Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz GL550 complaints by model year
Best GL550 years: 2016, 2017, 2010. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls (2)
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.
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 owners say
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact took the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of houston greenway where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. The contact then took the vehicle to a certified mechanic (lang's auto repair shop) who also diagnosed that the power steering failed and replaced the power steering pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 08V682000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550. While driving 40 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed at patrick's imports in lawrence, south carolina where it was determined that the rack and pinion was faulty. The contact stated that the power steering pump was replaced three months ago. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 GL550 rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the GL550 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550?
The steering — 7 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the electrical system (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550, the most recent from April 26, 2024 (vacuum). 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 GL550?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2017 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz GL550 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 111,000 miles; 30% 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.