2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Owner Complaints

I bought the vehicle with 104k miles. When hooked to a computer it shows 177k. The odometer was tampered with

NHTSA ID

11739325

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

I was driving along in my 2013 MB GL450 with the M278 engine when the engine stopped. I had it towed to my home and checked it out. I had a suspicion the engine was seized. I eventually had to towed to my closest MB dealership for evaluation. The engine was seized. Their further investigation revealed that a wrong oil filter had been installed when the oil was changed 5 months and 3000 miles earlier. I tried to find out what this wrong filter would cause. I asked the dealership and then MB and got no response. I suspect if this filter caused the issue it would have been an oil pressure issue. The car gave no indication of anything wrong prior to engine seizing. I got no message on the display and when switching on the switch there is no indicator on the dashboard to indicate anything about oil pressure. There is no "oil can" that pops up red indicating an oil pressure issue. To this day have no idea why the engine seized other than an improper oil filter.

NHTSA ID

11724243

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

While driving on the freeway, we picked up a big screw in our tire which immediately deflated. To continue our journey, we wanted to replace the tire with the spare wheel. To do that, we used the floor jack that came with the car and this would have been it's first use. While attempting to lift the vehicle, the threaded bushing of this scissor type floor jack completely stripped (see picture). Not only is this super dangerous to have such a floor jack included, but if could have left us stranded for a very long time in case we would have been more remotely. I would suggest to investigate these floor jacks whether the pose any safety hazards and if make Mercedes-Benz replacing them free if charge.

NHTSA ID

11607649

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite being securely in "PARK" mode, upon simply opening the car door, it displays a distressing message: "Transmission Not in P Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away." Furthermore, the transmission intermittently ceases to shift from "P," presenting an imminent hazard to myself and my children. Despite numerous attempts to engage with Mercedes Headquarters regarding this critical matter, regrettably, they have declined to address the issue, citing its expiration beyond the warranty period. However, extensive research indicates that this flaw is pervasive among GL450 owners, as evidenced by discussions on various automotive forums, such as: [XXX] [XXX] I am profoundly concerned about the gravity of this situation and implore you to take immediate action to rectify this widespread issue. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience at [XXX] . I am more than willing to provide further details regarding my experiences and observations. I earnestly anticipate your prompt response and resolution to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11579182

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while opening the door to enter the vehicle, the message "Transmission not in P, Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and moved the gear shifter in and out of park(P); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that other unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that he became aware that there was water accumulation underneath the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that there was water on the battery and electrical wiring. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance Company later informed the contact that the water had frozen because the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle or drained the water. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11578908

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Mileage

78,000 mi

SUROUND CAMERAS ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT AND BACKUP LIGHTS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE.

NHTSA ID

11548083

Incident

Oct 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had experienced the failure five times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The dealer stated the steering shaft failing because of corrosion. At this moment they suggested the part is not available so they wanted to fix my car with a used part.

NHTSA ID

11535803

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

106,000 mi

Exhaust valve not working properly and the result of an engine misfire. Mercedez sent us a warranty letter to extend the warranty for this issue 6 months after our warranty expired even though you can find online this has been a known issue for our model of car and year, GL450 2013. There are tons of online forums and threads from Mercedez Benz owners about this manufacturer issue. This should not fall under purchasing an extended warranty or in our case a $17,000 bill to fix the issue on a car with only 70,000 miles on it. This should be a recall.

NHTSA ID

11528865

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. An unknown message was displayed. AAA arrived on the scene and added fuel to the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred on two separate occasions while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge module and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The contact stated that the failure has occurred twice. The vehicle is not a part of a recall for an engine stalling risk which the exact issue that is happening. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer has not offered any assistance yet.

NHTSA ID

11509978

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

Mileage

110,000 mi

The engine failed under 100k miles after being properly maintained according to the manufactures guidelines.

NHTSA ID

11494992

Incident

Sep 21, 2022

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted in the replacement of the engine wiring harness, four (4) Lambda sensors, four (4) camshaft hall sensors and four (4) camshaft solenoids. This trouble could cause engine failure or misfire if not corrected. Driving the MB GL450 in this condition is a safety issues for anyone driving on the road. Researching on the internet about MB GL450/550 engine oil intrusion into the engine wiring harness is a common problem.

