Which Mercedes-Benz Glk350 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2010 and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the two highest in the lineup, mostly tied to airbag complaints.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Glk350?

The 2011 and 2014 model years are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20 and 0, the lowest among all six years covered.

What is the most common problem with the Glk350?

Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 619 of 893 total complaints, or 69%.

Does the Glk350 have airbag recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 Glk350, and airbags are the top problem area cited in every model year of complaint data.

Is the 2013 Glk350 a safe choice?

The 2013 Glk350 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, sitting between the Avoid years (2010, 2012) and the Best years (2011, 2014).

Mercedes-Benz Glk350 Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

The 2010 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk350 are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, driven mostly by airbag complaints. The 2011 and 2014 model years score lowest (20 and 0) and are the best choices, while 2013 warrants caution.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012 Best 2011 Best 2014

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 893
Recall campaigns: 12
Crashes reported: 33
Fires reported: 8
Top problem area: Airbags

Glk350 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 Glk350 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	238	11	2	5	Airbags	18	—
2011	Best	20	133	4	2	4	Airbags	18	—
2012	Avoid	80	167	5	0	4	Airbags	18	—
2013	Caution	60	137	5	1	6	Airbags	21	—
2014	Best	0	104	4	1	5	Airbags	21	—
2015	Good	40	114	4	2	4	Airbags	21	—

Glk350 years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Mercedes-Benz Glk350 Index 100 · 238 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2010 Glk350 has the highest complaint index of the model at 100 and ranks worst overall. Airbags account for 63% of its 238 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000 miles. Fuel system issues make up another 13%, failing near a median of 88,287 miles. NHTSA recall 16V363000 covers passenger frontal air bag module replacement on 2010-2011 GLK350 vehicles, and recalls 18V043000 and 19V010000 also address airbag modules. Owners reported crashes involving sudden acceleration and braking that did not stop the vehicle, along with one electrical fire following a rear-end collision.

2010 airbags problems →2010 fuel system problems →2010 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2012 Mercedes-Benz Glk350 Index 80 · 167 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2012 Glk350 carries a complaint index of 80, the second-worst in the lineup. Airbags dominate its complaint record at 79% of 167 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,000 miles. Fuel system problems follow at 8%, median 75,000 miles. Recall 17V017000 addresses front passenger air bag module replacement for 2012 GLK350 vehicles, alongside 16V081000 and 19V010000. Owners reported unintended acceleration during parking maneuvers and airbags that failed to deploy properly in crashes, in some cases leading to injuries.

2012 airbags problems →

Most common Mercedes-Benz Glk350 problems (all years)

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

Airbags619 (69%)
Fuel System86 (10%)
Brakes44 (5%)
Electrical System41 (5%)
Engine40 (4%)
Structure & Body40 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires36 (4%)
Steering34 (4%)
Other32 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain21 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes-Benz Glk350 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2010 and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the two highest in the lineup, mostly tied to airbag complaints.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Glk350?: The 2011 and 2014 model years are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20 and 0, the lowest among all six years covered.
What is the most common problem with the Glk350?: Airbags are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 619 of 893 total complaints, or 69%.
Does the Glk350 have airbag recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 Glk350, and airbags are the top problem area cited in every model year of complaint data.
Is the 2013 Glk350 a safe choice?: The 2013 Glk350 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, sitting between the Avoid years (2010, 2012) and the Best years (2011, 2014).