Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

GL-Class (X164)

2007-2012 · Full-Size SUV ยท 6 engines
474 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
39 Fire Reports
23 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

Not rated

NHTSA's production counts do not cover this model well enough to compare it with similar vehicles. NHTSA has 474 owner complaints on file for it, listed below.

Complaints by Engine Code

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Unidentified Engine

48 complaints 8.0 per year
7 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
10
suspension
8
electrical
8
safety systems
5
other
4

Known Issues

Interior Issues (10 complaints)
Suspension Issues (8 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
10 complaints 3.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
6
interior
2
other
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (6 complaints)
Interior Issues (2 complaints)

Same engine used in

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Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (148 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (58 complaints)
brakes serious
Suspension Issues (57 complaints)
suspension critical
Electrical System Issues (56 complaints)
electrical critical
Interior Issues (53 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (3)

24V298000Apr 26, 2024serious
Service Brakes

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. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

22V315000May 9, 2022serious
Service Brakes

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. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

16V081000Feb 11, 2016critical
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class problems?

The 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has accumulated 474 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Brakes, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Is the 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a good used car?

The 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 474 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have?

The 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has 474 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Brakes, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the GL-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2007-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 474 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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