NHTSA ID

11477496

Incident

Jul 14, 2022

Unknown:The road adaptive tire pressure sensors are off and the air suspension is malfunctions.At the cost of this model I would expected a little more class of safety measures.

NHTSA ID

11456392

Incident

Mar 3, 2022

AS YOU STATED ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT A REASON A DRIVER WOULD LOOSE CONTROL UNLESS YOU HAVE A MERCADES THAT IS LEAKING GAS AND MY KIDS AND PASSANGERS ARE SICK AND PASSING OUT AND SO AM I. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ALMOST 3 YEARS. GOES TO DEALERSHIP AND THEN SITS BECAUSE THEY NEVER FIX IT. FINALLY A LAW SUIT WITH PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM ENTERED THE CLASS ACTION SUIT NOTHING. TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAY NOW THE TOXIC GAS LEAKING OUT OF FAULTY A/C UNITS THAT MERCEDES WAS SUED AND CONSUMERS WON BUT NOW WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. SO I NOW HAVE SEVERE ASTHMA MY KIDS NOW HAVE BREATHING ISSUES AND WON'T DRIVE A SICK CAR. A/C UNITS ARE TO BE CONTAINED AND HOLD ANTI-FREEZE THAT IF INHALED AS IT IS LEAKING OUT OF THE NON CONTAINED UNIT IS TOXIC, A CARCINOGEN, SAME TOXIN USED IN NERVE GAS AND IT IS DEADLY AND MERCEDES DOES NOT FIX IT OR CARE. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS AND IS A NIGHTMARE. THEY MADE A SETTLEMENT BUT THEN THEY DON'T DO WHAT THE JUDGE SET FORTH IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE;

NHTSA ID

11427395

Incident

Aug 7, 2017

Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took vehicle to the shop with suspension complaints at the end of April 2021. We were told they did not find an issue with suspension but saw an issue with the sway bar. This cost $549.00. The week we brought the car home it was still bouncing up and down and we contacted the dealer again and was advised they did not find anything wrong. Within 2 weeks of having the vehicle, I was driving and the vehicle was violently bouncing up and down even traveling at a low level. We took the vehicle back and have not been advised now that they see the malfunction light for the suspension on they realize that's the issue. The suggested cost to repair only the rear is $4k. If the front and rear need repairs it over $7k. The issue is it appears this is a known issue for the Airmatic system and with a vehicle in this price range and under 90k miles - appears to be a issue with manufacturing. I was also advised this repair is no longer covered on their extended warranty.

NHTSA ID

11420287

Incident

May 25, 2021

WHEN ACTIVATION OF THE SUSPENSION LIFT SYSTEM. COMPRESSOR IS COOLING THEN A MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE SCREEN. VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR UP AND DOWN AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND OVER ANY SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS CONCERNS ME FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS WHOM MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL 450 IS THE MODEL I OWN CURRENTLY AND IVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS AND I'M ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR OF SOMETHING CATOSTROPHIC HAPPENING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN PARK AND ACTIVATING THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM THE ERROR MESSAGE STILL APPEARS.. I HAD A INDEPENDANT MECHANIC SAY ITS THE REAR AIR BAGS AND THE COMPRESSOR THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT BEING A 4 MATIC MODEL THE AIR LINE FROM THE COMPRESSOR IS NOT SUPPLYING THE REAR SUSPENSION WITH ENOUGH AIR TO LIFT THE VEHICLE THUS CAUSING THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.

NHTSA ID

11364349

Incident

Jul 17, 2020

Mileage

100,456 mi

A DEFECTIVE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG ALERT / SIGN COMES ON ONCE I TURN THE ENGINE ON. IT STAYS ON THROUGH OUT THE DRIVE. I SUSPECT THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE

NHTSA ID

11306921

Incident

Jan 15, 2020

THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP, RADIATOR LEAK, LOT OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. OIL LEAK IT'S GOT LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. RADIATOR HOSES LEAK. CAR STOPPED ON MASS PIKE GOING TO ALBANY, NY TOOK IT TO BENZ OF ALBANY THEY SAID ENGINE MISFIRES NEEDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND IT WOULD COST $47,000 TO REPLACE. VERY VERY BAD ENGINES. I LEFT A VOICEMAIL ON BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO ONE CALLED BACK OR SEND ME ANY TYPE OF RECALLS. VERY BAD SERVICE.

