2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
29/100
#6 most-complained of 8 GL550 years
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 ranks 6th out of 8 model years for reported problems, with a Complaint Index of 29 and a "Good" verdict relative to other GL550 years. It has 8 complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 fire reported to NHTSA.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 18 hwy
Top 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (63%)
- Other2 (25%)
- Structure & Body2 (25%)
- Brakes1 (13%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported while driving on the freeway, with the vehicle burning severely within minutes.
- Second-row driver-side seats get stuck in a downward position, an issue owners describe as common across 2012-2015 GL550 models.
- A rattle in the engine compartment on cold starts traced to a defect in the timing chain tensioner.
- Sudden hesitation while pulling out onto a road, accompanied by the check engine light turning on.
- Loss of brake power boost with no warning light, making the vehicle difficult and dangerous to stop.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls
3 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 16V900000Dec 14, 2016Transmission & Powertrain48 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 GL350 4Matic Blutec, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, ML250 Blutec, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic and 2015-2016 GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 through March 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have axle bolts on the front and/or rear drive axle carriers that may not have been assembled correctly. As a result, the remaining bolts may fracture.
Risk: If any of the remaining front or rear axle bolts fracture, the vehicle may be unstable, reducing the handling capability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts, free of charge. The recall is began February 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,300
- 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.
2015 compared with other GL550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 reliable?
- Compared with other GL550 model years, the 2015 ranks 6th worst out of 8 with a Complaint Index of 29 and a "Good" verdict. It has fewer reported problems than the 2011 and 2012 model years, which carry "Avoid" verdicts.
- What problems does the 2015 GL550 have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2015 GL550 are led by the Engine category at 63% of complaints, followed by Structure & Body at 25% and Brakes at 13%. Owners reported an engine fire, a stuck second-row seat, a timing chain tensioner rattle, and a brake booster failure.
- Does the 2015 GL550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 GL550: an eCall software date/time fault, an axle carrier bolt replacement, and an oil reservoir sealing cap correction. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2015 GL550?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 2,200 miles for the 2015 GL550.
- How does the 2015 GL550 compare to the worst GL550 years?
- The 2012 GL550 has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and is rated "Avoid," while the 2015 model's Complaint Index of 29 is much lower, placing it among the better years.