Mercedes-Benz

Glk-Class (2012)

2012 · Midsize SUV · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.3)
170 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
View all 6 generations of the Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
163 complaints 163.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
131
fuel system
13
brakes
5
interior
4
suspension
4

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (131 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (13 complaints)
Brakes Issues (5 complaints)

Same engine used in

+72 more
CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)
Show 2 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.

Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class Unidentified Engine

Recommended (4.1)
6 complaints 6.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
4
other
1
brakes
1
body
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Safety Systems Issues (136 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (13 complaints)
fuel_system cosmetic
Brakes Issues (6 complaints)
brakes cosmetic

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class has accumulated 170 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Fuel System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

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

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

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

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 170 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 Glk-Class have?

The 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class has 170 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 Glk-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk-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 Glk-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz Glk-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Fuel System, Brakes, 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 Glk-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

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

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 170 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver