2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 29, 2022 · 7 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other GL350 years
Not enough data 4th of 9 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350. That ranks 4th out of 9 GL350 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (4 complaints, 57%), typically at around 61,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine4 · ~61,000 mi
Power Train3 · ~63,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2 · ~64,500 mi
Seat Belts1
Suspension1 · ~55,000 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~53,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine457%61,000——
Power Train343%63,000——
Fuel/propulsion System229%64,500——
Seat Belts114%———
Suspension114%55,000——
Unknown or Other114%53,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 3 complaints
2016: 2201622018: 1201812019: 3201932022: 120221

n = 7 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

CommunicationNov 1, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V787000 · 24,226 vehicles

Problem: 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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Suspension:frontApr 27, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V272000 · 9,725 vehicles

Problem: 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 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

Seat beltsApr 29, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V166000 · 256 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Driver side, 2nd row seat belt will not retract. Needed for our children. I will contact a local garage and dealer to fix.

Seat Belts · received Apr 29, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11462800

Makes a rattling noise for several seconds after starting and sputtering noise when accelerating. My car has 64k and daignosed the car at 2 dealerships confirmed the engine chain stretched

Engine · received May 15, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11207870

Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate…

Engine · received May 15, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11207874

Makes a rattling noise for several seconds after starting and sputtering noise when accelerating

Engine · received Mar 3, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11183712

Oil leak persistent from oil cooler in diesel bluetec engine spraying oil outside gasket onto fuel lines, oil pan, and onto the ground emitting high level of smoke with tarry burnt toxic noxious charcoal smell fumigating through the cabin and outside with visible blue smoke while driving moderate…

Engine · received Jul 3, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11105432

Other Mercedes-Benz GL350 years

← 2012 GL350 · 2014 GL350 →

See all Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Owners most often report engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other GL350 model years, the 2013 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.