Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2009 Mercedes Benz GL450 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 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 — 12
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GL450. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GL450
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 Mercedes Benz GL450
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
836.4%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
313.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 71,500 mi
Suspension
313.6%
Median failure at 126,000 miles
Brakes
313.6%
Median failure at 143,300 miles
Engine & Cooling
29.1%
Median failure at 149,650 miles
Stability & Traction Control
14.5%
Median failure at 126,000 miles
Lights
14.5%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Electrical System
14.5%
Median failure at 143,300 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
16.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1168.8%
150,000+ miles
318.8%
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.
Feb 2017peak 3Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Mercedes Benz GL450
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 104,000 milesGrand Rapids, MICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK TODAY 2/3/2017 AND I WAS MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. I THEN SAW THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND WAS BOWED OUT. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF AND THE REST OF THE GLASS IS SPIDERWEBBED. NOTHING HAD HIT MY CAR OR MY SUNROOF. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH AS I WAS STILL ON A ON RAMP. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED MERCEDES WHO IS NO HELP. THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS OR BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO CRASH OR IF MY SUNROOF COVER WAS OPENED I WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS.
NHTSA complaint #10949492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 156,000 milesWinter Haven, FL
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated, and the struts had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed prior to the recall repair, due to the failure. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic fee, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer failed to honor the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesWinter Haven, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated, and the struts had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed prior to the recall repair, due to the failure. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic fee, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer failed to honor the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesWinter Haven, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated, and the struts had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed prior to the recall repair, due to the failure. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic fee, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer failed to honor the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,300 milesNorth Miami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was completed; however, after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer replaced the battery and completed other unknown repairs on the vehicle. The contact stated that he picked up and drove the vehicle to his residence; however, the vehicle failed to start the next day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would reimburse the rental car cost. The failure mileage was approximately 143,300.
NHTSA complaint #11490054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,300 milesNorth Miami, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was completed; however, after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer replaced the battery and completed other unknown repairs on the vehicle. The contact stated that he picked up and drove the vehicle to his residence; however, the vehicle failed to start the next day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would reimburse the rental car cost. The failure mileage was approximately 143,300.
NHTSA complaint #11490054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,300 milesNorth Miami, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was completed; however, after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer replaced the battery and completed other unknown repairs on the vehicle. The contact stated that he picked up and drove the vehicle to his residence; however, the vehicle failed to start the next day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would reimburse the rental car cost. The failure mileage was approximately 143,300.
NHTSA complaint #11490054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving 70 down an interstate a Saturday around 4:30 pm and heard a noise as if my sunroof opened a bit, then I heard a loud pop and a rush of air and looked in my rearview mirror and didn't see anything, I looked up seen the sunroof was gone. All I could think about is that could have really caused a serious accident. Glad no one was around me at the time. I doubled back twice and could not find the sunroof glass. I got home and put a couple pieces of cardboard and plastic down and duct taped it before the snow storm hits. A day after and my heart is still racing knowing that could have cause a wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11447646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBelzoni, MS
AIR BAGS
TAKATA INFLATORS : THE SRS LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY STAYING ON IN THE VEHICLE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE LIGHT COMES ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE GOES BACK OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11180702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBelzoni, MS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAKATA INFLATORS : THE SRS LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY STAYING ON IN THE VEHICLE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE LIGHT COMES ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE GOES BACK OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11180702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBelzoni, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
TAKATA INFLATORS : THE SRS LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY STAYING ON IN THE VEHICLE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE LIGHT COMES ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE GOES BACK OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11180702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesParlin, NJ
SUSPENSION
I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY SUSPENSION. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE IT TWICE IN 1 YEAR. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11152539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesParlin, NJ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY SUSPENSION. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE IT TWICE IN 1 YEAR. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11152539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesPleasant Hill, CA
SUSPENSION
I PURCHASED MY MB GL450 IN 2010 AND AT THAT TIME IT WAS COVERED AS A PRE-OWNED MB VEHICLE. UNDER THE WARRANTY, I HAD THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION FIXED TWICE. ONCE ON FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT. AFTER THE WARRANT EXPIRED, I HAVE HAD TO DO BOTH SIDES OF MY SUSPENSION AGAIN. NOW THE FRONT LEFT HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE READ MY BLOGS AND POSTS ABOUT THIS MB SUSPENSION DEFECT AND WANT HOPE THE NHTSA CAN PUSH MB TO ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS FAILED PRODUCT.
NHTSA complaint #11074351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel Valley, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: STILL NO REMEDY AVAILABLE PER MERCEDES BENZ; FIRST NOTICE RECEIVED 2/2017.
NHTSA complaint #11053763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chantilly, VA
AIR BAGS
THIS COMPLAIN IS ABOUT THE RECALL REPORT AS BELOW FEB 11,2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2016020003 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V081 DESCRIPTION: I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS RECALL. APPARENTLY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER.
NHTSA complaint #11052967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesEvsnsville, IN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY VEHICLE IS PART OF THE RECALL AND THERE IS STILL NO FIX FOR MY PROBLEM. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, WE ARE DRIVING WITH A TICKING TIME BOMB.
NHTSA complaint #11045927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calabasas, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL THE RECALL WAS INSTITUTED FEBRUARY 2016, YET TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN NO REMEDY OFFERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND NO INDICATION AS TO WHEN THEY WILL BE REPLACING THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA complaint #11044766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesRochester, MN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL A RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED FOR MY VEHICLE'S (2009 BENZ GL450) AIRBAGS. HOWEVER, TAKATA / MERCEDES BENZ DO NOT HAVE A REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE DESPITE THE RECALL DATE BEING MORE THAN 1 YEAR AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11042257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesSpokane, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE HAD TROUBLE TOWING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER, WE LOOKED UNDER OUR CAR AND THE WELD WAS BROKEN ON OUR HITCH. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR INSPECTION CONFIRMED IT WAS A "BAD WELD".THEY WANT US TO PAY $900 TO FIX. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND HITCH THAT WAS RECALLED IN 2007 AND 2008, SO MERCEDES CONTINUED TO USE THE SAME HITCH AND WELD IN YEAR 2009 AND NOW IT HAS FAILED AFTER 4 TIMES TOWING. THE RUST ON OUR PICTURE INDICATES THE WELD HAD FAILED MUCH PRIOR TO US REALIZING IT.
NHTSA complaint #10983420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coconut Creek, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10970687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calabasas, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ UPDATED 10/10/2017
NHTSA complaint #10949241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesGrand Rapids, MICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK TODAY 2/3/2017 AND I WAS MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. I THEN SAW THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND WAS BOWED OUT. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF AND THE REST OF THE GLASS IS SPIDERWEBBED. NOTHING HAD HIT MY CAR OR MY SUNROOF. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH AS I WAS STILL ON A ON RAMP. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED MERCEDES WHO IS NO HELP. THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS OR BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO CRASH OR IF MY SUNROOF COVER WAS OPENED I WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS.
NHTSA complaint #10949492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.