2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, 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
- Airbags8464.6%
- Driver assistance107.7%
- Electrical75.4%
- Fuel system64.6%
- Steering53.8%
- Powertrain (other)53.8%
- Brakes32.3%
- Engine32.3%
- Other / unspecified21.5%
- Body & structure21.5%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Interior & seats10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Any time a passenger sits in the passenger seat in the shows on my dashboard “ front right malfunction service required “
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 2020100005 (replace Takata passenger-side module Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair? The manufacturer was notified of the issue but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was in an act of nature accident with a deer. The severe frontal impact damage didn't deploy the airbags. this is a major safety concern with the sensor electrical system, and the already RECALL airbags. The customer is receiving no resolve according to the NHTSA department approve lawsuit settlement claim filed.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
There are two issues with my vehicle, both started recently. The mileage is only around 33000 miles. The two front tire pressure warnings keep coming on, and I have tried multiple times to correct this, doesn't matter if it exactly correct on reading for pump, or above or below, it just keeps saying they need adjusting. It is only the two front ones and they have been doing this for about 2 weeks now. Second issue has been a recall for other mercedes models but not mine, and it could be that there are much fewer of these on the road and had less complaints. It is exactly same issue that other models that have been recalled. My reversing camera has started to either not work at all, or come on and go off, then reset and come back on again, however this is making it impossible to rely on in a reversing situation. It is basically dangerous as I can be halfway into a manoever and it stops working.
The lien keeping assistant is stuck in operative mode. So I had a recall on my airbag and got it changed out yesterday and had the dealership check why it was on they told me I need a new steering wheel. Prior to yesterday two months ago. All the lights came on warning light and I lost power to the engine and then it will kick back on. I’m concerned because they put the airbag in the steering wheel and did a diagnostic and told me I need a new steering wheel the steering wheel pretty much run the whole car I have no horn or nothing by saying that I am afraid the airbag won’t deploy if the car loses control due to the steering wheel and electronics Yes, the vehicle has been to the dealership on diagnostic machine made aware of it and then sent me home in it on safely Yes, about three months ago. All warning lights come on and I lose power to the engine. It said something else was in operable. I got Time. Yesterday, pulling up to the dealership to get the recall airbag installed the lane keeping assistance was on. It came on parlay for weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to use the steering wheel cents. And yes, some of the other one and light pop on and off.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Key in electronic ignition switch is not recognized, automatic transmission shifts to automatic park before vehicle comes to a stop. When car slows to 5 miles per hour it abruptly slams into park, putting myself in danger of being rear ended in no fault of my own. It happened multiple times before I could get my vehicle to safety. This has been a known issue as documented on website [XXX] in a memo from Mercedes Benz dated 12/22/13 service memo [XXX]. This is two years prior to my model automobile and should have been rectified. This should have been addressed as a recall item as it is a known safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The lien keeping assistant is stuck in operative mode. So I had a recall on my airbag and got it changed out yesterday and had the dealership check why it was on they told me I need a new steering wheel. Prior to yesterday two months ago. All the lights came on warning light and I lost power to the engine and then it will kick back on. I’m concerned because they put the airbag in the steering wheel and did a diagnostic and told me I need a new steering wheel the steering wheel pretty much run the whole car I have no horn or nothing by saying that I am afraid the airbag won’t deploy if the car loses control due to the steering wheel and electronics Yes, the vehicle has been to the dealership on diagnostic machine made aware of it and then sent me home in it on safely Yes, about three months ago. All warning lights come on and I lose power to the engine. It said something else was in operable. I got Time. Yesterday, pulling up to the dealership to get the recall airbag installed the lane keeping assistance was on. It came on parlay for weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to use the steering wheel cents. And yes, some of the other one and light pop on and off.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My truck has been smelling like gas for a while. I replaced the gas cap and still smelled gas when I was driving. Recently I started smelling it inside the car. It was leaking from two places under the car when I would drive it or just have it running. The mechanic took the plastic piece off the bottom and gas started pouring down. He took the back seats out and there was a pool of gas sitting on the fuel pump. He had me start the car and it immediately started spewing from the fuel pump inside the car. I did not know I could report a complaint so I did not take pictures. The car has been sitting since Saturday without being turned on and the gas spot on the ground remains wet. It’s very dangerous and right now I cannot fix it due to finances.
Gasoline smell around the car when parked in the garage. An inspection underneath the car and in the engine, bay failed to locate the leak. A [XXX] search for fuel leak on Mercedes Benz (MB) returned a number of hits for problems with leaks around fuel tank components on the GLK and other MB models. Upon removal of the rear seat and a check under the two fuel tank covers, I found gasoline pooled on a concave area on top of the Fuel Suction Pump Assembly, MB, part 2184700994 (see attached photos). This plastic part has cracks in it that allow fuel to escape. I contacted MB U.S. headquarters support as I thought that they may have been a campaign to replace this component since the 2012 GLK had a recall for fuel flange cracks but the MB customer support team indicated that a campaign did not exist for this issue on the 2015 MB GLK. Since the car is out of warranty, I purchased a replacement part 2184700994 and installed it which fixed the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
Hello. Since I bought this car in 2015. Every now and again it will go into park when driving and tge car will stop suddenly. It has done it a few times over the years and it’s quite scary. Mercedes has put me off on you, without addressing the situation or looking at the car, unless I pay first it. I think there is a mechanical defect on this car and it is quite dangerous
The lien keeping assistant is stuck in operative mode. So I had a recall on my airbag and got it changed out yesterday and had the dealership check why it was on they told me I need a new steering wheel. Prior to yesterday two months ago. All the lights came on warning light and I lost power to the engine and then it will kick back on. I’m concerned because they put the airbag in the steering wheel and did a diagnostic and told me I need a new steering wheel the steering wheel pretty much run the whole car I have no horn or nothing by saying that I am afraid the airbag won’t deploy if the car loses control due to the steering wheel and electronics Yes, the vehicle has been to the dealership on diagnostic machine made aware of it and then sent me home in it on safely Yes, about three months ago. All warning lights come on and I lose power to the engine. It said something else was in operable. I got Time. Yesterday, pulling up to the dealership to get the recall airbag installed the lane keeping assistance was on. It came on parlay for weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to use the steering wheel cents. And yes, some of the other one and light pop on and off.
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
Hello. Since I bought this car in 2015. Every now and again it will go into park when driving and tge car will stop suddenly. It has done it a few times over the years and it’s quite scary. Mercedes has put me off on you, without addressing the situation or looking at the car, unless I pay first it. I think there is a mechanical defect on this car and it is quite dangerous
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a technician test-drove the vehicle and experienced the failure; however, the technician was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
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
FAULTY PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY. WHEN PULLING THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE THE FOOT PEDAL DOES NOT DISENGAGE. DRIVER MUST PULL THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE AND USE THEIR FOOT TO MANUALLY PRY THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL BACK INTO THE 'RELEASED' POSITION. VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUE SINCE 39,000 MILES.
ON JUNE 16,2017, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY, I TRIED TO SLOWED DOWN BUT IT TURNED OUT TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY AT AROUND 85MPH, THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS MESSED UP AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR , THE MORE I TRY TO BRAKE THE FASTER THE CAR CRASHED , SO IT CRASHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND ROLLED OVER DOWN TO THE DITCH , I CALLED 911 AND UNFORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO SIGNAL, I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR NOR WINDOW. THE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM INSIDE AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE , I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNT TO DEATH ALIVE WITHOUT PEOPLE PASSING BY , THEY USED A BIG ROCK TO BREAK THE WINDOW AND PULLED ME OUT OF THE CAR, TWO MINUTES LATER , THE CAR EXPLODED AND BURNT TO GROUND. THIS IS A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE , PEOPLE LIKE ME SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON PURCHASING SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR WITH EXPECTATION TO BE SAFER IN DRIVING , BUT WHEN IT COMES TO CAR ACCIDENT , THERE ARE STILL SO MANY FLAWS WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO WRONGFUL DEATH , THIS MAKES ME FEEL FRUSTRATED AND I CALLED MB LONG BEACH AND BEVERLY HILLS , THEY JUST SHOWED INDIFFERENT AND IT'S NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS . I'M NOW VERY DISAPPOINTED AND I HOPE THERE WON'T BE ANY VICTIMS LIKE THIS . I WAS THE EXCEPTION AND I HOPE PEOPLE DRIVING MB GLK350 COULD BE LUCKY ENOUGH . MB OWES ME AN EXPLANATION AND INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT , MAYBE A RECALL IF NECESSARY FOR THE SAFETY OF CONSUMERS .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING 25 MPH AROUND A CURVE WHEN MY CAR LOST CONTROL, DESPITE MY BEST ATTEMPTS MY CAR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TAKE CONTROL OR TO BREAK. MY CAR WENT FROM 25 MPH TO 60 MPH THROUGH A TWO LANE TRAFFIC STREET, FORCING ME TO SWERVE IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC MERELY MISSING SIX CARS AND A SEMI TRAILER TRUCK, SPINNING MY CAR AROUND TWICE AND FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.
DRIVING BACK FROM VACATION LAST SATURDAY, ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE, OUR MOTOR SHUT ITSELF OFF. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, USING CRUISE CONTROL, GOING STRAIGHT, WITH THE "ECON" BUTTON TURNED OFF. LUCKILY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT MISHAP. MY HUSBAND TURNED THE KEY OFF, WAITED ABOUT A MINUTE, THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON, BUT OUR MOTOR STAYED ON, AND WE DROVE HOME WITHOUT ANY MORE PROBLEMS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR M.B. DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR SERVICED ON THIS COMING FRIDAY, OCT. 2ND., EXPLAINING WHAT HAD OCCURRED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT SOMETIME ON MONDAY, SEPT. 28TH. AND HASN'T COME ON AGAIN, BUT IF THE ENGINE DIES AGAIN AT A MORE INOPPORTUNE TIME IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS, POSSIBLY FATAL, CONSEQUENCES. I AM VERY CONCERNED. BEFORE THIS FAILURE OUR CAR'S MOTOR HAS RUN SMOOTHLY WITH NO PROBLEMS. HOPEFULLY OUR DEALER WILL BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE WHEN THEY CHECK OUR ONBOARD COMPUTER.
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
There are two issues with my vehicle, both started recently. The mileage is only around 33000 miles. The two front tire pressure warnings keep coming on, and I have tried multiple times to correct this, doesn't matter if it exactly correct on reading for pump, or above or below, it just keeps saying they need adjusting. It is only the two front ones and they have been doing this for about 2 weeks now. Second issue has been a recall for other mercedes models but not mine, and it could be that there are much fewer of these on the road and had less complaints. It is exactly same issue that other models that have been recalled. My reversing camera has started to either not work at all, or come on and go off, then reset and come back on again, however this is making it impossible to rely on in a reversing situation. It is basically dangerous as I can be halfway into a manoever and it stops working.
DRIVING 25 MPH AROUND A CURVE WHEN MY CAR LOST CONTROL, DESPITE MY BEST ATTEMPTS MY CAR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TAKE CONTROL OR TO BREAK. MY CAR WENT FROM 25 MPH TO 60 MPH THROUGH A TWO LANE TRAFFIC STREET, FORCING ME TO SWERVE IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC MERELY MISSING SIX CARS AND A SEMI TRAILER TRUCK, SPINNING MY CAR AROUND TWICE AND FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 2020100005 (replace Takata passenger-side module Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair? The manufacturer was notified of the issue but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was in an act of nature accident with a deer. The severe frontal impact damage didn't deploy the airbags. this is a major safety concern with the sensor electrical system, and the already RECALL airbags. The customer is receiving no resolve according to the NHTSA department approve lawsuit settlement claim filed.
CONSUMER COMPLAINS ABOUT WORK PERFORMED AT CARMAX DEALERSHIP; WORKMANSHIP AND HONESTY OF SERVICE STAFF. NO NHTSA RESPONSE REQUIRED. *EA *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
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 leather seat on the drivers side has melted. After trying to research for a recall, I did see that others have had this problem also. It appears that the seat heater causes the leather to melt. The leather has melted and peeled and is flaking.
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
Any time a passenger sits in the passenger seat in the shows on my dashboard “ front right malfunction service required “
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 .