2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Problems

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.

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)

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

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

Driveshaft broke, peeling rims

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.

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

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.

WHILE PARKING MY CAR IN A GARAGE, IT ACCELERATED. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, IT SPEEDED UP CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

LEFT DEALERSHIP AND ENTERED HIGHWAY AT MODERATE SPEED, WITHIN TWO MINUTES HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE AND SAW THAT THE TOP GASKET/SEAL (BLACK RUBBER) OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD COME OFF STARTING ON THE LEFT SIDE AND WAS DRAPED UP AND ON TOP OF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY APPROXIMATELY 4 TO 5 INCHES REMAINED ATTACHED ON THE PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

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.

WHEN DRIVING 40 MPH OR MORE, THE ENGINE STALLS AND THE UNIT IN THE DASHBOARD THAT CONTAINS THE ODOMETER AND SPEED, BEGINS TO TURN WHITE IN COLOR. IT APPEARS THE SOFTWARE ERROR WITHIN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN DRIVING AT A CERTAIN SPEED OR WHEN I AM COASTING TO A STOP, SUCH AS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHUT-DOWN IN THE MIST OF MY DRIVING AT 40 MPH OR MORE, HOWEVER, WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE PICKS UP SPEED. THESE EVENTS ARE TERRIFYING, BECAUSE I CAN'T TELL IF THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND INCREASE MY RISK OF CRASHING. THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER ONE YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY CAN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. I TRULY NEED HELP FROM THE MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER AND/OR THE NHTSA BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND HURT MYSELF OR ANOTHER DRIVER. *TR

[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

WHEN DRIVING 40 MPH OR MORE, THE ENGINE STALLS AND THE UNIT IN THE DASHBOARD THAT CONTAINS THE ODOMETER AND SPEED, BEGINS TO TURN WHITE IN COLOR. IT APPEARS THE SOFTWARE ERROR WITHIN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN DRIVING AT A CERTAIN SPEED OR WHEN I AM COASTING TO A STOP, SUCH AS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHUT-DOWN IN THE MIST OF MY DRIVING AT 40 MPH OR MORE, HOWEVER, WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE PICKS UP SPEED. THESE EVENTS ARE TERRIFYING, BECAUSE I CAN'T TELL IF THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND INCREASE MY RISK OF CRASHING. THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER ONE YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY CAN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. I TRULY NEED HELP FROM THE MERCEDES BENZ MANUFACTURER AND/OR THE NHTSA BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND HURT MYSELF OR ANOTHER DRIVER. *TR

Driveshaft broke, peeling rims

WHILE PARKING MY CAR IN A GARAGE, IT ACCELERATED. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, IT SPEEDED UP CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

I WAS DRIVING WITH MY HEAT ON IN COLD WEATHER. I WAS IN MOTION WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I WAS ON ROUTE 1 TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY WINDSHIELD. THEN I HEARD A CRACKLING SOUND ABOVE ME. THE WHOLE FRONT PANEL SUNROOF NOW LOOKED LIKE CRACKLE GLASS. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD HIT THE SUNROOF BUT NOTHING HAD. WHEN I CONTACTED MY MERECEDES DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THERE WAS A PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH I HAD TOLD THEM WHAT THE MERCEDES BLOGS WERE SAYING. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE SUNROOF. THE PANEL COST $1131.20 PLUS LABOR $402.50.

MY 2012 MERCEDES CLS 550 , WITH PIRELLI P ZERO TIRES,HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT JUNE "12. ANOTHER TIRE BLEW OUT IN MAR '13 ON THE MAR VISIT TO THE MERCEDES DEALER (SALISBURY MD), TWO MORE TIRES HAD BULGES, ALLEGEDLY FROM POTHOLES,AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WROTE PIRELLI OF THE PROBLEM WITH MY OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TIRES, AND THE REPLY WAS "WE NEED TO INSPECT THE TIRES" FAT CHANCE, AFTER THE TIRES HAD LONG BEEN DISPOSED- I EVEN HAD TO PAY A DISPOSAL CHARGE. *TR

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.