Mercedes-Benz GL450 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 419 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz GL450, across 11 model years (2007–2017). The 2007 model year has the most complaints (115). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Mercedes-Benz GL450 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL450 year: 2007. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2007 GL450: 115 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2011 GL450: 55 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2008 GL450: 55 complaints, 2 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2017 GL450: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
- 2016 GL450: 13 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2009 GL450: 15 complaints, 3 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 96 | 7 | 5 |
| Suspension | 60 | 10 | 3 |
| Electrical System | 56 | 9 | 1 |
| Seats | 54 | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 39 | 9 | 2 |
| Power Train | 36 | 8 | 6 |
| Steering | 35 | 7 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 26 | 9 | 4 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 24 | 7 | 6 |
| Structure | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz GL450 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GL450 | 1 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2016 GL450 | 13 | 5 | — | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2015 GL450 | 18 | 3 | — | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 GL450 | 21 | 3 | — | Engine | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2013 GL450 | 37 | 3 | — | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2012 GL450 | 47 | 3 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2011 GL450 | 55 | 3 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2010 GL450 | 42 | 3 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2009 GL450 | 15 | 3 | — | Air Bags | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2008 GL450 | 55 | 2 | — | Steering | More complaints than other years |
| 2007 GL450 | 115 | 2 | — | Seats | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GL450 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (115) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL450 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Air Bags, with 96 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?
11 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.