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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2007–2017

Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 417 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz GL450, covering model years 2007 to 2017. The 2007 model year drew the most complaints (115), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz GL450 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 417 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (2007–2017)
  • most complaints: 2007 (115 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (95 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V298000 (reported Apr 26, 2024)
  • 22 complaints reporting a crash (5.3%)
  • 42 complaints reporting a fire (10.1%)
  • 27 complaints reporting an injury (6.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2007 model year has the most complaints: 115 of 417, or 27.6%. Next come 2011 (55) and 2008 (54). The fewest are for 2017, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz GL450 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2007–2017Column chart of 417 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 2007 with 115. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2007: 115 complaints11520072008: 54 complaints5420082009: 15 complaints1520092010: 42 complaints4220102011: 55 complaints5520112012: 46 complaints4620122013: 37 complaints3720132014: 21 complaints2120142015: 18 complaints1820152016: 13 complaints1320162017: 1 complaint12017
Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2007115533140
2008545150
2009151000
2010421110
2011554220
2012463020
2013371120
2014210000
2015181210
2016131100
201710100
All model years4172242270

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz GL450 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 95 complaints (22.8% of all 417), followed by Suspension (60) and Electrical System (55).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags9522.8%
Suspension6014.4%
Electrical System5513.2%
Seats5412.9%
Engine399.4%
Power Train368.6%
Steering358.4%
Unknown or Other317.4%
Service Brakes256.0%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic245.8%
Structure112.6%
Wheels102.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System92.2%
Seat Belts92.2%
Vehicle Speed Control92.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name GL450, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 2007 to 2017. The 2016 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 11 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Do Not Drive” advisories
  • 1 over-the-air remedy
Mercedes-Benz GL450 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2007: 2 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 3 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 3 campaigns2015: 3 campaigns2016: 5 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V298000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2007–2012

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

    Consequence:
    Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V315000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model years 2007–2012

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

    Consequence:
    Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V787000

    Reported

    Communication

    Model years 2013–2016 · Over-the-air fix

    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

    Consequence:
    An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V272000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front

    Model years 2013–2016

    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 Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

    Consequence:
    The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V241000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2016–2017

    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 have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.

    Consequence:
    If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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 be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 17V177000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2016–2017

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

    Consequence:
    If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V081000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Arm

    Model year 2016

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

    Consequence:
    The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V900000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft

    Model year 2015

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 GL350 4Matic Blutec, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, ML250 Blutec, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic and 2015-2016 GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 through March 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have axle bolts on the front and/or rear drive axle carriers that may not have been assembled correctly. As a result, the remaining bolts may fracture.

    Consequence:
    If any of the remaining front or rear axle bolts fracture, the vehicle may be unstable, reducing the handling capability and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts, free of charge. The recall is began February 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 16V081000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2012

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 14V158000

    Reported

    Child Seat › Latch Strap

    Model year 2014

    Mercedes Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2014 GL350 BlueTEC 4Matic, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured November 4, 2013, through November 15, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the foldable second row seat bottom may not fold down low enough to allow proper use of the child seat achors. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

    Consequence:
    Without the use of the lower anchor points, a child restraint may be insufficiently or improperly anchored to the seat, increasing the risk of injury to the child in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat pan of the second row seat, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V166000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2013

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.

    Consequence:
    If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz GL450 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz GL450, covering model years 2007 to 2017. The most recent, 24V298000, was reported on April 26, 2024 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2016 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Mercedes-Benz GL450 model year has the most complaints?

The 2007 model year, with 115 of the 417 complaints in NHTSA’s file (27.6%). The next are 2011 (55) and 2008 (54). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 95 complaints, or 22.8% of all 417. Suspension (60) and Electrical System (55) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz GL450?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 417 complaints, 22 report a crash, 42 a fire, 27 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.