Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2014 Mercedes Benz GL550 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GL550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GL550
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 Mercedes Benz GL550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
321.4%
Median failure at 104,000 miles
Suspension
214.3%
Steering
214.3%
Median failure at 67,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
Median failure at 33,000 miles
Seats
17.1%
Median failure at 33,000 miles
Seat Belts
17.1%
Median failure at 12,500 miles
Wheels
17.1%
Brakes
17.1%
Electrical System
17.1%
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
116.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
350.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
233.3%
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.
Sep 2014peak 3Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 33,000 milesNewton, MA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD JUST ARRIVED HOME. THE CAR WAS OFF AND I WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I OPENED THE DOOR BUT IT DIDN'T OPEN ALL THE WAY TO THE FIRST HINGE. MY HAND WAS IN THE DOOR AS IT SLOWLY STARTED TO CLOSE. THE DOOR CAUGHT SLIGHTLY AND THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE ACTIVATED. MY THUMB WAS CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND WAS CRUSHED AS THE DOOR SEALED COMPLETELY CLOSED WITH THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR DURING THIS TIME. I WAS YANKING ON THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO FREE MY THUMB BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SOFT CLOSE WAS COMPLETE. AS A RESULT MY THUMB WAS CRUSHED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS A DESIGN FAULT WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO SENSOR TO DETECT SOMETHING IN THE DOOR AS WELL AS NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AT ANY POINT DURING THE SELF CLOSE PROCESS PRESENTS MANY SAFETY ISSUES! I REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID AFTER AN EVALUATION THAT THE VEHICLE WORKS THE WAY IT'S DESIGNED AND THAT THE DOOR COULD OPEN DURING ANYTIME OF THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE. I MADE A SHORT VIDEO SHOWING THAT IN FACT YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR DURING THE SOFT CLOSE PROCESS. MY FINGER WAS NOT BROKEN BECAUSE I CLOSED THE DOOR ON IT! THE DOOR WASN'T CLOSED ALL THE WAY, IT HAD ONLY JUST SLIGHTLY LATCHED AND WAS THEN CRUSHED BY THE SOFT CLOSE. I EXPLAINED TO MERCEDES THAT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WITH MY 3 AND 5 YEAR OLD. IF IT CRUSHED MY THUMB IT WOULD BREAK THEIR HAND!! AFTER I DISPUTED THAT YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR SOMEBODY HIGHER UP AT MERCEDES CALLED ME AND SAID THAT I WAS CORRECT YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR DURING THE SOFT CLOSE AND THAT I WAS RIGHT BUT THAT IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED THEREFORE IT'S OPERATING CORRECTLY. WHEN I ASKED WHAT THEY WOULD DO HE SIMPLY ASKED WHY DON'T I JUST GO AND BUY A NEW CAR WITHOUT THE FEATURE!! I EXPLAINED THAT I DIDN'T FELL LIKE SPENDING ANOTHER $100 000.00 WHEN MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD!
NHTSA complaint #11160890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tulsa, OK
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11756541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SUSPENSION
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11756541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11756541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosharon, TX
WHEELS
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
NHTSA complaint #11672674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosharon, TX
SUSPENSION
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
NHTSA complaint #11672674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosharon, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently purchased my Mercedes from Auto Boutique in Pearland, Texas (713) 352-0777. 1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3. All the tires are registering improper inflation errors even though no air has been added or removed. I took the vehicle back to the place of origin; but they are not Mercedes Certified to address the issues. I am terrified to drive the vehicle, and it stays parked in the garage
NHTSA complaint #11672674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesChicago Ridge, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with leaky exhaust valves. The dealer determined that the exhaust valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a similar assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under TSB Number: 10233794. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago Ridge, IL
ENGINE
Leaky exhaust valves
NHTSA complaint #11610291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRosedale, MD
STEERING
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 gear and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously because of an abnormal sound however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11569931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
