2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450, 16% of the 55 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We were stopped at a red stoplight, out of nowhere there was a loud explosion, shook the whole car and sank, the feeling like we were in a sink hole or like a tire blew but the tire was fine. A loyd hissing sound ensued. Thank god, we were at a stop light and not in a speed that could have been deadly.”
NHTSA complaint #11406490, filed 2021-04, 80,000 miles“My 2011 GL450 mercedes SUV is driving sideways one front and one back suspension airbags are not working I feel like my care is going to flip over when I turn. This is a hazardous problem. Can cause accidents a deaths not only on the driver but other people on the road”
NHTSA complaint #11124629, filed 2018-09, 93,000 miles“The airmatic system exploded while the car was at the mercedes benz dealier in modesto, california parked to have the breaks repaired .. According to the dealer the car is no operable due to one of the various airmatic controles exploded while parked waiting being services. The explosion was loud and keept the car bouncing for a couple minutes while the other airmatic controles were deflating due to the explotion. More information can be obtained from the mercedes benz dealer in modesto california since the explo tion occurred at their shop”
NHTSA complaint #11066844, filed 2018-02, 104,000 miles“Front end noise. Brought to dealer who replaced the right strut. 2 months later same noise on left side. Dealer replaced the left strut. Awaiting results.”
NHTSA complaint #10407151, filed 2011-06, 12,000 miles“Were told by a mechanic at betten imports in grand rapids, mi, that the suspension was stuck in the 'low' position, causing the tires to become cupped and pitted. After keeping the vehicle for one week, betten's service manager said that it was bad tires and not the suspension. Only all season tires available for this body type are not adequate for winter driving, and make driving this vehicle in any precipitation hazardous. Driver had ups driver training experience, as well as, on the road sales driving experience. Vehicle bounces around the road and tires become cupped and pitted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10550093, filed 2013-10, 18,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10038955Apr 9, 2013Mercedes-benz: at the front wheel bearing there is a loud knock sound when going around a corner at slow speeds. There is an insufficient fit at the bearings. *rm updated…
- 10038024Feb 2, 2011Mercedes-benz: there are defective connecting cables that are draining the airmatic compressor causing the airmatic light to come on.
- 10037408Nov 19, 2010Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 8% |
| 2015 | 3 | 17% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 14% |
| 2012 | 7 | 15% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 12% |
| 2009 | 3 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 27% |
| 2007 | 11 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450
34 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology