2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450, 8% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 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.
“This car has lot of issues with water pump, radiator leak, lot of engine problems. Oil leak it's got less than 100,000 miles. Radiator hoses leak. Car stopped on mass pike going to albany, ny took it to benz of albany they said engine misfires needs engine replacement and it would cost $47,000 to replace. Very very bad engines. I left a voicemail on benz customer service and no one called back or send me any type of recalls. Very bad service.”
NHTSA complaint #11235222, filed 2019-07, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while opening the door to enter the vehicle, the message Transmission not in P, Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and moved the gear shifter in and out of park(P); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that other unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that he became aware that there was water accumulation underneath the front passenger's side seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #11578908, filed 2024-03, 78,000 miles“I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. …”
NHTSA complaint #11579182, filed 2024-03Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 10135970May 16, 2014Delayed 2-3 Upshift
- 10167546Jul 30, 2013FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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