2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Problems
Compared with other Mercedes-Benz GL450 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Mercedes-Benz GL450 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- None of its 42 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported part: Air bags (21 complaints, median 110,000 mi).
- 2 recalls with a do-not-drive warning, 3 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 92,138miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 32 do-not-drive
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The part named most often is air bags, with 21 complaints (50% of the total), followed by brakes (9) and electrical system (5). 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,138 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns (2 marked do-not-drive) and 57 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the inflator module and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the vacuum and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 4 Mercedes-Benz GL450 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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 bags21 50%
- Brakes9 21%
- Electrical system5 12%
- Suspension5 12%
- Exterior lighting2 4.8%
- Other or unknown1 2.4%
- Steering1 2.4%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.4%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Takata recall. I'm writing to complain about the unacceptable length of time it is taking mercedes to recall this part. Given we're driving around with what amounts to a grenade in our airbags, it shouldn't take a year and a half (and counting) between recall notice date and today...with no date for resolution yet identified by mercedes. My family is at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11052013, filed 2017-12Brakes: “I received an Stop Drive Order form Mercedes Benz USA more that a week ago and I stopped driving my vehicle. I contacted the closest authorized MB dealer Union, NJ and they have not provided a loaner car and have not yet fixed the issue. They say they have so many calls and cannot do anything for me despite the fact I waited so long. I need this car on a daily basis and cannot do my work without this car. I have been calling them over and over and they disconnect the phone. This has been really frustrating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11475017, filed 2022-07Electrical system: “The EIS module we have found has an issue with the part from Japan that does not have enough Sauder on a part of it, so when the temp drops below 50 degrees or less the ignition starts but all the safety features go off and the computer shuts down the vehicle. Reason is the metal contracts in cold weather causing the connections to not fully meet. We have figured this out after many times of replacing the main battery, aux battery thinking this is the issue. After much research on the web and MB forums this seems to be an issue especially in the colder climates with some of the older models. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635038, filed 2025-01Suspension: “Upon purchasing this car 4/8/2013 I have been burdened with replacing the front aromatic suspensions. Then the air comprosseror that supplies air to the suspensions, and now the back suspensions are giving up. I don't feel safe in this car, nor I think mercedes benz dealer in foothill ranch, ca cares as they know the poor production on these gl-450”
NHTSA complaint #10747714, filed 2015-08, 32,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
15% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 69,000 and 126,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Mercedes-Benz GL450 2007–2012, 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 GL450 2007–2012, 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 GL450 2009–2012, 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 → · 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. 57 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…
- 11029062Feb 25, 2026Exterior 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…
- 11029025Feb 24, 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…
- 11028989Feb 24, 2026Exterior 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…
- 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)…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GL450
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13 | 5,000 | 5 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 18 | 38,508 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 21 | 56,000 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Rising |
| 2013 | 37 | 24,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 47 | 57,500 | 3 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 55 | 73,000 | 3 | — | 15 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 42 | 92,138 | 3 | — | 14 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 15 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 15 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 55 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 15 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 115 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mercedes-Benz GL450 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 21 complaints (50% of the total), followed by brakes with 9.
Has the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 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.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 (GL450 4matic, 4.7L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,138 miles and the middle half falls between 69,000 and 126,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.