Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every GL550 from 2008 to 2017: 69 owner complaints and 29 recalls across 10 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (15), 2008 (12), 2014 (10). Best fuel economy: 15 mpg combined (2016).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 12 | 14 | |
| 2009 | 3 | 6 | 14 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 3 | 14 | |
| 2011 | 3 | 15 | 14 | |
| 2012 | 3 | 8 | 14 | |
| 2013 | 3 | 6 | 15 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 10 | 15 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 8 | 15 | |
| 2016 | 4 | 1 | 15 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | – |
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 GL550.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz GL550?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (15), 2008 (12), 2014 (10).
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz GL550 had?
Across 2008–2017, NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).