2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550: 4 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #16V903000 · 2016 · 47,799 vehicles
What's wrong: The front passenger seat occupant classification system (ocs) calibration May be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.
Why it matters: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the ocs software, free of charge.
Steering Vehicle recall #17V241000 · 2017 · 58,323 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2016 gle300d 4matic, e400 4matic coupe, gl63 amg, gle350, gle350 4matic, gle350d 4matic, gle400 4matic, gle43 amg coupe 4matic, gle550e 4matic, gle63 amg 4matic, gle63s amg 4matic and gle63s amg coupe 4matic vehicles, 2017 e300 4matic and gls63 amg 4matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 gl350 4matic bluetec, gl450 4matic, and gl550 4matic vehicles. The affected vehicles…
Why it matters: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist May be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to…
Suspension Vehicle recall #18V272000 · 2018 · 9,725 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ml350 bluetec 4matic and ml550 4matic, 2012-2015 ml63 amg 4matic and ml350 4matic, 2013-2016 gl350 bluetec 4matic, gl550 4matic and gl63 amg 4matic, 2017 gls350d 4matic, gls450 4matic, gls550 4matic and gls63 amg 4matic, 2015 ml400 4matic, 2016 gle400 4matic, gle350 4matic, gle63 amg 4matic, gle63s amg 4matic, gle450 4matic coupe and gle63s amg 4matic…
Why it matters: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018.
Communication Vehicle recall #19V787000 · 2019 · 24,226 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that May cause the date and time for the emergency call system (ecall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2019/rmisc-19v787-4620.pdf
Why it matters: An inaccurate vehicle location May delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Mbusa has initiated an over the air (ota) remote update. Mbusa will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful ota or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has 1 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 10 GL550 model years for complaints (well below the 7 average). Neighboring years: 2015 (8 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Premium |
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 2016 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
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.