36 of the
1,046 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLK350
are about the electrical system —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
My kids and I went into a football game and when we came out I used the key fob to unlock the doors but the vehicle didn’t recognize my key fob when I tried to start it. There were no lights or warnings leading up to this incident. The dash didn’t say anything besides “remove key from ignition”. We were stranded for 5 hours before I had to have it towed. It cost roughly $2000 to have it repaired with no clear reason for why it happened. It was a censor on the steering column that was somehow deprogrammed while we were in the stadium and suddenly failed to recognize its own key fob once it was inserted into the ignition. The anti-theft security feature kicked in and I could not get the vehicle to respond or bypass the system and it left me and 4 children stranded in a very dangerous area for several hours with no information as to why this happened or how to avoid it in the future. The steering column locked up when the tow truck driver tried to load it and caused a significant amount of added expenses on to the repair costs and towing costs.
NHTSA complaint #11752273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RECALL NO: 19V-868 | VIN: [XXX] | CASE #: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (X204) DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY PROBLEM: This complaint concerns a failure to adequately remedy NHTSA Recall 19V-868. Since [XXX], my vehicle has been grounded at Mercedes-Benz of Westmont. The dealer performed the recall out of sequence, ignored documented circuit faults, and refused mandatory Xentry commissioning and SCN Normalization, leaving the SRS system inoperative and uncertified. NHTSA records (Ex B-27) confirm the recall remains "Incomplete." MANUFACTURER ABANDONMENT OF SAFETY OVERSIGHT: On Feb 26, 2026, an MBUSA Executive Referral Manager (Case #[XXX]) stated by phone he would not read my 61-page safety complaint and classified the failure to verify the recall as a "dealer issue" due to franchise laws. Only 28 minutes after admitting he would not read the file, he sent an email falsely claiming he had "reviewed the documentation" and closed the case. By refusing to audit a documented failure to certify a safety repair, MBUSA is in active violation of its duty to ensure recall completion under 49 U.S.C. § 30120. COERCIVE SAFETY THREAT (49 U.S.C. § 30122): Service Manager Blake Farmer and Advisor Harry Arroyo explicitly threatened to remove the new airbag and reinstall the original defective recalled inflator (Ex B-6) during a billing dispute. This is a direct violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30122, which prohibits a dealer from knowingly making a safety system inoperative. DEALER NEGLIGENCE & ADDITIONAL RISKS: Dealer negligence regarding Part #204-440-68-41 (Ex B-17, B-26) caused a 5-day delay, resulting in a nationwide backorder. Furthermore, technician video (Ex B-10) shows an active oil leak (Code P2610-29), a fire/stalling hazard per MBUSA TSB LI05.20-P-067123 that the dealer refused to diagnose. ATTACHED: 61-page filing with 28 exhibits and 3 notarized affidavits. The 60-day federal deadline is April 4, 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11720856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The entire electrical system failed and the power steering, SRS, and ABS systems malfunctioned. Yes, it’s available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Last night around 9 pm CST we crank the car and started to drive, (no warning light at that time) and all of a sudden the car had a warning message to start the engine or the vehicle would turn off the engine although we were already driving. The car started to show all the lights and the brakes got harder to press while we were driving about 40 miles per hour. We couldn’t stop completely at the traffic light and the SRS light came on in the dashboard. After we got off the main road, the power steering locked up as we were trying to turn into a parking lot to safely park. Even after removing the key, the engine remained on and the headlights. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -No, a dealer has not confirmed electrical problems for this specific VIN, although there has been a “blanket recall” on the models in this class. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -No, not to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -The battery light turned on around 9 am when I was driving my son to his appointment. Then the light went off. Later on in the day, I was able to drive approximately 30-40 miles before going home. In the evening, when driving to the grocery store, the battery light came back on and went off. After leaving grocery store, this is when the car malfunctioned. The ABS and SRS were prominent during the malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11666040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 1/17/25, I was on my commute to my office when I noted a very strong and unpleasant odor. Thinking it was from a truck in front of me, I passed the truck, cracked my passenger window and continued the short distance to my office. After work, when I returned to my car, I noted a hole burned through my driver's side leather seat. I didn't make the connection to the odor from that morning until I arrived home and did some online research. It turns out that my front seat warmer had malfunctioned, burning all the way through the leather. This problem is well documented online in various forums in my year, make and model. In some cases I read about, driver's clothing burned. In one case I found, a child was burned. This is also a well documented problem that occurred in earlier models of Mercedes, resulting in a lawsuit and a recall. My car is currently at the dealer for repair of the faulty seat warmer, replacement of the burned foam cushion, and replacement of the leather seat cover. This could have been so much worse had I been earlier in my commute, or on a highway where I could not have pulled over. It seems like this problem should prompt a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11638529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Key in electronic ignition switch is not recognized, automatic transmission shifts to automatic park before vehicle comes to a stop. When car slows to 5 miles per hour it abruptly slams into park, putting myself in danger of being rear ended in no fault of my own. It happened multiple times before I could get my vehicle to safety. This has been a known issue as documented on website [XXX] in a memo from Mercedes Benz dated 12/22/13 service memo [XXX]. This is two years prior to my model automobile and should have been rectified. This should have been addressed as a recall item as it is a known safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11606711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After inserting key - there is no response. Tried several times. FOB locks and unlocks the doors. After a couple of days - it started with no problem. A week later, we are having the same problem with no response after inserting the key in ignition switch. This troublesome to know that I cannot rely on the ignition switch working all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11552551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The plastic trim/cover that wraps around the steering wheel column and is the same color as the seats and interior heats up, melts, becomes brittle after the fact but could is fire hazard, especially with melting plastic falling into the driver’s feet and/or carpeting. When I googled the replacement part, I found out on The Internet that owners across America have had the same problem with their vehicles regardless of the year or model. Some believe there is a shortage in the wiring that allows the steering wheel to be raised, lowered, pushed away or brought closer to the driver. There should definitely be an investigation at the least and then a service bulletin and recall as a fire could definitely occur.
