Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz GL550, across 10 model years (2008–2017). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (15). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Mercedes-Benz GL550 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL550 year: 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2011 GL550: 15 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2008 GL550: 12 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2014 GL550: 10 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2016 GL550: 1 complaint, 4 recalls
- 2010 GL550: 3 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2009 GL550: 6 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 GL550 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 24 | 5 | 1 |
| Engine | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Suspension | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
All Mercedes-Benz GL550 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GL550 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2016 GL550 | 1 | 4 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2015 GL550 | 8 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2014 GL550 | 10 | 3 | — | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2013 GL550 | 6 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2012 GL550 | 8 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2011 GL550 | 15 | 3 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2010 GL550 | 3 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2009 GL550 | 6 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2008 GL550 | 12 | 2 | — | Steering | More complaints than other years |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GL550 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (15) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL550 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 GL550?
Air Bags, with 24 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GL550 have?
10 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.