Is the 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450

○ Not enough data

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:00:23.497Z

Only 13 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 13
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 13 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

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seats

3 of 13 total reports mention: seats.

Show complaint excerpts

2ND row head rest unsafe and unuseable - the headrest is too low and too high for a child or small person to use. When in down position, seat pushes head forward; when it is up, it's too tall for the head.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-19

The second row seat headrest is unusable for my children. It hits them in the head and they are totally uncomfortable. I see now that this is a major source of problems for this vehicle. Many parents are complaining. Mercedes has no cure for it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-05

My father and mother in-law recently purchased a 2016 Mercedes Benz GL450 as our family car. The headrests for the 2ND row seats with the "Easy entry" Option appear to pose a comfort and safety issue for both car seats and "Shorter" People...

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-15

Engine

2 of 13 total reports mention: engine.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

We purchased the car in July 2019 and in addition to the car having warranty up to 50,000 miles, we purchased an additional service/repair package for $1,800.00 recently we noticed that when we first start driving the car has a noise on the right...

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-12

Also filed under Suspension and service brakes

Visibility

1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.

Suspension

1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.

CRASH

Steering

1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2017-03-28Suspension17V081000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-21Air bags, electrical system17V177000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350...

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-09-29Steering17V241000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable.

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

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Seats: 3 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V081000 · Suspension
Recall 17V177000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 17V241000 · Steering
Recall 18V272000 · Suspension
Recall 19V787000 · Communication

FAQ

Is the 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450?: The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?: 5 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.