2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Owner Complaints

On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded knee airbag which contained metal components that impaled my skin. I continue to receive treatment for multiple injuries and the wounds that have not healed. My safety was at risk due to the metal components (shrapnel) deployed via the exploded knee airbag. I also sustained injuries my left wrist from the steering wheel airbag, and my left chest from the tightening of the seatbelt. The local Mercedes Benz dealer recently towed the vehicle from my home address to their facility for inspection of said airbags. As of today, I have not received any report from MBUSA.

NHTSA ID

11711759

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

I brought my car in to my local mechanic and was told my rear suspension was corroded. He said it would cost around five thousand dollars to repair. I researched online and found mercedes did not have a recall but has extended the warranty and will cover the repair to the rear suspension. The mercedes dealer called me and told me my brake lines were rusted out and needed replacement and that it was not covered by the extended warranty and would cost thirty five hundred dollars. In all my years of driving, I have never had the brake lines rust out on a vehicle and can't imagine that this is not related to the suspension issue. I have done some research and seen many mercedes owners have had the same complaint. I believe mercedes benz should be responsible for this repair just like they are responsible for the corrosion with the rear suspension.

NHTSA ID

11701710

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

My passenger got 2 degree burns to his right buttocks and seat is melted ...he is a paralyzed patient i took him to the er and the burn center i have pictures and documentation....my guess the seat got to hot melted and burned him this what doctors concluded the is very scary for a seat to burn the skin off your butt

NHTSA ID

11696034

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Driveshaft broke, peeling rims

NHTSA ID

11666128

Incident

Jun 6, 2023

The seats on both the passenger and driver size has split at the seams. They began to appear in 2012. The battery failed and the car would not start. Periodically the car starts up slow. The car bucks in a hard motion when trying to accelerate. The car makes a grinding noise, with a dragging feeling, while driving. Mechanics cannot figure out what or where the sound and feeling is coming from.

NHTSA ID

11665203

Incident

Jan 12, 2012

Electronic steering wheel lock is broken and engine will not start because of lock.

NHTSA ID

11643579

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

I smelled gasoline in my car didn’t think of anything . Till today when i pumped gas it smelled very strong got home parked my car i notice a leak i look closer under and it’s leaking gas .just got this car 2 months ago There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate

NHTSA ID

11615868

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

RUPTURE OF LEFT REAR AND LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES 1/26/24,8/30/24. BOTH TIMES THE FAILURE WAS UNANNOUNCED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER.

NHTSA ID

11612830

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

My rear subframe is rotted out but won't be replaced under warranty because there are no rust holes in the metal. The rust is very extensive, and the car isn't safe to drive. The rear metal brake lines are also rotten and need to be replaced. I've owned many cars older than this one with more miles, and I've never had rusted-out brake lines. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11607686

Incident

Aug 9, 2024

I smell gasoline every time I fill up the gas tank and don't smell it when not quite full. I haven't check yet but I think that the fuel pump flange has deteriorated. My co-worker has the same exact issue and he found out that it was the fuel pump flange. There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate. Thank you. Sincerely,

NHTSA ID

11568914

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

Evap small leak P0456 Car cabin smells strong gas odor check engine light is on

NHTSA ID

11557044

Incident

Nov 6, 2023

The plastic trim/cover that wraps around the steering wheel column and is the same color as the seats and interior heats up, melts, becomes brittle after the fact but could is fire hazard, especially with melting plastic falling into the driver’s feet and/or carpeting. When I googled the replacement part, I found out on The Internet that owners across America have had the same problem with their vehicles regardless of the year or model. Some believe there is a shortage in the wiring that allows the steering wheel to be raised, lowered, pushed away or brought closer to the driver. There should definitely be an investigation at the least and then a service bulletin and recall as a fire could definitely occur.

NHTSA ID

11544810

Incident

Jun 17, 2022

My mercedes GLK 350 4matic has a strong gas smell every time I fill up and I am afraid to park in my garage because of the very strong gas smell, and I am afraid of a fire.

NHTSA ID

11535252

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

Drove to a parking lot turn the car off, the steering wheel did not lock, and when trying to start the car nothing happened. The car was dead other than door locks and a few things like the radio. Found out on YouTube how to start the car. After starting the car the steering wheel had a clicking noise as it turned right to left and it would occasionally lock. After turning the wheel left and right a couple of times I was able to steer the car. We drove the car 2 miles to our home and along the way while turning the steering wheel would lock. Repeated the same process right to left and it let me steer again. Went slowly down the road with the flashers on and managed to get it home into the garage. I would not let anyone drive a car like this totally unsafe. There are no recalls which is unbelievable since there are many many instances online of the same thing or similar happening to other people. The manufacturer should be forced to replace or repair with better quality components. I am afraid to replace these parts for fear it will just happen again as is the case with many people I read about online. I intend to disable this anyway I can so I can continue to use this car. Please step in and insist Mercedes-Benz corrects this obvious problem. I hope you can.

