What year Mercedes-Benz GL450 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2011 and 2012 are the years to avoid for the GL450, with complaint index scores of 100 and 86, both dominated by airbag problems.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL450?

2016 is the best year, with a complaint index of just 14 and only 13 total complaints, far lower than the 2011 peak of 100.

Does the 2011 GL450 have brake recalls?

Yes. The 2011 GL450 is covered by two do-not-drive brake recalls (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000) related to moisture causing corrosion in the brake system.

Are airbags a common problem on the GL450?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all GL450 years, accounting for 78 of 233 total complaints (33%), with 2011 and 2012 showing the heaviest concentration.

Is the 2013 GL450 reliable?

2013 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 57 and 37 complaints, mostly centered on engine issues, placing it between the worst years (2011, 2012) and the better years like 2016.

Mercedes-Benz GL450 Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

For the Mercedes-Benz GL450, 2011 and 2012 are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 86, both driven mainly by airbag complaints. 2016 is the best year with a complaint index of just 14. 2010 and 2013 fall into caution territory.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Best 2016

Model years: 8; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 233
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 11
Fires reported: 8
Top problem area: Airbags

GL450 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 GL450 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	71	42	1	1	3 !	Airbags	14	—
2011	Avoid	100	55	4	2	3 !	Airbags	15	—
2012	Avoid	86	46	3	0	3 !	Airbags	15	—
2013	Caution	57	37	1	1	3	Engine	16	—
2014	Good	29	21	0	0	3	Engine	16	—
2015	Good	43	18	1	2	3	Engine	19	—
2016	Best	14	13	1	1	5	Structure & Body	19	—
2017	No verdict	0	1	0	1	2	Engine	—	—

GL450 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Index 100 · 55 complaints · 3 recalls

2011 is the worst GL450 year in NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 100 and 55 total complaints. Airbags account for 62% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,500 miles; owners describe airbags failing to deploy during crashes. Brakes and suspension issues follow, including reports of brakes failing to stop the vehicle. The year carries two do-not-drive brake recalls tied to corrosion from moisture accumulation, plus an airbag recall. Four crashes and three injuries were reported for this year.

2011 airbags problems →

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Index 86 · 46 complaints · 3 recalls

2012 ranks second-worst, with a complaint index of 86 and 46 complaints. Airbags make up 46% of complaints at a median 55,000 miles, and owners report airbags not deploying or brakes failing during stops. A distinct pattern involves the electronic column shifter unexpectedly shifting into reverse after being placed in park, leading to reported injuries. Like 2011, this year has two do-not-drive brake recalls for corrosion in the brake system plus an airbag recall, alongside three crashes reported.

2012 airbags problems →

Most common Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems (all years)

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

Airbags78 (33%)
Brakes35 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 (15%)
Engine28 (12%)
Electrical System25 (11%)
Other21 (9%)
Structure & Body17 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain15 (6%)
Visibility & Wipers7 (3%)
Fuel System5 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz GL450 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2011 and 2012 are the years to avoid for the GL450, with complaint index scores of 100 and 86, both dominated by airbag problems.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL450?: 2016 is the best year, with a complaint index of just 14 and only 13 total complaints, far lower than the 2011 peak of 100.
Does the 2011 GL450 have brake recalls?: Yes. The 2011 GL450 is covered by two do-not-drive brake recalls (campaigns 24V298000 and 22V315000) related to moisture causing corrosion in the brake system.
Are airbags a common problem on the GL450?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all GL450 years, accounting for 78 of 233 total complaints (33%), with 2011 and 2012 showing the heaviest concentration.
Is the 2013 GL450 reliable?: 2013 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 57 and 37 complaints, mostly centered on engine issues, placing it between the worst years (2011, 2012) and the better years like 2016.