NHTSA ID

11235222

Incident

Jul 4, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

UPON ACCELERATION AFTER A COMPLETE STOP THERE ARE SEVERAL SECONDS OF HESITATION TO ACCELERATE AND LOUD CLICKING SOUNDS THAT NEIGHBORING CARS CAN HEAR. AFTER DOING ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS ISSUE IS NOT LIMITED TO GL450. OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME CONCERN IN OTHER MODELS: 2008 C300, 2009 C300, 2015 C300, 07 GL450, 03 GL450.

NHTSA ID

11235020

Incident

Jul 12, 2019

Mileage

88,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR SECTION WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN VIOLENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY REAR AIR SUSPENSION. IN ADDITION, AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE ARM REST WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,500.

NHTSA ID

11209653

Incident

May 22, 2019

Mileage

87,500 mi

ENGINE HARNESS WIRES CONTAMINATION IN ME, CAUSE SENSORS DAMAGE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS TO START UP RIGHT NORMAL DEALER WANT TO CHARGE ME 14K FOR SERVICE AND REPAIR , EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IT SOUNDS LIKE IT TAKE TIME TO START AND I GET THE CHECK ENGINE EVERTIME I START THE CAR

NHTSA ID

11185140

Incident

Dec 11, 2018

Mileage

58,000 mi

AT 9:22AM ON THE MORNING OF JANUARY 2, 2019, MY SUV WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT WAS OVERCAST, CALM CONDITIONS, AND AROUND 52. I UNLOCKED MY VEHICLE, GOT IN, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND CLOSED THE DRIVER'S DOOR NORMALLY. ONE SECOND LATER, I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AS THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HAVEN FALLEN ON THE VEHICLE NOR ANY EVIDENCE THAT ANYONE HAD TAMPERED WITH MY SUV. I HAD LAST DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE AFTERNOON OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 IN CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE. I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION OF MY VEHICLE BEING STRUCK BY ANY OBJECTS IN RECENT YEARS. THIS WAS A SUDDEN AND VERY UNEXPECTED OCCURRENCE.

NHTSA ID

11164496

Incident

Jan 2, 2019

Mileage

75,000 mi

BLIND SPOT ASSISTANCE BECOMES DISABLE AND MINUTES LATER THE BLINKERS STOP WORKING. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND APPEARS MORE FREQUENT ON COLD WEATHER. THIS CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING. DEALERSHIP REFERS IT TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE BLIND SPOT ASSISTANCE. NOW IT HAS DISABLE THE KEYLESS DOOR OPENING AND BUTTON START

NHTSA ID

11098357

Incident

Jan 9, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THEY RUPTURED AND BURST INTO SMOKE AFTER APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES WITHOUT WARNING. BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE POLICE AND THE PARAMEDICS WERE AT THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ...UPDATED 09/14/16 *BF *CN

NHTSA ID

10865416

Incident

May 15, 2016

Mileage

24,000 mi

DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, A MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL "BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERATIVE," AND THE TURN INDICATORS STOPPED WORKING, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO INDICATE TO OTHER DRIVERS THAT I WAS CHANGING LANES, AS TURN INDICATORS WERE NOT WORKING. CAME TO PARKING LOT, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND STARTED BACK UP, THEN THE TURN INDICATORS STARTED WORKING ALONG WITH BLIND SPOT ASSIST. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE CAME BACK AFTER DRIVING A FEW MORE MILES. THIS PROBLEM ALSO HAPPENED ON THE SURFACE ROADS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH.

NHTSA ID

10819381

Incident

Jan 9, 2016

Mileage

36,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 (NA) MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THROUGH A PUDDLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THE KEY AND TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF *CN

NHTSA ID

10745399

Incident

Jun 14, 2015

Mileage

37,000 mi