Mercedes-Benz GL450 Electrical Problems

Electrical complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Horn
  2
• Wiring › Interior/under dash
  1
• Ignition › Switch
  1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  25%
• 25k–50k
  821%
• 50k–75k
  718%
• 75k–100k
  513%
• 100k–150k
  1232%
• 150k+
  411%

What owners report

Oil leaking and wicking into camshaft position sensors, camshaft magnets, O2 sensors, engine wiring harness and ultimately, the ECU is destroying all electronic components connected to the engine causing misfiring and seizing. The issue is quite prevalent via internet research as potentially thousands of owners all experience the same issue. Our local Mercedes Benz dealer indicated this issue "just popped up" immediately outside the warranty period (1 yr) for our used purchase, and would require a replacement of the camshaft, sensors, magnets, and wiring harness to the tune of $14,000. This is a design flaw of the engine that placed these components in locations predisposed to contact with engine oil. The root cause of the oil leak is unknown and even Mercedes Benz can not tell why the oil is leaking on these components. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450. While operating the vehicle, several messages displayed regarding the parking brake release, transmission, and the vehicle being inoperable. Also, several electrical features malfunctioned. The vehicle was towed to world wide motors inc. (3900 east 96th st, indianapolis, in) where it was diagnosed that the main vehicle wire harness was damaged due to water that drained from the sun roof into the panels of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted in the replacement of the engine wiring harness, four (4) Lambda sensors, four (4) camshaft hall sensors and four (4) camshaft solenoids. This trouble could cause engine failure or misfire if not corrected. Driving the MB GL450 in this condition is a safety issues for anyone driving on the road. Researching on the internet about MB GL450/550 engine oil intrusion into the engine wiring harness is a common problem.

I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. …

We smelled smoke from under the passenger seat. We had the car in for a recall and service recently and didn't understand what was happening. Our three Children smelled the smoke too. Everyone exited the car and it burst into flames.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that it would take numerous attempts to start the ignition. No warning lights illuminated. Open road Mercedes-Benz (1250 us-22, bridgewater township, nj 08807 [phone]) diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Consumer stated the failure issue is same as noted by Mercedes Benz in their service campaign (https://testing-public.carmd.com/TSB/download/97801/218390). On the 3rd page, there is a reference to the 'gl' model cars and the year, however my car wasn't noted in that campaign, which should've been. I went through quiet an inconvenience as a result personally and monetarily by m. Benz's failure accurately include my vehicle as part of this service campaign.

The EIS module we have found has an issue with the part from Japan that does not have enough Sauder on a part of it, so when the temp drops below 50 degrees or less the ignition starts but all the safety features go off and the computer shuts down the vehicle. Reason is the metal contracts in cold weather causing the connections to not fully meet. We have figured this out after many times of replacing the main battery, aux battery thinking this is the issue. After much research on the web and MB forums this seems to be an issue especially in the colder climates with some of the older models. Some others have had have their autos stop in the middle of driving them in cold weather. Not sure why this has not been reported. We are having the issue now with a 2010 MB GL 450 we just purchased in November and every time it gets cold, the auto goes haywire when the temp drops. …

Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. While driving 30 MPH, a burnt rubber odor was detected inside the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed flames underneath the glovebox compartment. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. There were no injuries. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for determination of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was not available.

Related recalls (1)