2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 58%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550, 58% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 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.
“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550. While driving 40 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed at patrick's imports in lawrence, south carolina where it was determined that the rack and pinion was faulty. The contact stated that the power steering pump was replaced three months ago. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10993966, filed 2017-06, 129,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz GL550. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid onto the bottom bracket. The contact repaired the vehicle himself by replacing the high pressure power steering fluid hose. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10748150, filed 2015-08, 32,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact took the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of houston greenway where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. The contact then took the vehicle to a certified mechanic (lang's auto repair shop) who also diagnosed that the power steering failed and replaced the power steering pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #11015064, filed 2017-08, 129,000 miles“Power steering went out 2014 charged me for it. Claimed no recalls. Front right headlamp had to be replaced two times. This was the whole headlamp assembly. Due to water getting control box wet. Claimed it's how the headlamp is made. Claimed no warranty or recall on it. 2016 & 2019”
NHTSA complaint #11315333, filed 2020-02Related service bulletins
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
- 10028646Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: groaning or dull, heavy cracking noises from steering shaft area. When turning steering wheel or moving off or braking. This may be emanating from the bearing and…
- 10028645Dec 2, 2008Mercedes: chrome plating peeling on decorative caps on the steering wheel spokes, this is due to less than optimal adhesion between chrome plating and base material. Models 164…
- 10025648Apr 22, 2008Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both directions on all model 164 and 251 vehicles. Model years unknown.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550
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