RoadVitals

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
54
Latest Aug 19, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering2125.0%
  • Suspension1517.9%
  • Engine78.3%
  • Brakes78.3%
  • Airbags67.1%
  • Visibility44.8%
  • Electrical44.8%
  • Other / unspecified44.8%
  • Powertrain (other)33.6%
  • Interior & seats33.6%
  • Body & structure33.6%
  • Driver assistance22.4%
  • Seat belts22.4%
  • Fuel system11.2%
  • Exterior lighting11.2%
  • Transmission11.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine while attempting to steer the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering reservoir and the power steering lines were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.

NHTSA ID 11681635 · filed Aug 19, 2025

At slow speed it’s hard to turn. Steering fluid is fine

NHTSA ID 11462857 · filed Apr 30, 2022
All 21 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POWERING STEERING LOCKS,SUSPENSION AIR STRUTS LOSING AIR CAN HEAR WHEN DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11195526 · filed Apr 10, 2019

THE AIRMATIC SUSPENSION HAS FAILED, THE TRUCK IS SITTING LOW THE AIR COMPRESSOR BLEW INTO PIECES FROM WORKING TO HARD. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES AIRMATIC SHOCKS ON MANY DIFFERENT MODEL... PLEASE HELP US ,THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 45000 MILES ON MY TRUCK.

NHTSA ID 11153532 · filed Nov 24, 2018
All 15 reports naming suspension

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment. Once I shifted into "Drive", immediately the engine revved up and vehicle accelerated in high rate of speed across the parking lot, I was applying the brakes, but they were not stopping the vehicle, it then slammed into wooded area and crashed head first into creek beyond the wooded area. I was dazed and bleeding from cut beneath my nose, I climbed out of vehicle and back up the incline the vehicle crashed downward into. Baltimore County Police responded and I explained to Officer what had happened. He advised me to contact my Insurance Carrier and wrote the Incident Report #. During the time while awaiting my vehicle's retrieval from the wooded area, I then photographed and video recorded the damages once retrieved. The air bags did not deploy when the vehicle crashed yet the complete front grill and hood of the vehicle was smashed in, front tire blown.

NHTSA ID 11527119 · filed Jun 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and approaching a stop light, an unknown "malfunction" warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to veer to the side of the road but noticed that the steering wheel had lost power steering functionality. The contact then forcefully steered the steering wheel and veered into the right turn lane. The contact turned off the vehicle and turned on her hazard lights. Upon restarting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power steering functionality had not returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V682000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID 11461629 · filed Apr 21, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the recall repair could not be performed until the rear brake lines and a transmission diagnostic test was performed. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to have the dealer complete the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11562262 · filed Dec 28, 2023

Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment. Once I shifted into "Drive", immediately the engine revved up and vehicle accelerated in high rate of speed across the parking lot, I was applying the brakes, but they were not stopping the vehicle, it then slammed into wooded area and crashed head first into creek beyond the wooded area. I was dazed and bleeding from cut beneath my nose, I climbed out of vehicle and back up the incline the vehicle crashed downward into. Baltimore County Police responded and I explained to Officer what had happened. He advised me to contact my Insurance Carrier and wrote the Incident Report #. During the time while awaiting my vehicle's retrieval from the wooded area, I then photographed and video recorded the damages once retrieved. The air bags did not deploy when the vehicle crashed yet the complete front grill and hood of the vehicle was smashed in, front tire blown.

NHTSA ID 11527119 · filed Jun 15, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE KEEPS LOSING AIR, STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN, CAR LEANING TO RIGHT SIDE, AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEPS COMING ON, THE CAR LOOSES POWER WHEN TURNING. DURING THE NIGHT CAR WILL LOWER IT SELF. ABS WILL COME ONE, SMELL SMOKE. WAS TOLD BY DEALER I HAVE LEAKS IN THE ENGINE, HAD TO REPAIR SUSPENSION, AND DIFFERENT STRUTS AND PARTS WHILE DURING WARRANTY AND AFTER SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. I NOTIFIED MBUSA, AND APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS BEEN HAVING AIRBAGS AND SUSPENSION ISSUES REPAIRED BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAS BEEN DOING THE SAME REPAIRS. WITHIN A MONTH OF REPAIRING ON THING, THE CAR STARTS TO LEAN TO RIGHT, MAKE NOISE, LEAK FLUIDS FROM WHO KNOWS WHERE.

