Total Complaints
62 filings
MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 · model year
62 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2011MERCEDES-BENZGL450 carries 62 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 GL450 is air bags with 34 filings, followed by suspension (7) and service brakes (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2011 GL450. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
62 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 34 |
| SUSPENSION | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 |
| PARKING BRAKE | 1 |
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message for brake and traction control failure was intermittently displayed, causing the cruise control to disengage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ha ydraulic control unit failure. The contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to two undisclosed recalls; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle failed to stop, which led him to rear-end a truck in front. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a fracture in the finger, and forehead injury caused by the impact with the steering wheel that required medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was deemed destroyed. The contact related the failure to the received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was invalid.
Mileage: 140,000
I [XXX] own. The Mercedes Benz, it was in recall for the Air Bag, I took it to the Dealer at the Coral Gables Dealership of the Mercedes, 300 Almeria Ave, Coral Gables 33134. Phone (305)306-3549. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did not OPEN, the Brake did not brake properly the truck slip through the grass, and we end it in the Canal. I did not was advise the brake were in recall found out later on after the accident the GEIGO the insurance Company advise, but it was too late. I We were Born that Day my husband and me. I have picture of the accident; The check engine was on and off sometime like a year before or maybe more can't recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I [XXX] own. The Mercedes Benz, it was in recall for the Air Bag, I took it to the Dealer at the Coral Gables Dealership of the Mercedes, 300 Almeria Ave, Coral Gables 33134. Phone (305)306-3549. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did not OPEN, the Brake did not brake properly the truck slip through the grass, and we end it in the Canal. I did not was advise the brake were in recall found out later on after the accident the GEIGO the insurance Company advise, but it was too late. I We were Born that Day my husband and me. I have picture of the accident; The check engine was on and off sometime like a year before or maybe more can't recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Release Parking Brake" was displayed. The contact stated that she engaged the parking brake release button. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 284,000.
Mileage: 284,000
Check Engine Light came on and took it to the mechanic who identified low compression on cylinder #3. The injector was replaced which did not fix the issue since the vehicle lags when first accelerating. We were also informed of a service bulletin that included the issue with our vehicle and to take the car to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who did not check the cylinder low compression/leakage issue because the check engine light wasn't on, which it would not be since it was recently serviced, and the number of miles required had not been driven for the check engine light to come back on. Even though the service bulletin is for the same make, model and years because our VIN was not included that there is no warranty on this vehicle. I now have a vehicle with an engine issue that should be included in the recall based on being the same make, model, year and mechanical issue.
We smelled smoke from under the passenger seat. We had the car in for a recall and service recently and didnât understand what was happening. Our three Children smelled the smoke too. Everyone exited the car and it burst into flames.
We smelled smoke from under the passenger seat. We had the car in for a recall and service recently and didnât understand what was happening. Our three Children smelled the smoke too. Everyone exited the car and it burst into flames.
Heated seat caught fire while driving
Brought this vehicle into Mercedes-Benz of Peoria, Peoria, IL. for routine maintenance on May 19, 2022. When I returned to pick up vehicle, I was informed of the Do Not Drive recall and was informed I could not drive my car. I was only offered a curtesy car for that night and then had to find my own rental car, which I have done, incurring $7,675.11 in rental charges through August 2022. I have received zero updates from Mercedes as to when they will fix this problem. I have also not received any reimbursement for my rental car expenses.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED STOPLIGHT, OUT OF NOWHERE THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, SHOOK THE WHOLE CAR AND SANK, THE FEELING LIKE WE WERE IN A SINK HOLE OR LIKE A TIRE BLEW BUT THE TIRE WAS FINE. A LOYD HISSING SOUND ENSUED. THANK GOD, WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT AND NOT IN A SPEED THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.
