2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
22 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
99,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 22 complaints (59.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 9.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 4.5% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 4.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 4.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 13 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
| Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | 1 |
Air Bags: 13; Engine: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1; Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2016: 3; 2017: 6; 2018: 4; 2019: 3; 2022: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 2; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10852587 · 2016-03-30 (March 30, 2016)
ENGINE OIL COOLER LEACK $3500 REPAIR JOB AT MERCEDES GREENWAY HOUSTON , AIRMATIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, $3500 ABS SPEED SENSOR , INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROLL BROKEN
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10852587 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11467958 · 2022-06-07 (June 7, 2022)
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11467958 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11490531 · 2022-10-24 (October 24, 2022)
I would like to file an official complaint with Mercedes Service center prior to escalating. Due to neglection the part of your authorized dealership, I am confronted with poor and conniving customer service, strong safety concerns, and financial loss. Also, Euro Motors did not report any issues with the vehicle wire harness during the pre inspection. During the pre inspection the only thing Mechanic pointed out was the rear left air suspension bag losing air (see attached videos of pre and post inspection).I brought in my GL350 for the manufac…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11490531 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11291387 · 2019-12-26 (December 26, 2019)
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK IS INOPERATIVE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE DUE TO FACT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE FAILS. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2012 ##
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11291387 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11131160 · 2018-09-25 (September 25, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350BTC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT END AND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND LEFT TO COOL DOWN. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BURNED. THERE WAS NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED. THE TECH…
Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11131160 at NHTSA ↗