ENGINE
Tapping noise developed in the engine, after dealership inspection using borescope, scored cylinder walls were found, resulting to engine replacement. Please see: Lena Jamil, et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Case No: 2:22-cv-08130-FLA-AFM)
NHTSA complaint #11537166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesNewton, MA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD JUST ARRIVED HOME. THE CAR WAS OFF AND I WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I OPENED THE DOOR BUT IT DIDN'T OPEN ALL THE WAY TO THE FIRST HINGE. MY HAND WAS IN THE DOOR AS IT SLOWLY STARTED TO CLOSE. THE DOOR CAUGHT SLIGHTLY AND THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE ACTIVATED. MY THUMB WAS CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND WAS CRUSHED AS THE DOOR SEALED COMPLETELY CLOSED WITH THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR DURING THIS TIME. I WAS YANKING ON THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO FREE MY THUMB BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SOFT CLOSE WAS COMPLETE. AS A RESULT MY THUMB WAS CRUSHED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS A DESIGN FAULT WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO SENSOR TO DETECT SOMETHING IN THE DOOR AS WELL AS NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AT ANY POINT DURING THE SELF CLOSE PROCESS PRESENTS MANY SAFETY ISSUES! I REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID AFTER AN EVALUATION THAT THE VEHICLE WORKS THE WAY IT'S DESIGNED AND THAT THE DOOR COULD OPEN DURING ANYTIME OF THE SOFT CLOSE FEATURE. I MADE A SHORT VIDEO SHOWING THAT IN FACT YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR DURING THE SOFT CLOSE PROCESS. MY FINGER WAS NOT BROKEN BECAUSE I CLOSED THE DOOR ON IT! THE DOOR WASN'T CLOSED ALL THE WAY, IT HAD ONLY JUST SLIGHTLY LATCHED AND WAS THEN CRUSHED BY THE SOFT CLOSE. I EXPLAINED TO MERCEDES THAT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WITH MY 3 AND 5 YEAR OLD. IF IT CRUSHED MY THUMB IT WOULD BREAK THEIR HAND!! AFTER I DISPUTED THAT YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR SOMEBODY HIGHER UP AT MERCEDES CALLED ME AND SAID THAT I WAS CORRECT YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR DURING THE SOFT CLOSE AND THAT I WAS RIGHT BUT THAT IS THE WAY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED THEREFORE IT'S OPERATING CORRECTLY. WHEN I ASKED WHAT THEY WOULD DO HE SIMPLY ASKED WHY DON'T I JUST GO AND BUY A NEW CAR WITHOUT THE FEATURE!! I EXPLAINED THAT I DIDN'T FELL LIKE SPENDING ANOTHER $100 000.00 WHEN MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD!
NHTSA complaint #11160890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesPoinciana, FL
STEERING
DAIMLER AG, (DAG) THE MANUFACTURER OF MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES, HAS DETERMINED THAT ON CERTAIN GLE, GLS AND GLE COUP VEHICLES (166, 292 PLATFORM) WITH THE ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS), THE OIL IN THE ACS'S OIL RESERVOIR COULD START FOAMING UNDER DYNAMIC DRIVING SITUATIONS IN COMBINATION WITH AN OIL LEVEL BELOW MINIMUM. THE OIL FOAM MIGHT LEAK OUT OF THE OIL RESERVOIR THROUGH THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP. DEPENDING ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP, LEAKING OIL COULD SPRAY ONTO HOT SURFACE COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN SUCH A CASE THE RISK OF A FIRE CANNOT BE RULED OUT. AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP, WILL CORRECT THE OIL LEVEL IF NECESSARY AND REPLACE THE SEALING CAP OF THE OIL RESERVOIR WITH AN OPTIMIZED SEALING CAP TO PREVENT OIL FOAM LEAKAGE. SAFETY RISK: DEPENDING ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE VENT HOLES IN THE SEALING CAP, LEAKING OIL COULD SPRAY ONTO HOT SURFACE COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN SUCH A CASE THE RISK OF A FIRE CANNOT BE RULED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11104245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSioux Falls, SD
SEATS
THE REAR HEADRESTS IN THE MODELS THAT HAVE THE EZ FOLD SYSTEM IN THE 2014 GL550 WILL NOT COME OUT, NOR DO THE HEADRESTS TILT BACK TO A COMFORTABLE POSITION FOR CHILDREN. IN THE MERCEDES FORUMS, THERE ARE DOZENS OF COMMENTS ON THIS AND I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS FROM ONE OF THESE THAT MIMICS WHAT MY CHILDREN, 9 & 13 ARE EXPERIENCING - UNABLE TO SIT VERY COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK SEAT, AS THE HEADREST PROTRUDES TOO FAR OUT WHERE THEIR NECKS ARE TOO CRANKED FORWARD, OR HEAD IS NOT IN A GOOD POSITION. I AM SEEKING A FIX WHERE THE HEADREST CAN TILT BACK LIKE THE ONES IN THE VEHICLES WITH MANUAL FOLDING REAR SEATS. TAHNK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10991657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,500 milesScarsdale, NY
SEAT BELTS
MERCEDES GL 550. FRONT SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS ACTIVATED WITH NO IMMINENT CRASH. RANDOM OCCURRENCE IN BOTH FRONT SEATS AND RELEASED AFTER 2-3 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10639532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.