Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mercedes Benz GL450

○ Not enough data

2008 Mercedes Benz GL450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:57.166Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 55
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2008: 55 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	115
2008	55
2009	15

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

40% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned while he was driving at 30 MPH and the vehicle became uncontrollable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-17

Suspension

27% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On April 30TH 2009 while driving car slipped into low gear on its own. On May 1ST while pulling out of a driveway and going to make a left turn on a major road the car again slipped into low gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-07-07

Also filed under Power train

Service brakes

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-06-15

Air bags

11% · 6 reports

Engine

9% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2022-06-30Service brakes, hydraulic22V315000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-05-24Service brakes, hydraulic24V298000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 22 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 15 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 22V315000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 24V298000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.