Owners have filed 48 complaints
about the 2010 Mercedes Benz GL450 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 60
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GL450. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GL450
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
416.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
624.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
520.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
728.0%
150,000+ miles
312.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 4Mar 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 135,000 milesRiverdale, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE DROVE UPHILL AND BECAME AIRBORNE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE HOUSE WERE NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN THAT MANNER. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11172611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A BURNT RUBBER ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE GLOVEBOX COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11103866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesHavana, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle responded as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer determined that the brake booster had failed; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPomona, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to bring the vehicle of a complete stop, the vehicle slowed but failed to stop as expected. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard but was able to bring the vehicle to a stop by using the parking brake. The low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front driver’s side brake line, observing that the brake line was heavily corroded causing the line to rupture. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed an identical failure with the front passenger’s side brake line. The contact was informed that excessive corrosion was observed throughout the entire braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearland, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The EIS module we have found has an issue with the part from Japan that does not have enough Sauder on a part of it, so when the temp drops below 50 degrees or less the ignition starts but all the safety features go off and the computer shuts down the vehicle. Reason is the metal contracts in cold weather causing the connections to not fully meet. We have figured this out after many times of replacing the main battery, aux battery thinking this is the issue. After much research on the web and MB forums this seems to be an issue especially in the colder climates with some of the older models. Some others have had have their autos stop in the middle of driving them in cold weather. Not sure why this has not been reported. We are having the issue now with a 2010 MB GL 450 we just purchased in November and every time it gets cold, the auto goes haywire when the temp drops. Warm weather zero issues. Wanted to relay since we do not see a recall and we are working out the bug on this on our own time and money.
NHTSA complaint #11635038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearland, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The EIS module we have found has an issue with the part from Japan that does not have enough Sauder on a part of it, so when the temp drops below 50 degrees or less the ignition starts but all the safety features go off and the computer shuts down the vehicle. Reason is the metal contracts in cold weather causing the connections to not fully meet. We have figured this out after many times of replacing the main battery, aux battery thinking this is the issue. After much research on the web and MB forums this seems to be an issue especially in the colder climates with some of the older models. Some others have had have their autos stop in the middle of driving them in cold weather. Not sure why this has not been reported. We are having the issue now with a 2010 MB GL 450 we just purchased in November and every time it gets cold, the auto goes haywire when the temp drops. Warm weather zero issues. Wanted to relay since we do not see a recall and we are working out the bug on this on our own time and money.
NHTSA complaint #11635038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPanama City, FL
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and opened the sunroof and became aware that the sunroof panel had detached, and the glass fell inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V874000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the failure was reported to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
brake line corrison and leak, results in no braking.
NHTSA complaint #11628185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dade City, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake booster got do not drive letter and contacted June 27,2024 and first week of july and said they would contact me and nothing yet.
NHTSA complaint #11603009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesElk Grove, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while the vehicle started, the contact became aware that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11506441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAtlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the ABS warning light remained activated. The contact stated there was also a grinding sound while depressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAtlanta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the ABS warning light remained activated. The contact stated there was also a grinding sound while depressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,042 milesMacomb, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated upon parking the vehicle in the garage, the brake pedal was depressed and felt soft. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was associated with a recall. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times and informed the contact that the manufacturer had not been providing parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to obtain a rental for possible reimbursement. The failure mileage was 122,042. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11491065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Short Hills, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
I received an Stop Drive Order form Mercedes Benz USA more that a week ago and I stopped driving my vehicle. I contacted the closest authorized MB dealer Union, NJ and they have not provided a loaner car and have not yet fixed the issue. They say they have so many calls and cannot do anything for me despite the fact I waited so long. I need this car on a daily basis and cannot do my work without this car. I have been calling them over and over and they disconnect the phone. This has been really frustrating. They are also saying that they are not willing to pay for any cab fee, Uber or any rental car fee. I need my car urgently and am really scared to drive this car after they sent me the STOP DRIVE Order
NHTSA complaint #11475017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syosset, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
As the recall states for the brakes the car failed while at high speed on the highway luckily I had distance from other cars for the car to slow down on its own. Brakes failed 90%, pressure completely gone.
NHTSA complaint #11465528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Grange, TX
SUSPENSION
The vehicle has begun to "dance" and sway, abnormally on common highway bumps. It can be scary.
NHTSA complaint #11455563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TN
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SUGAR LAND (15625 SOUTHWEST FWY, SUGAR LAND, TX 77478, (281) 207-1500) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11209240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesRiverdale, GACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE DROVE UPHILL AND BECAME AIRBORNE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE HOUSE WERE NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN THAT MANNER. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11172611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesLake Forest, CA
STEERING
THE STEERING ON THE SUV FREEZES AND DOESN'T TURN PROPERLY COULD CAUSE OVER STEERING AND A DEADLY ACCIDENT. ALSO THE SHOCKS ARE BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11171765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesLake Forest, CA
SUSPENSION
THE STEERING ON THE SUV FREEZES AND DOESN'T TURN PROPERLY COULD CAUSE OVER STEERING AND A DEADLY ACCIDENT. ALSO THE SHOCKS ARE BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11171765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (LOKEY MERCEDES-BENZ, 19820 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, 727-362-6657) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11110230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A BURNT RUBBER ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE GLOVEBOX COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11103866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaysville, UT
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SAFETY RECALL IN DECEMBER OF 2017. THE LETTER STATES OF DEATH AND AND SERIOUS INJURY AND AS OF TODAY MAY 25 2018. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED CORRESPONDENCE OF REPAIR OR DIRECTION.
NHTSA complaint #11097767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centennial, CO
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL IT HAS BEEN COUPLE YEARS SINCE THIS RECALL NOTIFIED. BUT THERE IS NO SIGN OF REPAIR COMING IN ANYTIME SOON. NOT COMFORTABLE WITH DRIVING THIS CAR. HOW DO I EXPEDITED THE REPAIR PROCESS? THANKS TUGA
NHTSA complaint #11072746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesNokomis, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON 8/27/17 I GOT A COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11019610 I GOT NEVER FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT MY COMPLAINT. SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO DO NEXT. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
NHTSA complaint #11066552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macomb, MI
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11064048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain TOP, PA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - THE DEALER MOTORWORLD IN WILKES-BARRE, PA WILL NOT REPLACE THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #11054385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.