STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11693897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
27 of the 1,046 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLK350 are about the body and structure — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2010.
27
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11693897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING IN HIGHWAY WITH SPEED OF 60 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED DOWN AND DUE TO SUDDEN AIR COMING INSUDE, MY CAR WAS SHIFTED AND I DROVE TO NEAREST EXIT AND NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED, I WAS UNABLE TO PULLUP THE WINDOW AND TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE NOTED HE HAS SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AND THE REGULATOR SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONS. THE COST IS ESTIMATED $1,000 TO FIX IT. I WOULD LIKE TO WARN THAT I AM A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED DRIVER, IF THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO A DRIVER WITH LESS EXPERIENCE, IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. my insurance decuctible is $2000 and cost to fix it $1000
NHTSA complaint #11672580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment for the auxiliary battery replacement, the contact was informed that water was in the spare wheel storage location. The contact was informed that the water level measured to be a quarter of a foot of water. In addition, the water was also noticed to be in the auxiliary battery storage area. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,714.
NHTSA complaint #11572326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Corrosión en toda la parte trasera (subframe) que sujeta la suspensión haciendo el carro inestable a la hora de detener el automóvil, y apaga los sistemas ABS,ESP. lo cual lo hace mas peligrosa la conducción. Si Toyota hizo el cambio en sus vehículos con por que mercedes benz deberia comprometerse a repara esta parte. Ya que es un riesgo a la seguridad.
NHTSA complaint #11554522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
The lift gate has an automatic open feature like many vehicles. When you press the handle or use the remote control to open the rear lift gate, the gate opens all the way. After some time (5 - 30 seconds), the gate slams suddenly either to half way open, or slams completely shut on its own. This is especially dangerous when a person is under the gate getting something out of the trunk, and the heavy metal gate suddenly slams on to their head.
NHTSA complaint #11552790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already under recall in Europe. there are thousands of existing owner complains about the exact same issue. MB USA initially refused to acknowledge the problem, but on 2/14/2023 they sent a memo to all US dealers to repair rotted subframe for free under "extended warrantee". however, they refused to pay for the full repair even after dealership specifically informed them that it was not possible to complete the repair without replacing thrust arm and rod, which were damaged due to the Subframe failure. this incident endangered me and my family, cost $2000+ out of pocket for repairs in addition to the loss of access to my vehicle for at least 3 weeks.
NHTSA complaint #11507640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I had my 2010 Mercedes GLK in for B service today (Jan. 3, 2023), and the repair team inspected the vehicle and informed me that I have a RUST HOLE approximately 1" x 2" in size located adjacent to an attachment point for the wheels in the REAR SUBFRAME. If it breaks, it could cause the vehicle to become difficult to control. Additionally, they informed me that the BRAKE LINES are also RUSTING/WEAKENING. If the brakes fail while driving it could cause loss of control of the vehicle. Since these are hidden parts that I typically can't see, I had no warning that there was anything wrong until I had it in for routine maintenance. I have the invoice for the oil change, with a notation from the repair team regarding these parts. The vehicle is available for inspection should it be necessary.
NHTSA complaint #11499957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Premature rear subframe corrosion due to design of component, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. If control arm detaches geometry of suspension will change and divert into another lane and cause a crash, the issue was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle is due to be inspected by the manufacturer 12-30. No warning of issue as the majority is covered by body panel.
NHTSA complaint #11499110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the rear end began to fishtail and shattered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving slowly to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic informed the contact that the rear subframe was corroded and had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear subframe to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake fluid and brake warning lights illuminated, and shortly after adding brake fluid the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake lines were corroded, causing brake fluid to leak and the brake lines needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle there was rusting of the rear subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,000. The consumer stated the repair for this vehicle was very expensive being as though it was purchased only 1 year ago.
