YearToAvoid

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

14/100

#7 most-complained of 8 GL450 years

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 ranks 7th out of 8 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 14 and 13 NHTSA complaints — one of the better years for this model. It has 5 recalls and is rated 'Best' relative to other GL450 years.

Complaints
13
Recalls
5
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
17 city / 21 hwy

Top 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other5 (38%)
  2. Structure & Body4 (31%)
  3. Engine2 (15%)
  4. Brakes1 (8%)
  5. Steering1 (8%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
  7. Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)

What owners report

  • Second-row headrests in the 'easy entry' seats sit in only two fixed positions, pushing children's heads forward or sitting too tall, making them uncomfortable or unsafe to use.
  • One owner reported the vehicle caught fire and was engulfed in flames within minutes of being parked, with no fire recorded in the engine at the time of parking.
  • A brake noise on the right side was noticed most when applying or releasing the brake, reported at 40,058 miles.
  • Windshields reportedly cracked or broke easily, with one owner needing four replacements in under three years, at a reported 3,500 miles.
  • An owner said a steering recall repair part was unavailable for an extended period, delaying the fix under recall campaign 17V241000.
  • The tailgate has been reported to open unexpectedly while driving and sometimes fails to reclose using the electronic button.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints: complaints filed per month3Sep 2015Jun 2017May 2018Aug 2021Aug 2022Mar 2025
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2015 to Apr 2026; peak Dec 2019 (3).

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls

5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

See all 5 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 →

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
21 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,200
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other GL450 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Good2921316
2015Good4318319
2016Best1413519
2017No verdict012—

All Mercedes-Benz GL450 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 GL450 ranks 7th out of 8 model years, with a complaint index of 14 and 13 total complaints, making it one of the better years for this model.
What problems does the 2016 GL450 have?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GL450 center on Structure & Body issues, accounting for 31% of complaints, including second-row headrest design and tailgate opening while driving. Engine, brakes, steering, and suspension issues were also reported, though in smaller numbers.
Does the 2016 GL450 have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 GL450, covering the emergency call system software, an oil reservoir cap, an electric power steering connector, electrical control unit software, and a suspension control arm bolt.
What year GL450 should I avoid?
Among GL450 years with data, 2011 has the highest complaint index at 100 and is rated 'Avoid,' followed by 2012 at 86, also rated 'Avoid.' The 2016 model year is rated 'Best' by comparison.
How is fuel economy on the 2016 GL450?
The EPA rates the 2016 GL450 at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.