NHTSA ID 11150789 · filed Nov 11, 2018

SUBJECT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODE OR INFLATED INSIDE: ON AUGUST 30TH I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM MERCHEDISBENZ DEALER AFTER SERVICED. I STARTED THE CAR AND I AM ABOUT TO LEAVE DRIVING 5MPH AND I HEARED A BIG LOUD POP I DIDN'T EVEN LEAVE THE PREMISES YET. THE TECHNICIANS EVEN HEARD IT. I INFORM THE TECHNICIAN RIGHT AWAY AND TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE. I TOOK IT HOME, BUT I COULDN'T SLEEP WITH OUT FINDING WHAT THAT NOISE IS? I TOOK IT BACK TO BE CHECKED AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATED INSIDE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS HERE IF I DIDN'T TAKE IT BACK THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING OR BLOWUP INSIDE UNTIL ACCIDENT HAPPENS. THEREFORE, IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED, HOW THE DRIVER WILL FIND OUT? IT DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING ANY WARNING ⚠️ ON THE SCREEN. IT'S DEFINETLY A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11021251 · filed Sep 3, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WHEN WE SUDDENLY NOTICED NO VISIBILITY ON THE ROAD. INITIALLY WE THOUGHT THAT WE TURNED OFF THE HEADLIGHTS BY MISTAKE BUT IT WAS ON. FOLLOWED ANOTHER VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY; PULLED AT A GAS STATION AND NOTICED BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE POINTING DOWNWARD. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE NUMEROUS TIME; IT TOOK THEM OVER A YEAR TO FIX THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548851 · filed Oct 22, 2013

THE GLASS ON THE PANORAMIC ROOF IS DEFECTIVE, BROKEN AND THE GLASS AROUND THE HINGES IS BREAKING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10395487 · filed Apr 11, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A flash from the right headlight had occured. I thought it was the bulb, but turns out the ballist was shorted out. I removed the assembly from the vehicle to change the ballist and because I want to also change the lens on the assembly. When I got the old lens off, I found most of the wiring has heat distress, causing the casings to flake off. I have photos of this issue. The headlights are a high energy assembly and this unsafe condition can lead to a vehicle fire if not taken care of immediately.

NHTSA ID 11601540 · filed Jul 12, 2024

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN MY GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE 2 HRS PRIOR. MY HUSBAND ENTERED THE VEHICLE TO RUN AN ERRAND AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TONS OF LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH, INCLUDING THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED, THOUGH THE AIRBAG HAD NOT DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS OFF BUT STILL SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS RUNNING. WINDOWS OR NOTHING WOULD WORK. WE RAISED THE HOOD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DISCOVER THE ISSUE. WE COULD SMELL SOMETHING, BUT WAS NOT SURE WHAT IT WAS. WE PROCEEDED TO GO INSIDE OUR HOME, BUT LEFT THE GARAGE AND HOOD OPEN SO THE SMELL FROM THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAVE THE GARAGE. COUPLE HOURS LATER WE HEARD A HISSING SOUND IN THE GARAGE. MY HUSBAND WENT OUTSIDE AND DISCOVERED THE TRUCK ON FIRE. NOT SURE WHERE IT STARTED, WHEN SAW IT WAS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BUT THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED OUT. FIRE DEPT SOUND LIKE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY HAD WE NOT HEARD THE SOUND AND HAD THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN CONTACTED.

