2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#4 most-complained of 8 GL350 years
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 4th worst among 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 7 complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 fire report, with Engine issues making up 57% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (57%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (43%)
- Fuel System2 (29%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Seat Belts1 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (14%)
What owners report
- Owners report persistent oil leaks from the oil cooler on diesel BlueTEC engines, spraying oil onto fuel lines and the oil pan.
- The oil leaks reportedly produce heavy smoke with a tarry, burnt odor that enters the cabin while driving moderate to long distances.
- Some owners describe a rattling noise for several seconds after startup along with a sputtering sound during acceleration.
- At least one owner had dealerships confirm the engine timing chain had stretched after noticing the rattling and sputtering symptoms.
- A second-row seat belt was reported to fail to retract, affecting use of a child seating position.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V787000Nov 1, 2019Other24,226 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
- NHTSA 18V272000Apr 27, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires9,725 vehicles
Suspension:front
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
- NHTSA 13V166000Apr 29, 2013Seat Belts256 vehicles
Seat belts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.
Risk: If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
2013 compared with other GL350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a Complaint Index of 57 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst out of 8 GL350 model years. It has fewer complaints than the 2010-2012 years but more reported problems than 2014-2017.
- What are the most common problems on the 2013 GL350?
- Engine issues account for 57% of complaints, including oil cooler leaks and reports of a stretched timing chain, at a median mileage of 61,000 miles. Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 43% of complaints.
- Does the 2013 GL350 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: an eCall software date/time fault, an oil reservoir sealing cap issue shared with other models, and a second-row seat belt anchor bolt recall specific to 2013 GL350 vehicles.
- Did the oil leak cause any fires?
- NHTSA recorded 1 fire report tied to the GL350's engine oil cooler leak complaints, alongside 2 reported injuries and 0 crashes for the 2013 model year.
- How does 2013 compare to other GL350 years?
- The 2013 GL350's Complaint Index of 57 is better than 2010 (86), 2011 (71), and 2012 (100), but worse than 2014 (29) and 2015 (43).