Mercedes-Benz GL-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz GL-Class years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 5 (52 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 77 complaints), 2014 at 1 (from 39 complaints), and 2015 at 3 (from 35 complaints). On the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, 7 of 52 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 → | 3 | 20 | 0 | Seats | — |
| 2015 → Fewest | 3 | 35 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2014 → Fewest | 1 | 39 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2013 → Most | 5 | 52 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2012 → Fewest | 0 | 77 | 0 | Air bags | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (GL 450; verify MB sheet) · 7.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/55R19, 275/50R20, 295/40R21 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 13V-166 covers certain 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles: second-row seat-belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued. The campaign lists 256 vehicles across those GL models; dealers check and tighten the bolts. Recall 18V-272 covers certain 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec, GL550, and GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles (and ML/GLS models): power steering oil foam can leak from the reservoir. That multi-model campaign lists 9,725 vehicles; dealers correct the oil level and replace the reservoir sealing cap. Recall 16V-900 covers certain 2015 GL350/GL450/GL550 and related models for axle-carrier bolts that may loosen (48 vehicles).
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GL-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 77 complaints), 2014 at 1 (from 39 complaints), and 2015 at 3 (from 35 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz GL-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 5 (52 complaints). On the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, 7 of 52 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz GL-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz GL-Class years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class take?
GL 450 lists 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (~7.4 qt). Verify the MB approval sheet on the oil container.
What does recall 13V-166 cover on the GL-Class?
Certain 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles: second-row seat-belt related defect—see the NHTSA campaign for the remedy.
What tire sizes did the X166 GL-Class use?
275/55R19, 275/50R20, or 295/40R21 depending on trim.