Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
51 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
55,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2010 to 2017 model years. Data snapshot: . 18 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 20 of 51 complaints (39.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 9.8% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 3.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 3.9% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 3.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 2.0% |
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 | 20 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Steering | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
Air Bags: 20; Electrical System: 8; Engine: 8; Unknown Or Other: 7; Power Train: 4; Steering: 4; Service Brakes: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 33 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 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2016: 3; 2017: 14; 2018: 6; 2019: 3; 2020: 2; 2022: 3; 2023: 5; 2024: 6; 2025: 4; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 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 11699386 · 2025-11-14 (November 14, 2025)
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the brake pedal. The contact stated that the sound was audible since the vehicle was purchased in 2019. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact received a vehicle compliance letter from the manufacturer, which stated that a mobile mechanic co…
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11699386 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11477415 · 2022-08-03 (August 3, 2022)
This is relative to the brake booster recall. Mercedes-Benz conducted a test and there was significant corrosion that exceeded the normal limits allowed. I am still under a stop drive order but I have not been provided any further instruction or provided a vehicle to drive while my vehicle awaits repair or buy back.Customer service representatives have not corresponded with me despite multiple emails and calls over the last 2 -3 weeks. I need A vehicle repaired so it can operate safely or I need another vehicle to drive while awaiting availabl…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11477415 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11071696 · 2018-02-08 (February 8, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SPUTTER, HESITATE, AND, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF ORLAND PARK, 8430 W. 159TH ST, ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO A FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD; HOWEVER, THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES NEEDE…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11071696 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11603522 · 2024-07-20 (July 20, 2024)
While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was approximately 1/8 full according to the gauge, but in fact the car stalled because it ran out of fuel. They were unable to pinpoint why they fuel gauge was showing the wrong level.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11603522 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11320867 · 2020-04-11 (April 11, 2020)
2013 MERCEDES ROUGH RUNNING AT IDLE, VARIOUS FAULTS STORED FOR INJECTOR QUANTITY COMPENSATION FOR CYLINDER BALANCING. FAULT CODE P1CWF-85. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVENTUALLY CAME ON. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS FOUND THAT BOTH ENGINE BANK 1 AND 2 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS WERE FULL OF OIL DUE TO FAILED INTERNAL PACKING OF SENSOR. INSPECTED INJECTOR CONNECTORS AND HAD OIL, O2 SENSORS CONNECTOR HAD OIL, POWER TRAIN CONTROL UNIT FULL OF OIL. IF ENOUGH OIL WAS TO FLOW THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRES TO THE CONTROL UNIT AS SUCH THIS INSTANCE O…
Owner-reported narrative. 91,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11320867 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11686071 · 2025-09-09 (September 9, 2025)
water intrusion into the spare tire well compartment and the battery compartment affecting the battery and starter.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11686071 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10863167 · 2016-05-04 (May 4, 2016)
TAKATA RECALL - I HAD HEAD-ON COLLISION ACCIDENT ON 02/03/2015, STEERING WHEEL AND LEG AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED, BUT CAUSED ME INJURY AFTER IT DEPLOYED TO MY HAND, FINGERS AND KNEES. ONCE LEG AIR BAD DEPLOYED, MY RIGHT KNEED HIT THE SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT AND CAUSED INJURY. MERCEDES DON'T INSTALL THIS SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE SEAT ANYMORE AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS FLAW IN DESIGN AND LOCATION OF THIS SWITCH AND NOW THEY CHANGED THE LOCATION OF SWITCH. THEY MIGHT HAVE FOUND SOMETHING IN THEIR TESTING. PLEASE SEE PICTURES OF MY INJURIES ON FING…
Owner-reported narrative. 63,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10863167 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11569931 · 2024-02-05 (February 5, 2024)
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and malfunction PP0 warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that an independent mechanic facility was nearby, so the mechanic and the contact pushed the vehicle into the shop. The vehicle was diagnosed with failed cam shaft gear and lifters. The contact was informed that the cam shaft g…
Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11569931 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2 |
2010: 3; 2011: 3; 2012: 3; 2013: 3; 2014: 3; 2015: 3; 2016: 4; 2017: 2