering | Caution |
| 2007 | 115 | 3.8× | 2 | Seat | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median GL450 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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.
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.
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.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz GL450 should you avoid?
2007, 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2010 — these years have the most complaints relative to other GL450 years at the same age, led by seats problems in the 2007.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL450?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other GL450 years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2016. 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 GL450 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (96), suspension (60) and electrical system (56). Airbag complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz GL450 had?
11 recalls across 2007–2017. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Mercedes-Benz GL450 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.