2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 20, 2024 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other GL550 years
Not enough data 6th of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550. That ranks 6th out of 10 GL550 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (4 complaints, 67%), typically at around 90,000 miles. Complaints mention 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems

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

Electrical System4 · ~90,000 mi
Power Train3 · ~90,750 mi
Engine2 · ~70,750 mi
Steering2 · ~76,343 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~62,686 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1
Unknown or Other1 · ~2,550 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System467%90,000——
Power Train350%90,750——
Engine233%70,750——
Steering233%76,343——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)117%62,686——
Fuel/propulsion System117%———
Unknown or Other117%2,550——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 2 complaints
2013: 1201312018: 2201822020: 2202022024: 120241

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 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.

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…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 20, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11603522

We purchased the 2013 gl 550 five months ago. When we were driving home the vehicle shifted itself into park while in was in drive. The vehicle abruptly stopped and violently jerked the car and our family was inside in traffic approaching a four way stop light. When we attempted to put the car back…

Electrical System · received Oct 20, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11365435

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…

Electrical System · received Apr 11, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11320867

I was driving on the highway at 80 mph.then all of a sudden on the speedometer a message started to be displayed blind spot inactive ,then pre-safe functions limited active lane keep assist unavailable .all of a sudden the cruz control failed. Them the turn signals failed . Then i stopped the car…

Electrical System · received Sep 27, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11131960

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz gl550. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly began to sputter, hesitate, and, on several occasions, the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (mercedes-benz of orland park, 8430 w. 159th st, orland park, illinois) where it…

Engine · received Feb 8, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11071696

Other Mercedes-Benz GL550 years

← 2012 GL550 · 2014 GL550 →

See all Mercedes-Benz GL550 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 GL550?

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

Was there a recall on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

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 GL550 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other GL550 model years, the 2013 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.