NHTSA ID 11444483 · filed Dec 20, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SERVICE NUMEROUS TIME COMPLAINING SOME WEIRD NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND A BUMPY RIDE. LEFT VEHICLE WITH DEALER SERVICE AT LEAST 8 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NEVER FIXED. RIGHT BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2012; I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND ASKED THEM TO COMPLETELY INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS NEEDING REPAIR BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THE DEALER SERVICE FOUND NO ISSUES AND WERE NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF BUMPY RIDE; ASKED US TO REPLACE TIRES (WE WERE TOLD THE SAME 3 TIMES PREVIOUSLY AND WE REPLACED TIRES EACH TIME BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM) AND WE REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES THE FOURTH TIME IN 4 YEARS. PICKED UP THE CAR AND NOTICED NO OF THE ISSUES WERE RESOLVED; AND THE WARRANTY EVENTUALLY EXPIRED. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY GAVE MEAN AN ESTIMATE OF AROUND $1800 FOR BAD LEFT-FRONT STRUT. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER WORKSHOP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548853 · filed Oct 22, 2013

WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE CAR WAS MAKING WEIRD NOISE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE RIDE WAS VERY BUMPY BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. ONE DAY I TOOK IT TO DISCOUNT TIRE FOR TIRE BALANCE/ROTATION AND THE GENERAL MANAGER POINTED OUT THAT THE FROM WHEEL WAS CRACKED BADLY FROM INSIDE ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT EDGE. HE MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WE TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SERVICE AGAIN AND MENTIONED EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE TOLD BY THE GM OF DISCOUNT TIRE. INITIALLY MERCEDES DEALER SERVICE REFUSED TO REPLACE THE WHEEL THINKING THAT WE MIGHT HAVE HIT THE WHEELS. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE SCRATCH ON ANY FOUR OF THE WHEELS PROVING IT WAS A BAD WHEEL AND DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548852 · filed Oct 22, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SERVICE NUMEROUS TIME COMPLAINING SOME WEIRD NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND A BUMPY RIDE. LEFT VEHICLE WITH DEALER SERVICE AT LEAST 8 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NEVER FIXED. RIGHT BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2012; I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND ASKED THEM TO COMPLETELY INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS NEEDING REPAIR BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THE DEALER SERVICE FOUND NO ISSUES AND WERE NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF BUMPY RIDE; ASKED US TO REPLACE TIRES (WE WERE TOLD THE SAME 3 TIMES PREVIOUSLY AND WE REPLACED TIRES EACH TIME BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM) AND WE REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES THE FOURTH TIME IN 4 YEARS. PICKED UP THE CAR AND NOTICED NO OF THE ISSUES WERE RESOLVED; AND THE WARRANTY EVENTUALLY EXPIRED. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY GAVE MEAN AN ESTIMATE OF AROUND $1800 FOR BAD LEFT-FRONT STRUT. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER WORKSHOP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548853 · filed Oct 22, 2013

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN WE INSERTED THE KEY IN IGNITION; VEHICLE STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD ITSELF. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NOT ANY CARS IN THE FRONT AND WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH FOOT BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548847 · filed Oct 22, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT POWER CONTROL BUTTON FAILED TO LOCK THE SEAT IN PLACE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CONTROL STILL HAD THE ABILITY TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID 10655110 · filed Nov 14, 2014

PASSENGER DOOR OPENED UP ITSELF; CHILD ALMOST FELL OFF THE CAR; HAPPENS EVERY TIME UNTIL WE SLAM THE DOOR. AUTOMATIC TRUNK OPENED UP ITSELF AND HIT THE GARAGE. HAPPENS EVERY TIME UNTIL WE MANUALLY PUSH TO CLOSE. WHEN A/C IS RUNNING; BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW GETS FOGGY CAUSING 0 VISIBILITY TO THE SIDE MIRRORS. BRAKE PEDAL BROKE. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER MANY TIMES; DEALER FAILED TO REPAIRED AND MANUFACTURER FAILED TO RESPOND TO VARIOUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10329792 · filed May 10, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MPH WITH A CHILD IN THE LEFT REAR SEAT; THE DOOR SUDDENLY OPENED UP BUT DID NOT HIT ANY OTHER VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE FOR REPAIR AND THEY ADJUSTED THE DOOR LATCH. DAYS LATER, THE SAME HAPPENED AND THE DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE AGAIN FOR REPAIR AND THEY ADJUSTED THE DOOR LATCH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10548850 · filed Oct 22, 2013

