2013 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
24% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS IS TO REPORT AN EVENT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR ENGINE SYO SUDDENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND MUST HAVE THE CAR PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY TO RESTART AGAIN!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130616
22% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240324
SUROUND CAMERAS ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT AND BACKUP LIGHTS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
BLIND SPOT ASSISTANCE BECOMES DISABLE AND MINUTES LATER THE BLINKERS STOP WORKING. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND APPEARS MORE FREQUENT ON COLD WEATHER. THIS CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180528
14% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR SECTION WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN VIOLENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY REAR AIR SUSPENSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190524
14% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW- THE HEADRESTS IN THE SECOND ROW ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE. THEY ONLY HAVE TWO POSITIONS: FULLY UP OR FULLY DOWN. IN EITHER OF THESE POSITIONS, MY 11 YEAR OLD CHILD'S HEAD IS IN A CLEARLY UNSAFE POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130717
11% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ro
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 c
Campaign 13V166000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
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.
Campaign 18V272000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
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.
Campaign 19V787000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V166000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V272000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V787000 (communication) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 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.