Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Gl 450 with VIN [redacted] experienced exact problem defined by NHTSA recall # 18V272 in May 2018 (2 or 3 weeks prior to receiving recall notice from Mercedes-Benz USA). Dealership, Mercedes-Benz of midlothian virginia, performed repair work required (based urgent need from MIL saying "do not drive vehicle. Mb midlothian repaired the active suspension system by replacing the "sealing cap" on the "acs oil reservoir" - the exact repair specified in the recall. I was charged in excess of $400 for this repair as the dealership "had not yet received official notice that the recall would include (my) vehicle." upon receiving the official recall letter in June 2018, I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA. Mb-USA told me that the work I had paid for was, indeed, covered by the recall, and that mb dealership should reimburse me for the charges and re-charge mb-USA. …
Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took vehicle to the shop with suspension complaints at the end of April 2021. We were told they did not find an issue with suspension but saw an issue with the sway bar. This cost $549.00. The week we brought the car home it was still bouncing up and down and we contacted the dealer again and was advised they did not find anything wrong. Within 2 weeks of having the vehicle, I was driving and the vehicle was violently bouncing up and down even traveling at a low level. We took the vehicle back and have not been advised now that they see the malfunction light for the suspension on they realize that's the issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mercedes Benz GL450. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear section would bounce up and down violently due to a faulty rear air suspension. In addition, an electrical burning odor was present inside the vehicle and the arm rest was extremely hot to the touch. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,500.
Car just reached 90K miles with limited driving. The airmatic suspension has been acting oddly for the past month - I would find it low in the rear in the morning after being parked in a flat garage. The next day the entire car would be lowered. Whe is turn off the car, you would hear air being released. Today, when parked, there was a loud explosion, the car shook for a few minutes and then the entire thing sank to the wheel wells. Assume the compressor has exploded and after reading various posts, this is a common problem with all Mercedes that have airmatic suspensions and should be fixed/recalled by Mercedes.
The rear suspension became soft after the dealer did an intial check after I complained about the vehicle feeling unstable after speeds of 70mph. I had both air shocks changed in the rear. After two (2) months the front suspension on the passenger also started to leak causing the vehicle to suspension to automatically adjust in the front while driving or parked. This occured whether the vehicle was parked or in motion, highway or city streets.
The airmatic system exploded while the car was at the Mercedes Benz dealier in modesto, california parked to have the breaks repaired .. According to the dealer the car is no operable due to one of the various airmatic controles exploded while parked waiting being services. The explosion was loud and keept the car bouncing for a couple minutes while the other airmatic controles were deflating due to the explotion. More information can be obtained from the Mercedes Benz dealer in modesto california since the explo tion occurred at their shop
We were stopped at a red stoplight, out of nowhere there was a loud explosion, shook the whole car and sank, the feeling like we were in a sink hole or like a tire blew but the tire was fine. A loyd hissing sound ensued. Thank god, we were at a stop light and not in a speed that could have been deadly.
Upon purchasing this car 4/8/2013 I have been burdened with replacing the front aromatic suspensions. Then the air comprosseror that supplies air to the suspensions, and now the back suspensions are giving up. I don't feel safe in this car, nor I think Mercedes Benz dealer in foothill ranch, ca cares as they know the poor production on these gl-450
Related recalls (2)
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GL450 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (15), 2007 (11), 2011 (9), 2012 (7) and 2010 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz GL450 suspension problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-272 (front, Apr 27, 2018); 17V-081 (upper arm, Feb 8, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz GL450 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (5 mentions).
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.