Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded knee airbag which contained metal components that impaled my skin. I continue to receive treatment for multiple injuries and the wounds that have not healed. My safety was at risk due to the metal components (shrapnel) deployed via the exploded knee airbag. I also sustained injuries my left wrist from the steering wheel airbag, and my left chest from the tightening of the seatbelt. The local Mercedes Benz dealer recently towed the vehicle from my home address to their facility for inspection of said airbags. As of today, I have not received any report from MBUSA.
The component or system failed or malfunctioned: Brake pedal -does not brake effectively Engine :Alternator/ignition-the car would not start on me Cigarette lighter: front cigarette lighter does not work (greater fuse or electrical problem Inspection: Car was returned to Hawthorne Auto Square for repair and ultimately returned and sale of the used car was cancelled due to these issues. Please inspect car at Hawthorne Auto Square 11646 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Please do not allow Hawthorne Auto Square to resell this car it is a hazard to all Safety of myself and others were put at risk: - when attempting to brake, the car does not stop in a safe distance (dangerous can cause car crash) ( this happens to many GLK 250s) -the car is not starting after being started(dangerous if driving and cuts off in traffic and causes accident) air bag disabled -light coming on in car( if airbags …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. While driving approximately 50 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The contact stated that only the two headrest air bags deploy. The contact sustained internal injuries to the head and body that required medical attention. The driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries that also required medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. A week later, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the body damage was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V081000 (air bags) and 17V017000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 04/28/17
After just parking the vehicle but before getting out - the drivers headrest "exploded" and pushed my head toward the steering wheel. When driving the vehicle home the message center said problem with the driver front airbag and the passenger front airbag and the warning light was on. The next day I drove to the dealer and they pushed the headrest back together but could not get the message removed and said it would need diagnostics. I drove away with the messages still coming on intending to make an appointment for diagnostics. Returned to have the message center stop showing messages and the dealer was able to correct the issue saying it was just a blown fuse causing the problem. I drove the car approx. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V081000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The manufacturer stated that, due to no incident reports, they were not providing loaner vehicles and there was no estimated time frame for the remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 10/07/16
Takata recall airbag inflators notice. Called 2 dealers, family auto on binnacle drive in md, said they weren't authorized dealer directed me to Mercedes-Benz of annapolis, said they had no parts and I should call this number [phone] and they would tell me what to do. Made all contacts on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Awaiting pertinent info to have vehicle repaired. Was told I could expect notification in the mail when parts were available.
My vehicles recalls qty of 4 have not been addressed by the dealership or mercedez Benz . These are serious safety concerns. I will also be contacting the governor of ohio along with state representative if this matter is not resolved within 30days. Sincerely [redacted]
Takata recall - every so often the passenger airbag light comes on when no one is sitting in the seat while the vehicle is in motion on my Mercedes 2012 GLK350 4matic. When this happens I have to stop and turn the vehicle off, then turn vehicle back on to see light goes away.
Takata recall we were notified of this recall nearly three years ago. There has been no movement on a repair. This is absurd, we have actually been notified that our two Mercedes vehicles that are affected by this recall, have been dropped in priority for a repair.
Takata recall. The dealership for two years keeps telling us their is no replacement air bag available for our car. This is too long of a time period. Mercedes Benz needs to step up and get this resolved.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Airbag complaints in other GLK350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350?
NHTSA has 132 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, 79% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-010 (inflator module, Jan 9, 2019); NHTSA recall 17V-017 (inflator module, Jan 10, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-081 (inflator module, Feb 11, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to air bags 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.