2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
14/100
#7 most-complained of 8 GL350 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has a Complaint Index of 14, among the lowest of the 8 model years tracked, ranking 7th worst out of the years with data. It has 4 recalls and 4 complaints, with the top issue being the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (50%)
- Engine1 (25%)
- Seat Belts1 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (25%)
What owners report
- Instrument cluster odometer display stops working while driving, and owners report it failing again repeatedly even after dealer replacement under warranty.
- Front passenger seat belt fails to retract after the brake pedal is depressed, reported around 16,000 miles.
- Exterior headlights are described as too dim to see objects or other vehicles clearly at night, making nighttime driving difficult.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 recalls
4 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 17V241000Apr 11, 2017Steering58,323 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
Risk: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
2016 compared with other GL350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 reliable?
- Compared to other GL350 model years, 2016 has a Complaint Index of 14, which is low relative to years like 2012 (100) and 2010 (86). It ranks 7th worst out of the 8 years tracked.
- What problems does the 2016 GL350 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the electrical system as the top problem area, covering 50% of complaints, with issues like a malfunctioning odometer display. Other reported issues include a seat belt that failed to retract and dim headlights.
- Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls tied to the 2016 GL350, covering an eCall software date/time fault, an oil reservoir sealing cap issue, an electric power steering rack connector, and an OCS airbag software update. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year GL350 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2012 has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and 2010 is also flagged as Avoid. 2016 is not among the years flagged Avoid, with a much lower index of 14.
- At what mileage do 2016 GL350 problems occur?
- The median mileage at failure for the 2016 GL350 overall is 23,000 miles. The seat belt complaint was reported around 16,000 miles, while electrical system complaints had a median of 30,000 miles.