What year Mercedes-Benz GL350 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 GL350. They have Complaint Index scores of 86 and 100, the two highest among GL350 years, driven mainly by airbag and engine complaints.

Which GL350 years are better choices?

The 2014 and 2015 GL350 have the lowest Complaint Index scores, 29 and 43, and are rated Good. Engine was the top problem area for both, but at much lower complaint volume.

Does the GL350 have airbag recalls?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all GL350 years, accounting for 33% of the 86 total complaints, with a Takata-related recall (16V081000) affecting 2009-2010 and other model years.

Are there do-not-drive recalls on the GL350?

Yes. The 2010, 2011, and 2012 GL350 each have 2 do-not-drive recalls tied to brake line corrosion (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000).

How many complaints and recalls does the GL350 have overall?

Across model years 2010-2017, NHTSA lists 86 total complaints and 10 recall campaigns for the GL350.

Mercedes-Benz GL350 Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

Avoid the 2010 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350, which carry the highest Complaint Indexes (86 and 100) and lead the model in airbag and engine complaints. 2014 and 2015 score lowest (Complaint Index 29 and 43) and are the better picks among GL350 years covered (2010-2017).

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012

Model years: 8; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 86
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Airbags

GL350 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	86	16	1	0	2 !	Airbags	—	—
2011	Caution	71	23	0	0	3 !	Airbags	—	—
2012	Avoid	100	22	0	1	3 !	Airbags	—	—
2013	Caution	57	7	0	1	3	Engine	—	—
2014	Good	29	6	0	0	3	Engine	—	—
2015	Good	43	7	1	0	3	Engine	—	—
2016	No verdict	14	4	0	0	4	Electrical System	—	—
2017	No verdict	0	1	0	0	2	Brakes	—	—

GL350 years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Index 100 · 22 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2012 GL350 has the highest Complaint Index among GL350 years, at 100. Airbags dominate the complaints for this year at 59%, with a median failure mileage of 27,400, tied to a Takata-related recall where owners reported delays getting replacement parts. Engine complaints make up 23%, with a median mileage of 100,000, including one reported engine fire while driving. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, two of them do-not-drive, related to brake line corrosion.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Index 86 · 16 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2010 GL350 has a Complaint Index of 86, the second-highest of the GL350 years covered. Airbags are the top problem area, making up 38% of this year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 117,132 miles. Engine complaints follow at 25%, often described as oil leaks near the water pump and oil cooler, with a median mileage of 46,213. NHTSA lists two do-not-drive recalls tied to brake line corrosion. Owners also reported brake sensor failures and steering column issues at lower mileage.

Most common Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags28 (33%)
Engine25 (29%)
Brakes8 (9%)
Fuel System8 (9%)
Other7 (8%)
Transmission & Powertrain5 (6%)
Structure & Body4 (5%)
Electrical System3 (3%)
Seat Belts3 (3%)
Steering3 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz GL350 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 GL350. They have Complaint Index scores of 86 and 100, the two highest among GL350 years, driven mainly by airbag and engine complaints.
Which GL350 years are better choices?: The 2014 and 2015 GL350 have the lowest Complaint Index scores, 29 and 43, and are rated Good. Engine was the top problem area for both, but at much lower complaint volume.
Does the GL350 have airbag recalls?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all GL350 years, accounting for 33% of the 86 total complaints, with a Takata-related recall (16V081000) affecting 2009-2010 and other model years.
Are there do-not-drive recalls on the GL350?: Yes. The 2010, 2011, and 2012 GL350 each have 2 do-not-drive recalls tied to brake line corrosion (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000).
How many complaints and recalls does the GL350 have overall?: Across model years 2010-2017, NHTSA lists 86 total complaints and 10 recall campaigns for the GL350.