Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine while attempting to steer the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering reservoir and the power steering lines were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.
Me and my wife own a 2008 Mercedes-Benz gl-450. It started generated power steering problem on us since July 2017. During any driving time, when we step the brake to slow down speed, the power steer becomes very hard to turn regardless its on freeway or local street. The steer takes tremendous effort to control on lower speed and makes it specially hard to park. We took the car to a local mechanic for a check up since the warranty has expired. The power steering fluid level was fine and it might encounter a power steering pump failure according to the mechanic. Due to the mechanic's research later on, he discovered that there were a huge numbers of recall for the same power steering problems on the same model, same year of our car. With the suggestion of the mechanic, we checked the recall information on Mercedes-Benz official website with the VIN. …
Was notified by Mercedes dealership that the car had "possible steering rack control head leaking. Fluid could be spatter from reservoir leaking." I was told to "replace power steering reservoir and seal ring," which I did. Less than 20,000 miles later, the car became intermittently hard to steer. Within a short time period, the car became worse and, because it was unsafe to drive due to the unexpected inability to steer, I drove to the dealership service department without an appointment. I was told that now I needed to replace the power steering rack, and replace power steering pump and reservoir. An online search brings up hundreds of similar complaints with the 2008 (and similar years) GL450 power steering.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned while he was driving at 30 MPH and the vehicle became uncontrollable. The vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant and the contact suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the power steering unit was replaced and fluids changed. The contact called the manufacturer but was offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 54,000. Updated 11/03/10 updated 11/04/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel failed to turn right or left. The failure recurred everytime when driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V682000 (steering). The failure mileage was 94,000.
Since dec 2017 the car presented steering problems at slow speeds, loss of power and hard to turn. Took it to the dealership that informed me that there were no issues. I did find in the glove compartment a receipt from a previous owner in which they replaced the power steering components in late 2016. It seems that this is a recurring issue with the car based on the many reported instances on this website.
I have a 2008 GL450 when you make a turn you'll hear a sound and it is so hard to turn the steering wheel. I took it to a Mercedes Benz mechanic and they flushed and replaced the power steering fluid, the wheel worked for a couple of days and the noise is not as loud but 2 weeks later the steering wheel is hard to turn again and the noise is loud again.
Power steering fluid is leaking at top seal at input shaft on power steering gear. It leaks onto bottom of chassis frame and concerned about catching fire due to exhaust pipe nearby. This is noticeable when vehicle is parked overnight as it leaves puddle of fluid underneath. Power steering reservoir was also leaking and was replaced at 74,000 mi.
Vehicle goes on one side, dealer blames and repairs struts, same issue happen after 5 months, and dealer blames air suspension bellows. Stiff and noisy steering May also be related to Takata recall.
Vehicle keeps losing air, steering wheel hard to turn, car leaning to right side, airbag lights keeps coming on, the car looses power when turning. During the night car will lower it self. ABS will come one, smell smoke. Was told by dealer I have leaks in the engine, had to repair suspension, and different struts and parts while during warranty and after spending thousands of dollars. I notified mbusa, and apparently this car has been having airbags and suspension issues repaired before I bought it, the previous owner has been doing the same repairs. Within a month of repairing on thing, the car starts to lean to right, make noise, leak fluids from who knows where.
Steering complaints in other GL450 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, 38% of the model year's 55 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.