Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems
Share of the 6 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 →
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls (3)
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.
Seat belts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013.
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 owners say
Electrical system
While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was approximately 1/8 full according to the gauge, but in fact the car stalled because it ran out of fuel. They were unable to pinpoint why they fuel gauge was showing the wrong level.
2013 Mercedes rough running at idle, various faults stored for injector quantity compensation for cylinder balancing. Fault code p1cwf-85. The check engine light eventually came on. Upon further inspection and diagnosis found that both engine bank 1 and 2 camshaft position sensors were full of oil due to failed internal packing of sensor. Inspected injector connectors and had oil, o2 sensors connector had oil, power train control unit full of oil. If enough oil was to flow through the electrical wires to the control unit as such this instance or sensor May result in immediate catastrophic failure and vehicles ability to drive. If the vehicle is on the highway and stops working May endanger occupants. …
Transmission & drivetrain
While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was approximately 1/8 full according to the gauge, but in fact the car stalled because it ran out of fuel. They were unable to pinpoint why they fuel gauge was showing the wrong level.
2013 Mercedes rough running at idle, various faults stored for injector quantity compensation for cylinder balancing. Fault code p1cwf-85. The check engine light eventually came on. Upon further inspection and diagnosis found that both engine bank 1 and 2 camshaft position sensors were full of oil due to failed internal packing of sensor. Inspected injector connectors and had oil, o2 sensors connector had oil, power train control unit full of oil. If enough oil was to flow through the electrical wires to the control unit as such this instance or sensor May result in immediate catastrophic failure and vehicles ability to drive. If the vehicle is on the highway and stops working May endanger occupants. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GL550 rates average: 1.2× 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about adas. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550, the most recent from November 1, 2019 (communication). 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 20% 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.