What year Mercedes-Benz GL550 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2011 and 2012 GL550. They have Complaint Indexes of 86 and 100, the highest in the lineup, mostly from airbag-related complaints and do-not-drive brake recalls.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL550?

Among years with data, 2014 and 2015 rate Good, with Complaint Indexes of 43 and 29, well below the 2011 and 2012 avoid years.

Does the GL550 have an airbag recall?

Yes. NHTSA campaign 16V081000 covers Takata airbags on 2011 and 2012 GL550s, and airbags account for 39% of all GL550 complaints across every model year.

What is the 2011 GL550's biggest problem area?

Airbags, making up 80% of that year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles, largely tied to delayed Takata recall repairs.

Mercedes-Benz GL550 Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

Avoid the 2011 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550: they carry the highest Complaint Indexes (86 and 100) of all eight model years, driven mainly by airbag complaints and two do-not-drive recalls each. 2013 rates Caution; 2014 and 2015 are the strongest years with indexes of 43 and 29.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012

Model years: 8; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 51
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Airbags

GL550 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 GL550 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	No verdict	71	3	0	0	3 !	Airbags	14	—
2011	Avoid	86	15	0	0	3 !	Airbags	14	—
2012	Avoid	100	8	1	0	3 !	Airbags	14	—
2013	Caution	57	6	0	0	3	Electrical System	15	—
2014	Good	43	10	0	0	3	Engine	15	—
2015	Good	29	8	0	1	3	Engine	15	—
2016	No verdict	14	1	0	0	4	Electrical System	15	—
2017	No verdict	0	0	0	0	2	—	—	—

GL550 years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Index 100 · 8 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2012 GL550 has the highest Complaint Index of the lineup at 100, with 8 complaints, 1 crash, and 2 injuries reported. Airbags account for 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 53,500 miles, again tied to delayed Takata recall repairs. Owners also reported a failed turn-signal light module at 61,000 miles and a brake booster corrosion issue under a do-not-drive stop-drive order. Like 2011, this year carries two do-not-drive brake recalls.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Index 86 · 15 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 GL550 has a Complaint Index of 86, the second-highest of any year, with 15 total complaints. Airbags dominate, making up 80% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles. Owners describe long waits for Takata airbag recall parts under campaign 16V081000. The year also carries two do-not-drive brake recalls (24V298000 and 22V315000) tied to corrosion in the brake booster, plus reports of electrical and fuel system jerking issues.

Most common Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems (all years)

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

Airbags20 (39%)
Engine10 (20%)
Electrical System9 (18%)
Other7 (14%)
Brakes5 (10%)
Steering4 (8%)
Structure & Body4 (8%)
Transmission & Powertrain4 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
Fuel System2 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz GL550 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2011 and 2012 GL550. They have Complaint Indexes of 86 and 100, the highest in the lineup, mostly from airbag-related complaints and do-not-drive brake recalls.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550 reliable?: The 2012 GL550 has the worst Complaint Index (100) of all GL550 years, with 8 complaints, 1 crash, and 2 injuries reported to NHTSA, plus two do-not-drive recalls for brake booster corrosion.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GL550?: Among years with data, 2014 and 2015 rate Good, with Complaint Indexes of 43 and 29, well below the 2011 and 2012 avoid years.
Does the GL550 have an airbag recall?: Yes. NHTSA campaign 16V081000 covers Takata airbags on 2011 and 2012 GL550s, and airbags account for 39% of all GL550 complaints across every model year.
What is the 2011 GL550's biggest problem area?: Airbags, making up 80% of that year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 miles, largely tied to delayed Takata recall repairs.