THE GLASS ON THE PANORAMIC ROOF IS DEFECTIVE, BROKEN AND THE GLASS AROUND THE HINGES IS BREAKING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10395487 · filed Apr 11, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED 2008 CPO GL-450. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTAL/CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS WHICH DOES NOT COINCIDE WITH THE MARKETING SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE CURRENT REPAIRS: CRACK IN REAR BUMPER 10/22/12, FAULTY REAR HATCH 11/01/12, FAULTY DOOR 2/4/13, ENGINE PISTON LEAK 3/5-19/13, , SYSTEM STEREO/NAVIGATION FAILURE 5/13, FUEL SMELLS 7/6/13, STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT 3/14, GARNISH MOLDING REPLACEMENT, AIR PRESSURE SHOCKS MALFUNCTION 3/14, AND SEAT BELT FAILURE 6/14. AND I AM TO BELIEVE MY VEHICLE PASSED A CPO INSPECTION WITH ALL THESE NOTICEABLE FAILURES. AS A CONSUMER, I WAS WILLING TO SACRIFICE EXTRA COSTS FOR QUALITY AND REASSURANCE; INSTEAD I EXPERIENCED A DEFECT IN ??TRUTH-IN-ADVERTISEMENT. I HAVE 4 MONTHS LEFT ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY(YOU CAN ONLY PURCHASE MERCEDES BENZ WARRANTY IF YOU BUY A CPO MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLE ;WHICH ARE EXTRA ADDED FEES TO THE COST/PRICE OF THE VEHICLE.), IF NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED, I BELIEVE THIS TYPE OF EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCE OF AUTO SALES/PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS PRACTICE WILL GROW AND TRANSFER SEVERE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON ANY/ AND ALL CONSUMERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10607976 · filed Jul 3, 2014

THIS VEHICLE, AND ALL OTHERS MERCEDES-BENZ MANUFACTURES WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR OF THIS TYPE NEED AN ADDED SAFETY FEATURE TO DISALLOW A SHIFT FROM THE NEUTRAL POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. AFTER REACHING OVER FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW TO TURN THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION TO SEE WHICH HEADLIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING (AS THE DISPLAY MESSAGE STATED), A SLIGHT APPARENT TOUCH UPWARD AGAINST THE SHIFT SELECTOR (LOCATED ABOVE THE KEY AND BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL) ENGAGED THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE POSITION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REVERSE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH FOR 15 FEET AND COME TO A CRASHING STOP AGAINST AN ANCHORED METAL POST AND FORTUNATELY NOT INTO ANY OTHER VEHICLES, ONCOMING TRAFFIC, STRUCTURES, AND/OR ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL. I SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY TO MY LEFT FOREARM AS I UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO REACH BACK OVER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REVERSE MOTION TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE OFF POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10489054 · filed Dec 17, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. The contact stated their vehicle had a warning light that stated the seat belt on the passenger side had failed. The vehicle was included in a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) could cause additional issues with the vehicle's seat belt. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired for the seat belt. The manufacturer was not made aware. The approximate failure was unknown. The contact also stated that the 3rd row seat will not go down all the way and the issue also pops up on the dashboard.

NHTSA ID 11464931 · filed May 17, 2022

PURCHASED 2008 CPO GL-450. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTAL/CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS WHICH DOES NOT COINCIDE WITH THE MARKETING SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE CURRENT REPAIRS: CRACK IN REAR BUMPER 10/22/12, FAULTY REAR HATCH 11/01/12, FAULTY DOOR 2/4/13, ENGINE PISTON LEAK 3/5-19/13, , SYSTEM STEREO/NAVIGATION FAILURE 5/13, FUEL SMELLS 7/6/13, STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT 3/14, GARNISH MOLDING REPLACEMENT, AIR PRESSURE SHOCKS MALFUNCTION 3/14, AND SEAT BELT FAILURE 6/14. AND I AM TO BELIEVE MY VEHICLE PASSED A CPO INSPECTION WITH ALL THESE NOTICEABLE FAILURES. AS A CONSUMER, I WAS WILLING TO SACRIFICE EXTRA COSTS FOR QUALITY AND REASSURANCE; INSTEAD I EXPERIENCED A DEFECT IN ??TRUTH-IN-ADVERTISEMENT. I HAVE 4 MONTHS LEFT ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY(YOU CAN ONLY PURCHASE MERCEDES BENZ WARRANTY IF YOU BUY A CPO MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLE ;WHICH ARE EXTRA ADDED FEES TO THE COST/PRICE OF THE VEHICLE.), IF NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED, I BELIEVE THIS TYPE OF EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCE OF AUTO SALES/PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS PRACTICE WILL GROW AND TRANSFER SEVERE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON ANY/ AND ALL CONSUMERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10607976 · filed Jul 3, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL AFTER A FULL TANK OF GAS WITH MY MERCEDES BENZ GL450 AFTER I RECEIVED IT BACK FROM THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT TO FIX THE BROKEN FUEL GAUGE. THE STRONG GAS ODOR WAS NON-EXISTENT BEFORE THE REPAIR. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A RESIDUAL SMELL DUE TO THE REPAIR BUT AFTER A WEEK WHEN I FILLED AGAIN, THE GAS SMELL WAS STILL THERE. THE SMELL IS SO BAD ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING WHEN I GET INSIDE THE GARAGE. THE SMELL IS EVIDENT ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CLOSE TO THE GAS TANK. ON JANUARY 11, 2016, I BROUGHT BACK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WITH A QUARTER OF A TANK TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN/MECHANIC DID THE INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS BUT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I WAS ASKED IF I OVERFILL WHEN I PUT GAS AND I SAID NO. IF MERCEDES BENZ COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG TO AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM, I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE VEHICLE. AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, THIS PROBLEM WAS NON-EXISTENT BEFORE THEY DROPPED THE TANK TO FIX THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. I FIND IT WRONG THAT I HAVE TO SHOULDER THE BURDEN OF WORRIES AND UNCERTAINTY TO A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES BENZ COULD NOT ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE. AT THIS TIME, I DO NOT REALLY HAVE A PEACE OF MIND SAFETY WISE WHENEVER I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY.

NHTSA ID 10820619 · filed Jan 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A flash from the right headlight had occured. I thought it was the bulb, but turns out the ballist was shorted out. I removed the assembly from the vehicle to change the ballist and because I want to also change the lens on the assembly. When I got the old lens off, I found most of the wiring has heat distress, causing the casings to flake off. I have photos of this issue. The headlights are a high energy assembly and this unsafe condition can lead to a vehicle fire if not taken care of immediately.

NHTSA ID 11601540 · filed Jul 12, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ON APRIL 30TH 2009 WHILE DRIVING CAR SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN. ON MAY 1ST WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND GOING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ON A MAJOR ROAD THE CAR AGAIN SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR. TEN MINUTES LATER WHILE EASING INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING SPOT THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND INJURED MY WRIST AND MY MOTHER WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT INJURED HER ANKLE. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. CAR WAS SENT TO AUTHORIZED MERCEDES AUTO BODY SHOP REPAIRED THEN SENT TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND WITH THE CAR. ON JULY 7TH WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AT RAILROAD TRACKS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS THE MATTER AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE GEAR INDICATOR THE CAR WAS IN LOW GEAR WHICH HAPPENED AGAIN ON ITS OWN. ALSO IN APRIL 2008 THE VEHICLE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED AND MERCEDES REPLACED SUSPENSION SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10276031 · filed Jul 7, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .