MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every GL450 from 2007 to 2017: 419 owner complaints and 32 recalls across 11 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (115), 2008 (55), 2011 (55). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (2016).

Mercedes-Benz GL450
Photo: Charles01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags96
Suspension60
Electrical56
Seats54
Engine39
Transmission & drivetrain36
Steering35
Other / unknown32

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2007211515
200825515
200931515
201034214
201135515
201234715
201333716
201432116
201531819
201651319
201721–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mercedes-Benz GL450.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz GL450?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (115), 2008 (55), 2011 (55).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz GL450 had?

Across 2007–2017, NHTSA lists 32 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).