NHTSA complaint #11494133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the frame was corroded and the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the dealer and the manufacturer would cover 50% each for the cost of the subframe replacement; however, the contact needed to pay as well for the replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11463624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and making abnormal sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with sub frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11463499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 2020100005 (replace Takata passenger-side module Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair? The manufacturer was notified of the issue but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was in an act of nature accident with a deer. The severe frontal impact damage didn't deploy the airbags. this is a major safety concern with the sensor electrical system, and the already RECALL airbags. The customer is receiving no resolve according to the NHTSA department approve lawsuit settlement claim filed.
NHTSA complaint #11441695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact called for the owner of the vehicle who stated that the vehicle was beginning to wobble while driving. The contact stated that he worked for a dealer where a certified mechanic observed the vehicle and diagnosed that the control arms were severely rusted and not seated correctly on the vehicle causing the rear subframe to be severely damaged and needing replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage 79,308. Consumer stated been vehicle is being held at a repair facility for quite some time now.
NHTSA complaint #11429609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE CLEAR COAT IS BUBBLING AND PEALING OFF. WHEN I CALLED THE FACTORY ABOUT THIS ISSUE THEY SAID I WOULD NEED TO GO THROUGH THE DEALER. I CALLED TWO LOCALE DEALERS AND THEY BOTH SAID THEY DO NOT DO ANY BODY OR PAINT WORK . THEY DEFERRED ME TO LOCAL BODY SHOPS THEY HAVE NO TIES TO THE FACTOY.
NHTSA complaint #11186893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER COMPLAINS ABOUT WORK PERFORMED AT CARMAX DEALERSHIP; WORKMANSHIP AND HONESTY OF SERVICE STAFF. NO NHTSA RESPONSE REQUIRED. *EA
NHTSA complaint #11142013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 65 TO 70 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARMAX (21939 SOUTHWEST FWY, RICHMOND, TX 77469, (281) 232-7180) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11084565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
ACCELERATION/BRAKE ISSUE. ON 09/0517 I PULLED INTO MY PARKING LOT APARTMENT COMPLEX AND UPON PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT, I ATTEMPTED TO BACK MY 2010 MERCEDES 2010 GLK350 TO ALIGN MY CAR. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, BUT SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON MY DASHBOARD IT DISPLAYED "CHECK BRAKE PADS". I PURCHASE THIS CAR ON 08/16/17 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS (2) SAFETY RECALLS FOR 'TAKATA" AIRBAGS. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 IS ALARMING AND CONCERNING.
NHTSA complaint #11022316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE PARKING MY CAR IN A GARAGE, IT ACCELERATED. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, IT SPEEDED UP CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10810779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AND I HEARD A VERY LOUD BOOM FROM MY VEHICLE, FOLLOWED BY CRACKLING SOUND. MY SUNROOF SHATTERED AS WELL AS THE FIXED PIECE BETWEEN MY WINDSHIELD AND MOVING PANE OF SUNROOF. THE FOLLOWING DAY, I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD AN OBJECT STRUCK THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST PANE OF GLASS HAD A 1 IN DIAMETER HOLE WITH A STARBURST PATTERN AND THE SECOND PANE HAD VERY LITTLE VISIBLE DAMAGE TO IT OTHER THAN THE HUNDREDS OF CRACKS IN IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WHY THE FIRST PANE OF GLASS THAT IS ANGLED OUTWARD TO THE ROAD IS NOT MADE OF SAFETY GLASS OR METAL AND WAS CONSTRUCTED OF TEMPERED GLASS. I WAS LUCKY THAT I HAD MY BLIND CLOSED AND THAT THE GLASS DID NOT SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE ANY OF THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME. AS I TOLD THE GENTLEMEN AT THE DEALERSHIP, IF ROAD DEBRIS HITS MY VEHICLE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE A THIRD OF MY ROOF. ROCKS HAVE HIT MY WINDSHIELD AND CHIPPED IT, BUT FOR A ROCK TO HIT MY VEHICLE AND CAUSE SUCH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IS POOR DESIGN OR QUALITY OF MANUFACTURING.
NHTSA complaint #10692832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.