2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class holds 20 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is more complaints per year than most GL-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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20
3
0
11
The complaints owners file most often name Seats (3 of 20), then Electrical system (2) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports a fire.
The 2015 GL-Class has 35 complaints, 3 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (20 total)
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1
1
0
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered at some time between 2/4/26 and 2/5/26. Car was fine when I drove on 2/4/26 and parked at home at approximately 4:30p (still light outside). I got in car next day 2/5/26 at…"
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"water intrusion into the spare tire well compartment and the battery compartment affecting the battery and starter."
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"Tailgate sometimes opens while driving. It sometimes takes many attempts to reclose it from the outside of car. It will not reclose using the electronic button on the door. The alert comes on on the dashboard and its…"
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"Spontaneous shattering of anterior sunroof at highway speeds with no cars around and not near overpasses. Shattered glass rained all throughout the vehicle and passengers. Sounded like a gunshot and the glass appeared…"
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"Coolant Reservoir Hose Blew out on my 2016 GL450 Mercedes Benz."
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
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).
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class holds 20 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 3 per year. That is more complaints per year than most GL-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 2. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Seats (3 of 20), then Electrical system (2) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash and 1 that reports a fire.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2015 GL-Class has 35 complaints, 3 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015.
Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class with NHTSA.
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.