2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Problems

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

HEADRESTS ON SECOND ROW WITH EASY ENTRY OPTION CANNOT BE REMOVED. THEREFORE, PROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD SAFETY SEAT (CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT) IS IMPOSSIBLE. THIS FAMILY VEHICLE IS UNUSABLE SAFELY FOR A CHILD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND ROAD SEAT HEAD RESTS WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS CHILD TO BE SECURED PROPERLY IN A BOOSTER SEAT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEAD RESTS WOULD CAUSE THE CHILD TO BE PUSHED TOWARD THE SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT SECURE THE CHILD IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE PROFUSELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THE DEALER RECOMMENDED AND REPAIRED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,500.

FRONT END OF CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AT SPEED OF 60MPH AND VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WILL NOT STOP. *TR

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)

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.

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

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

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)

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.

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.

1- BRAKES; VIBRATION AND SEVER SHAKING WHILE BREAKING , SINCE 11/2012 AT 2500 MILES NOW AT 14000 MILES . PADS AND ROTORS HAS BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES AND PROBLEM IS KEEP COMING BACK / 2- VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING : SINCE 11/2012 VEHICLE VIBRATES AT ALL DRIVING SPEED 35-70 AND VARIES OF THE ROADS. HAS BEEN TO SERVICES 8 TIMES . ALL TIRES HAS BEEN REPLACED AT 7K MILES. VEHICLE SYMPTOMS GETS BETTER AFTER ROAD FORCE BALANCE BUT RETURNS AFTER FEW HUNDRED MILES. MB USA HAS DECLINED THE REPAIR! 3- ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS; DRIVER SIDE LUMBAR SUPPORT . REAR DOOR COULD NOT BE CLOSED , COOLING SYSTEM HOSE PROBLEM , KEY FOBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED , AC CONTROL DOES NOT ADJUST AUTOMATICALLY IN AUTO POSITION. PRE SAFE COLLUSION SYSTEM PROBLEM. *TR

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.

MY CHILD, WHO IS 11, CAN NOT SIT IN THE REAR SEATS OF THIS TRUCK WITHOUT THE SHOULDER HARNESS SLIDING ACROSS HIS NECK, A TERRIBLE SITUATION SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. HIS HEAD IS FORCED DOWNWARD BY THE HEAD REST IN EITHER THE UP OR DOWN POSITION. GIVEN THE POSITION OF THE HEAD REST, EVEN A BOOSTER SEAT IS INEFFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH "POWER EASY ENTRY" OPTION WHICH MAKES REMOVING THE HEADRESTS IMPOSSIBLE (VEHICLES WITHOUT THIS OPTION HAVE REMOVABLE HEAD RESTS). THE DEALER, AFTER SEEING MY CHILD IN THE SEAT, ALSO AGREED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY SO, AT ITS EXPENSE, REMOVED SOME PARTS OF THE "POWER EASY ENTRY" OPTION SO WE COULD REMOVE THE HEADRESTS. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

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.

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.

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.

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.