2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550, 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
- Engine323.1%
- Steering215.4%
- Suspension215.4%
- Brakes17.7%
- Powertrain (other)17.7%
- Seat belts17.7%
- Other / unspecified17.7%
- Electrical17.7%
- Interior & seats17.7%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with leaky exhaust valves. The dealer determined that the exhaust valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a similar assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under TSB Number: 10233794. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Leaky exhaust valves
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and malfunction PP0 warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that an independent mechanic facility was nearby, so the mechanic and the contact pushed the vehicle into the shop. The vehicle was diagnosed with failed cam shaft gear and lifters. The contact was informed that the cam shaft gear and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously because of an abnormal sound however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
DAIMLER AG, (DAG) THE MANUFACTURER OF MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES, HAS DETERMINED THAT ON CERTAIN GLE, GLS AND GLE COUP VEHICLES (166, 292 PLATFORM) WITH THE ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS), THE OIL IN THE ACS'S OIL RESERVOIR COULD START FOAMING UNDER DYNAMIC DRIVING SITUATIONS IN COMBINATION WITH AN OIL LEVEL BELOW MINIMUM. THE OIL FOAM MIGHT LEAK OUT OF THE OIL RESERVOIR THROUGH THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP. DEPENDING ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP, LEAKING OIL COULD SPRAY ONTO HOT SURFACE COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN SUCH A CASE THE RISK OF A FIRE CANNOT BE RULED OUT. AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP, WILL CORRECT THE OIL LEVEL IF NECESSARY AND REPLACE THE SEALING CAP OF THE OIL RESERVOIR WITH AN OPTIMIZED SEALING CAP TO PREVENT OIL FOAM LEAKAGE. SAFETY RISK: DEPENDING ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP, LEAKING OIL COULD SPRAY ONTO HOT SURFACE COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN SUCH A CASE THE RISK OF A FIRE CANNOT BE RULED OUT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
MERCEDES GL 550. FRONT SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS ACTIVATED WITH NO IMMINENT CRASH. RANDOM OCCURRENCE IN BOTH FRONT SEATS AND RELEASED AFTER 2-3 SECONDS. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR HEADRESTS IN THE MODELS THAT HAVE THE EZ FOLD SYSTEM IN THE 2014 GL550 WILL NOT COME OUT, NOR DO THE HEADRESTS TILT BACK TO A COMFORTABLE POSITION FOR CHILDREN. IN THE MERCEDES FORUMS, THERE ARE DOZENS OF COMMENTS ON THIS AND I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS FROM ONE OF THESE THAT MIMICS WHAT MY CHILDREN, 9 & 13 ARE EXPERIENCING - UNABLE TO SIT VERY COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK SEAT, AS THE HEADREST PROTRUDES TOO FAR OUT WHERE THEIR NECKS ARE TOO CRANKED FORWARD, OR HEAD IS NOT IN A GOOD POSITION. I AM SEEKING A FIX WHERE THE HEADREST CAN TILT BACK LIKE THE ONES IN THE VEHICLES WITH MANUAL FOLDING REAR SEATS. TAHNK YOU.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .