2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550

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 approximately 1/8 full according to the gauge, but in fact the car stalled because it ran out of fuel. They were unable to pinpoint why they fuel gauge was showing the wrong level.

NHTSA ID

11603522

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

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 INTO DRIVE AND PULL OFF THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED ITSELF INTO PARK AGAIN WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT. POLICE WERE CALLED. CAR WAS TOWED. WE'VE SINCE FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR FAULTY INSTALLATION OF THE EIS FOR THE MODEL YEAR RIGHT BEFORE OURS, 2012. APPARENTLY THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED AND WAS PASSED ON, BUT MERCEDES BENZ FAILED TO WARN CONSUMERS NOR ISSUE A RECALL. WE ARE GETTING NO HELP WITH REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUES OCCURRING IN SEVERAL OF THEIR CARS. WE'RE ASKING NHTS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH FORCING MERCEDES BENZ TO FIX THIS VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2013 GL 550 ##

NHTSA ID

11365435

Incident

Oct 6, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

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 DUE TO FAILED INTERNAL PACKING OF SENSOR. INSPECTED INJECTOR CONNECTORS AND HAD OIL, O2 SENSORS CONNECTOR HAD OIL, POWER TRAIN CONTROL UNIT FULL OF OIL. IF ENOUGH OIL WAS TO FLOW THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRES TO THE CONTROL UNIT AS SUCH THIS INSTANCE OR SENSOR MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND VEHICLES ABILITY TO DRIVE. IF THE VEHICLE IS ON THE HIGHWAY AND STOPS WORKING MAY ENDANGER OCCUPANTS. ALSO NOTED THAT THE FAILED PART IS A MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE BULLETIN FOR PREVIOUS MALES AND MODELS BUT THIS 2013 GL550 IS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH THE SAME PART NUMBER IS USED IN THE NEW CARS AS THE PREVIOUS VEHICLES WITH THIS MERCEDES BENZ ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE. ALSO NOTED THAT THE BODY HARNESS CONNECT TO THE SAME ENGINE CONTROL UNIT WHICH CONTROLS THE SAFETY FUNCTIONS SUCH AS AIRBAGS, SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11320867

Incident

Apr 11, 2020

Mileage

91,500 mi

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 WAITED FOR 10 MINS RESTARTED THE CAR THE SAME ERROR CAME AFTER DRIVING 300 MILES . THE FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO HAVE ACCIDENTS SINCE THE PERSON BEHIND ME DOESNT KNOW WHEN I AM CHANGING THE LANE. I HAD SMALL CHILDREN IN MY CAR AND MY WIFE . THIS PROBLEM IS WORSER THAN THE TOYOTA PRIUS CRUZ CONTROL FAILURE

NHTSA ID

11131960

Incident

Sep 27, 2018

Mileage

62,686 mi

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 WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO A FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD; HOWEVER, THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LATER DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUMBER 5 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING AND THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT ADDRESSED THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11071696

Incident

Jan 10, 2018

Mileage

50,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING FREEWAY 5N (12/20/12) ABOUT 200 MILES N OF LA WITH MY DISTRONIC PLUS SET FOR 79 MPH WHEN THE DISTRONIC QUIT CAUSING THE CAR TO SUDDENLY DECELERATE AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. A CAR THAT WAS FOLLOWING (TOO) CLOSELY HAD TO BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING ME. I RECEIVED 3 ERROR MESSAGES SAYING DISTRONIC PLUS INOPERATIVE, ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST INOPERATIVE AND ACTIVE BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERATIVE. MY MANUAL HAS ERROR MESSAGES THAN CAN OCCUR BUT DID NOT SHOW THE ERROR MESSAGES I RECEIVED ON THE DASH READ-OUT. ON 1/9/13 THE DISTRONIC FAILED AGAIN IN THE SAME WAY WITH THE SAME MESSAGES. I TOOK THE CAR TO MERCEDES ON 1/17/13 FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND "NO RELATED FAULT CODES PRESENT". I HAVE ASKED MERCEDES REPEATEDLY IF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AND THEY WILL NOT ANSWER MY QUESTION. AND THEY HAVE NOT ANSWERED WHY MY ERROR MESSAGES ARE NOT SHOWN ANYWHERE IN THEIR MANUALS. ON A TEST DRIVE WITH A SERVICE TECH ON 3/21/13 THE DISTRONIC FAILED TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME UPON A PARKED CAR AND ALSO A CAR IN THE DRIVING LANE. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. THE SERVICE TECH SUPERVISOR DROVE THE CAR AND HAD THE EXACT EXPERIENCE. ON APRIL 4, 2013 I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY CAR DRIVEN BY A FACTORY REP. THE MERCEDES FACTORY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST AND THE PENSKE SHOP SUPERVISOR DROVE AND TESTED MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP OR SOUND A TONE WHEN COMING UP ON STOPPED VEHICLES OR CARS IN THE DRIVING LANE WHEN THE DISTRONIC PLUS WAS ACTIVATED WHICH IS NOT HOW IT IS DESIGNED TO WORK. NOT KNOWING THE CAUSE THE MB FST NOTED ON MY WORK ORDER OF APRIL 4, 2013: 5442 MB FTS TO REVIEW. I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM MERCEDES ON THESE ISSUES OTHER THAN A BUY BACK OFFER THAT STATES THAT MY CLAIMS ARE "DOUBTFUL" WHICH IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. THEIR RESPONSE IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND INSULTING. I WANT MY CAR FIXED SO IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

10514220

Incident

Dec 20, 2012

Mileage

2,550 mi

Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!

Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.