Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints across the 7 model years of the Mercedes-Benz GL550 (2008–2015) that have at least 5 complaints. 2011 has the most, with 15. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (22 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All GL550 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 2,200 | 3 | 85 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 10 | 33,500 | 3 | 80 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 6 | 62,686 | 3 | 83 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 8 | 61,000 | 3 | 51 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 15 | 69,000 | 3 | 68 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 6 | 94,600 | 3 | 60 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 12 | 95,500 | 2 | 61 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags22 30%
- Steering11 15%
- Engine11 15%
- Electrical system9 12%
- Other or unknown7 9.6%
- Brakes6 8.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 5.5%
- Suspension3 4.1%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2013: “We purchased the 2013 gl 550 five months ago. When we were driving home the vehicle shifted itself into park while in was in drive. The vehicle abruptly stopped and violently jerked the car and our family was inside in traffic approaching a four way stop light. When we attempted to put the car back into drive and pull off the car automatically shifted itself into park again while we were driving. This happened in the middle of traffic while making a left turn with oncoming traffic at a light. Police were called. Car was towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11365435, filed 2020-10, 90,000 miles2014: “The rear headrests in the models that have the ez fold system in the 2014 GL550 will not come out, nor do the headrests tilt back to a comfortable position for children. In the mercedes forums, there are dozens of comments on this and I have attached photos from one of these that mimics what my children, 9 & 13 are experiencing - unable to sit very comfortably in the back seat, as the headrest protrudes too far out where their necks are too cranked forward, or head is not in a good position. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991657, filed 2017-05, 33,000 miles2009: “I purchased tires in january 2015 , in october 2015, my signall displayed check tire pressure. I had the tire inspected an rotated at place of purchase. Within weeks my tire was completely flat. I stopped at the nearest station and was told I had a crack in the inner side wall. On 10/15/2015 I returned to the place I purchase the tires. I explained that I believed, that my tire is faulty. The merchant told me you must have hit something, it happens all the time .. …”
NHTSA complaint #10783003, filed 2015-10, 83,000 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,965 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
659 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology