2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 32 do-not-drive
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The part named most often is air bags, with 13 complaints (59% of the total), followed by engine (4) and brakes (1). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns (2 marked do-not-drive) and 46 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the inflator module and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags13 59%
- Engine4 18%
- Brakes1 4.5%
- Engine cooling1 4.5%
- Fuel system1 4.5%
- Other or unknown1 4.5%
- Seats1 4.5%
Example complaints
Air bags: “I received a letter from mercedes benz USA giving me a date the replacement parts for a airbag recall replacement will be available around march 31, 2018. It is june 26 and the parts are still not available. Waiting for almost 12 months to have the airbag recall replacement parts. This is a serious safety hazard to wait almost a year to be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11104138, filed 2018-06, 27,400 milesEngine: “While driving between boise going to portland, I experienced sudden lost of power in very dangerous traffic situation. There were a road work area, I had semi-trucks in front and behind me. It happened on I-84w, around 20 miles out of baker city or, my car is well maintained at the dealership barrier in bellevue. There was no warning that something is wrong. I had fuel, there were no warning lights or similar indication or comming technical issue. The car lost power, I maneged to move to side that the truck behind me didn't hit me! …”
NHTSA complaint #11020711, filed 2017-08, 46,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11467958, filed 2022-06Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with turbo failure. The contact was informed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11591809, filed 2024-05, 130,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Mercedes-Benz GL350 2009–2012, R350 2006–2012, ML350 2006–2011 +10 more
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…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Mercedes-Benz GL350 2010–2012, R350 2006–2012, ML350 2006–2011 +10 more
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…
- 16V081000Feb 11, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mercedes-Benz GL350 2011–2012, C350 2006–2011, C300 2008–2011 +22 more
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 46 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)…
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Electrical system. Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GL350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | 24,300 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 60,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 7 | 58,500 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 22 | 99,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 23 | 79,255 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2010 | 16 | 49,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Mercedes-Benz GL350 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 13 complaints (59% of the total), followed by engine with 4.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,000 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 100,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.