NHTSA ID

11506202

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

My 2012 GLK350 leaking gas from under the rear right passenger seat, where the gas cap located. we fill up gas when we came back to home and park in the garage gas smell was very strong We thought may be because of spill some gas while Pumping. Next day gas smell was still strong inside of garage. I found gas leaking from under the rear right passenger seat. gas was dripping on the plastic cover Panel. I started google to find out what is the problem. Then I found NHTSA recall document #12V-557 regarding this problem, the Document specifically indicate and explained about faulty fuel filter flange might crack to leak gas fuel.it stated certain Model Year 2011-2012 GLK350.So I went House of import MB dealer service advisor [XXX] inspected car briefly then he checked MB recall status of my car. he said my car gas leak problem is not on recall list So they can't not repair under recall program. But he said there is another program that may cover it. I was confused and very upset . because there recall is exactly same as my problem I didn't understand why my car was not included on recall . they are going to inspect my car to see find out what is problem first. I like to report to NHTSA let you know my was leaking gas just like other recall Let you included in recall list Thankyou very much sincerely yours [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11503713

Incident

Jan 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel underneath the rear-end of the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently; however, the leak was now more frequent. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11478175

Incident

Jul 8, 2022

Mileage

120,000 mi

The component or system failed or malfunctioned: Brake pedal -does not brake effectively Engine :Alternator/ignition-the car would not start on me Cigarette lighter: front cigarette lighter does not work (greater fuse or electrical problem Inspection: Car was returned to Hawthorne Auto Square for repair and ultimately returned and sale of the used car was cancelled due to these issues. Please inspect car at Hawthorne Auto Square 11646 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Please do not allow Hawthorne Auto Square to resell this car it is a hazard to all Safety of myself and others were put at risk: - when attempting to brake, the car does not stop in a safe distance (dangerous can cause car crash) ( this happens to many GLK 250s) -the car is not starting after being started(dangerous if driving and cuts off in traffic and causes accident) air bag disabled -light coming on in car( if airbags that dont work someone could die) -electrical wire-there is a loose electrical wire in the trunk of the car that could shock someone cigarette lighter- front cigarette lighter does not work ( this happens to many GLK 250s) axle- appeared faulty -causing the car to wobble( this happens to many GLK 250s) -Car has problem and has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center -Car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure I noticed the problems around 3/30/2022 In addition: Mercedes Benz all GLK 250s need; Advanced driver assistance systems , lane departure and Advanced emergency braking system (AEBS)

NHTSA ID

11459870

Incident

Mar 30, 2022

Every time the car's tank is filled with gas some leaks out on the ground. There is also a strong smell of gas in the cabin. I see there are many other complaints concerning this issue. Will someone please take action and force Mercedes Benz to fix this defective product.

NHTSA ID

11437808

Incident

Oct 22, 2021

I have a Mercedes GLK 350 .When I fill up the gas tank in full I can smell gas. I called the dealer and they refused to fix it because there is no recall in Mercedes GLK 350 and it is not covered by emission warranty. They will charge me $200 just to diagnose the problem

NHTSA ID

11436729

Incident

Sep 28, 2021

EXCESSIVE FUEL FUME/SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR PARTICULARLY ON FULL TANK. STABILIZER BAR LINKS PRODUCING DRIVE INSTABILITY.

NHTSA ID

11420718

Incident

Jun 9, 2021

I WAS DRIVING ON I35 AT THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP OVERHEAD. I WAS NOT SURE WHAT IT WAS, WONDERED IF IT WAS GUN FIRE. A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I GOT IN MY VEHICLE, AND THE SUN WAS OUT, I WAS CLOSING THE SUNROOF COVER WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED, PIECES OF GLASS WERE EVERWHERE AND BEGAN FALLING WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE COVER. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS SHREDS OF GLASS ARE EVERYWHERE.

NHTSA ID

11390524

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

90,000 mi

STRONG FUEL/GAS SMELL NOTICE EVERYTIME FUEL TANK FILLED UP, STRONG GAS SMELL OR ODOR NOTICE INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE FOR DAYS OR UNTIL FUEL USED AND GO DOWN TO CERTAIN LEVEL. ALSO NOTICE LEAKING ON THE WIPER FLUID TANK/RESERVOIR WHEN FILLING UP.

NHTSA ID

11387268

Incident

Dec 23, 2020

CAR SHUTTERED WHEN ACCELERATING , VIBRATES WHEN AT STOP LIGHTS. GOT INSPECTION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SLIPPING DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BASED ON MILEAGE 150K. OIL COOLER LEAKING, CENTRIFUGE LEAKING, MOTOR MOUNTS COLLAPSED. MB IS AWARE OF ISSUE, BUT ONLY WANT TO ADDRESS CERTAIN VINS. MB CORP SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO GET CORRECTED ONLY ASSISTANCE THEY OFFERED INCENTIVE BUY A NEW CAR. SEEN MANY SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11374336

Incident

Oct 20, 2020

Mileage

1,500,336 mi

[XXX] STEERING LOCK FAILURE SHOULD BE A RECALL. MERCEDES CHARGES $1100 TO REPLACE MINE AND EVERYTHING I'VE READ PPL ARE ALL HAVING SAME COMMON ISSUES. I HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL AFTER MY CAR WAS HIT IN FRONT WHEN SOMEONE BACKED INTO ME (VERY HARD THAT IS). SUDDENLY MANY LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON AND NEXT STEERING LOCK FAILURE. INS CO SAID THAT MERCEDES MECHANIC SUPERVISOR SAID IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FROM ACCIDENT.. AND THAT IT'S COMMON WITH THESE MERCEDES BC THEY ARE LEMONS!!! REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *CC

NHTSA ID

11363628

Incident

Feb 14, 2020

THIS IS A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING MY CAR. THERE IS MOLD BUILD UP IN THE AC SYSTEM, WHICH IS A HEALTH AND SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE, THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO THE HEALTH IF MY FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO MY SON WITH ASTHMA. MOLD CAUSES MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS, AND THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER BUT THE DEALER SAID THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SO OUR HEALTH IS AT RISK EVERYTIME WE GET INTO THE CAR. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR. GETTING A DIFFERENT CAR ISN'T AN OPTION UNLESS THIS ONE CAN BE BOUGHT BACK. *TR

NHTSA ID

11328074

Incident

Jun 9, 2020