Mercedes-Benz

Gl-Class (2012)

2012 · Full-Size SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
76 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
4 Crash Reports
View all 10 generations of the Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

5.5-V8-Gas

5.5L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.7)
8 complaints 8.0 per year Gasoline
View details

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (3.9)
6 complaints 6.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
4
interior
1
other
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

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Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Unidentified Engine

Recommended (3.9)
6 complaints 6.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
3
wheels tires
1
engine
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (3 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Safety Systems Issues (40 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (8 complaints)
brakes critical
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)
transmission cosmetic
Engine Issues (5 complaints)
engine cosmetic

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class has accumulated 76 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Brakes, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

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

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 76 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 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class have?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class has 76 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 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — 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, Transmission, 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 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. 76 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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