2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Airbags Problems
Airbags account for 34 of 55 complaints (62%) filed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450, the highest share of any model year for this component. NHTSA recall 16V081000 covers Takata airbag inflators, with a median failure mileage of 69,500 miles and 2 reported crashes.
- Airbags complaints
- 34
- 62% of 55
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 69,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report frontal or side-impact crashes where the airbags did not deploy, leaving occupants without protection.
- Many owners describe long delays getting Takata recall 16V081000 completed because replacement inflator parts were unavailable for extended periods.
- Some owners report multiple non-Takata airbags failing and needing replacement, including curtain and rear airbags, sometimes more than once.
- Several complaints describe dealers telling owners the car remained safe to drive despite the open Takata recall.
- One owner reported the dashboard and related computer going black while driving, which was tied to airbag system replacement.
When 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 25, 2014, latest Jan 31, 2024.
Airbags recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450
- NHTSA 16V081000Feb 11, 2016Airbags711,159 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Airbags complaints by GL450 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is airbag failure common on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
- Yes. Airbags are the top complaint area for this year, with 34 of 55 total complaints (62%) tied to this system, the highest share among GL450 model years.
- Does the 2011 GL450 have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA campaign 16V081000 covers Takata airbag inflators on the 2011 GL450 among other Mercedes-Benz models; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 69,500 miles at the time airbag-related complaints were filed.
- Did the airbag issues cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA complaint data for this year and component lists 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.