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.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450

○ Not enough data

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:36.039Z

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: 47
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 47 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	42
2011	55
2012	47
2013	37
2014	21
2015	18
2016	13
2017	1

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

47% · 22 reports

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving on the highway my break warning light came and when I tried pulling over car would not stop my break pedal went all the way to floor causing me to hit the back of another car and I had to get a…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-04

Also filed under Service brakes

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, 2017-11-03

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, 2017-10-31

Service brakes

17% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Suspension

15% · 7 reports

Power train

11% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2016-03-21

On 01/08/14, a female driver of a 2012 GL 450 was stationary, in the garage, with engine running.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-04

Seat belts

6% · 3 reports

Show complaint excerpts

dash light in red keeps indicating SRS , also dash says SRS Malfunction front left service required, Pre-Safe Inoperative See operators Manuel. also seatbelt case falling off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-26

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2016-10-18Air bags16V081000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V081000 · Air bags
Recall 22V315000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 24V298000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.