2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2011 | 55 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2013 | 37 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR HAS AN AIRBAG AFFECTED BY THE RECALL, YET MERCEDES HAS NOT OFFERED TO REPLACE IT. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BUT THERE IS NO ACTION TO TAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171103
TAKATA RECALL IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I WAS NOTIFIED MY 2012 MERCEDES BENZ GL450 NEEDED THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS REPAIRED/REPLACED. I PHONED THE LOCAL MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME AND WAS ADVISED I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171031
16% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON JANUARY 8, 2014, THE OWNER OF THE 2012 MERCEDES BENZ GL450 WAS INSIDE HER VEHICLE WITHIN THE GARAGE OF HER RESIDENCE, PREPARING TO LEAVE TO PERFORM ERRANDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160321
ON 01/08/14, A FEMALE DRIVER OF A 2012 GL 450 WAS STATIONARY, IN THE GARAGE, WITH ENGINE RUNNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160204
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 450. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle causing him to crash into the vehicle in front.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220713
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230914
7% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
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.
Campaign 16V081000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 22V315000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V298000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V081000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V315000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V298000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.