2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
14/100
#7 most-complained of 8 GL550 years
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has a Complaint Index of 14, among the lowest of the 8 model years tracked, ranking 7th worst out of those years. It has 4 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file, with the Electrical System as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 18 hwy
Top 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System1 (100%)
What owners report
- Owners report water intrusion into the spare tire well compartment.
- This water intrusion reached the battery compartment, affecting the battery.
- The starter was also affected as a result of this water intrusion.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls
4 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 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.
2016 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.
2016 compared with other GL550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 GL550 has a Complaint Index of 14, one of the lowest among the 8 model years with data, and ranks 7th worst of those years.
- What problems does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have?
- NHTSA lists only 1 owner complaint for the 2016 GL550, involving water intrusion into the spare tire well and battery compartment affecting the battery and starter. The top problem area listed is the Electrical System.
- Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GL550, covering the emergency call (eCall) software, a suspension oil reservoir seal, steering, and airbag occupant classification software. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 GL550 compare to other GL550 model years?
- The 2016 GL550 has a Complaint Index of 14, lower than 2010 through 2015, which range from 29 up to 100. Years 2011 and 2012 carry an 'Avoid' verdict with indexes of 86 and 100.