Mileage: 80,000
STILL WAITING FOR DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE IGNITION. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. OPEN ROAD MERCEDES-BENZ (1250 US-22, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ 08807 (908) 685-0800) DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *AS CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE ISSUE IS SAME AS NOTED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THEIR SERVICE CAMPAIGN (HTTPS://TESTING-PUBLIC.CARMD.COM/TSB/DOWNLOAD/97801/218390). ON THE 3RD PAGE, THERE IS A REFERENCE TO THE 'GL' MODEL CARS AND THE YEAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WASN'T NOTED IN THAT CAMPAIGN, WHICH SHOULD'VE BEEN. I WENT THROUGH QUIET AN INCONVENIENCE AS A RESULT PERSONALLY AND MONETARILY BY M. BENZ'S FAILURE ACCURATELY INCLUDE MY VEHICLE AS PART OF THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *JB
Mileage: 60,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE IGNITION. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. OPEN ROAD MERCEDES-BENZ (1250 US-22, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ 08807 (908) 685-0800) DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *AS CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE ISSUE IS SAME AS NOTED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THEIR SERVICE CAMPAIGN (HTTPS://TESTING-PUBLIC.CARMD.COM/TSB/DOWNLOAD/97801/218390). ON THE 3RD PAGE, THERE IS A REFERENCE TO THE 'GL' MODEL CARS AND THE YEAR, HOWEVER MY CAR WASN'T NOTED IN THAT CAMPAIGN, WHICH SHOULD'VE BEEN. I WENT THROUGH QUIET AN INCONVENIENCE AS A RESULT PERSONALLY AND MONETARILY BY M. BENZ'S FAILURE ACCURATELY INCLUDE MY VEHICLE AS PART OF THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *JB
Mileage: 60,000
I HAVE BEEN CALLING MERCEDES FOR GOING ON 3 YEARS ABOUT FIXING THIS RECALL ISSUE. I GET A LETTER PERIODICALLY PUSHING BACK MY PARTS AVAILABLE DATE. THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAID THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ANY ESTIMATE ON WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. FINALLY, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICES CHRISTIAN TRIEBER DATED MARCH 2019 REGARDING THIS "URGENT-IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2019030018". IT STATES THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT "IMMEDIATELY". I CALLED AND WAS PUT ON WHAT WAS PROBABLY A FAKE HOLD TO 'CHECK' PART AVAILABILITY, AND TOLD THE SAME THING I'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AFTER TIME WHICH IS THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO TIME ESTIMATE CAN BE PROVIDED. THE LETTER STATES THAT "SAFETY IS OF UTMOST CONCERN TO MERCEDES BENZ", BUT THAT'S A BIT HARD TO BELIEVE AT THIS POINT. THIS HAS TO BE THE LONGEST TIME EVER TAKEN TO ADDRESS AS SERIOUS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE? IS THERE NO ACCOUNTABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS WITHI
SINCE 2/2017 THE SUPPOSED TOP QUALITY BRAND MERCEDES BENZ HAS POSTPONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TAMARA AIRBAGS. THEY ARE JEOPARDIZING THEIR CUSTOMERS LIVES. I SPEND $70 000 ON THIS CAR TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE, BUT THEY RATHER SPEND MILLIONS IN A FORMULA E RACING SERIES THAT NOBODY WATCHES THEN TO REPLACES THESE DANGEROUS AIRBAGS
Mileage: 60,000
TAKATA RECALL - THE RECALL ORIGINALLY CAME OUT IN 2/2016, AND AT THE TIME, IT SAID A REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. I RECENTLY READ ANOTHER ARTICLE ABOUT THE RECALL AND WHEN I CHECKED IT STILL SAID A REMEDY WASN'T AVAILABLE. THAT'S THREE YEARS THEY'VE HAD TO FIX IT AND THEY HAVEN'T.
Mileage: 98,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF WHITE PLAINS (50 BANK ST, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606, (914) 750-4148) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA RECALL: MERCEDES BENZ CONTACTED VIA MAIL STATING THE AIRBAG RECALL BACK IN FEBRUARY 2017 FOR 2011 GL450. MB STATED THAT AIRBAGS WILL BE REPLACE NO LATER THAN JUNE 2017. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACE HOWEVER; I WAS TOLD THAT PARTS OR THE REMEDY WAS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. IT'S NOVEMBER 2018 AND I AM STILL WAITING ON A FIXED, WHILE I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE THAT HAS VERY HIGH POTENTIAL TO KILL ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.