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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450

○ Not enough data

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:06.060Z

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: 37
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 37 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.

Engine

24% · 9 reports

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!!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-16

Electrical system

22% · 8 reports

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, 2024-03-24

Suround cameras are not able to see at night and backup lights not bright enough to see.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03

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, 2018-05-28

Suspension

14% · 5 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2019-05-24

Seats

14% · 5 reports

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, 2013-07-17

Service brakes

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2013-05-24Seat belts13V166000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-08-30Suspension18V272000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-23Communication19V787000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V166000 · Seat belts
Recall 18V272000 · Suspension
Recall 19V787000 · Communication

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