NHTSA complaint #11544810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11528333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The lien keeping assistant is stuck in operative mode. So I had a recall on my airbag and got it changed out yesterday and had the dealership check why it was on they told me I need a new steering wheel. Prior to yesterday two months ago. All the lights came on warning light and I lost power to the engine and then it will kick back on. I’m concerned because they put the airbag in the steering wheel and did a diagnostic and told me I need a new steering wheel the steering wheel pretty much run the whole car I have no horn or nothing by saying that I am afraid the airbag won’t deploy if the car loses control due to the steering wheel and electronics Yes, the vehicle has been to the dealership on diagnostic machine made aware of it and then sent me home in it on safely Yes, about three months ago. All warning lights come on and I lose power to the engine. It said something else was in operable. I got Time. Yesterday, pulling up to the dealership to get the recall airbag installed the lane keeping assistance was on. It came on parlay for weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to use the steering wheel cents. And yes, some of the other one and light pop on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11502600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component or system failed or malfunctioned: Brake pedal -does not brake effectively Engine :Alternator/ignition-the car would not start on me Cigarette lighter: front cigarette lighter does not work (greater fuse or electrical problem Inspection: Car was returned to Hawthorne Auto Square for repair and ultimately returned and sale of the used car was cancelled due to these issues. Please inspect car at Hawthorne Auto Square 11646 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Please do not allow Hawthorne Auto Square to resell this car it is a hazard to all Safety of myself and others were put at risk: - when attempting to brake, the car does not stop in a safe distance (dangerous can cause car crash) ( this happens to many GLK 250s) -the car is not starting after being started(dangerous if driving and cuts off in traffic and causes accident) air bag disabled -light coming on in car( if airbags that dont work someone could die) -electrical wire-there is a loose electrical wire in the trunk of the car that could shock someone cigarette lighter- front cigarette lighter does not work ( this happens to many GLK 250s) axle- appeared faulty -causing the car to wobble( this happens to many GLK 250s) -Car has problem and has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center -Car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure I noticed the problems around 3/30/2022 In addition: Mercedes Benz all GLK 250s need; Advanced driver assistance systems , lane departure and Advanced emergency braking system (AEBS)
NHTSA complaint #11459870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My car goes abruptly into park while driving or reversing at 5 mph or less. This is a big safety concern if it ever suddenly stalls in a highway, I may get into a life threatening accident. There are no warning or sensor lights that light up when this happens. I have taken it to the Mercedes Benz dealer who said it was a shift module error which I paid to fix and not even two weeks later the same problem persisted.
NHTSA complaint #11433907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[XXX] STEERING LOCK FAILURE SHOULD BE A RECALL. MERCEDES CHARGES $1100 TO REPLACE MINE AND EVERYTHING I'VE READ PPL ARE ALL HAVING SAME COMMON ISSUES. I HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL AFTER MY CAR WAS HIT IN FRONT WHEN SOMEONE BACKED INTO ME (VERY HARD THAT IS). SUDDENLY MANY LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON AND NEXT STEERING LOCK FAILURE. INS CO SAID THAT MERCEDES MECHANIC SUPERVISOR SAID IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FROM ACCIDENT.. AND THAT IT'S COMMON WITH THESE MERCEDES BC THEY ARE LEMONS!!! REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11363628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE KEY IS NOT RECOGNIZED IN THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STARTED AND/OR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY GO INTO PARK AT SPEEDS BELOW 6 KM/H.
NHTSA complaint #11350484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING COLUMN MODULE ELECTRICAL CAUSING THE CAR INOPERATIVE. I TURNED THE IGNITION AND NO SOUND. THE DASHBOARD DID NOT LIGHT UP. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TOWED BECAUSE THE WHEEL LOCKED. I HAD TO REQUEST A TOW THAT HANDLES THIS TYPE OF ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11133642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONTROL UNIT FAILED. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MB DEALER.FAILED UNIT WAS REPLACED WITH REMANUFACTURED UNIT 1-204-900-59-12-80. COST $1215.89. HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN CORRECTED WITH THE REMANUFACTURED UNIT OR IS THIS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE UNIT FAILED IN A PARKING LOT. FAILURE ON THE HIGHWAY WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11114212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE HAS ~ 20K MILES, BROUGHT INTO DEALER BECAUSE ABS LIGHT WENT ON WHILE DRIVING SAYING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. DEALER THEN FOUND GAS TANK LEAK, AND WOULD NOT LET ME LEAVE THE DEALER, BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. SEARCH SHOWS RECALL FOR EARLIER MODEL YEAR 2012 WITH SAME ISSUE, BUT DEALER SAYS NO RECALL FOR 2013. ABS SENSORS ARE ALSO MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING. TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS FOR ABS SENSORS. TWO BEEN REPLACED WITHIN ONE WEEK!
NHTSA complaint #11112787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.