Total Complaints
49 filings
MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 · model year
49 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2013MERCEDES-BENZGL450 carries 49 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 3 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 2013 GL450 is engine with 8 filings, followed by electrical system (8) and seats (5). 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 2013 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
49 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 8 |
| SEATS | 5 |
| SUSPENSION | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
While driving on the freeway, we picked up a big screw in our tire which immediately deflated. To continue our journey, we wanted to replace the tire with the spare wheel. To do that, we used the floor jack that came with the car and this would have been it's first use. While attempting to lift the vehicle, the threaded bushing of this scissor type floor jack completely stripped (see picture). Not only is this super dangerous to have such a floor jack included, but if could have left us stranded for a very long time in case we would have been more remotely. I would suggest to investigate these floor jacks whether the pose any safety hazards and if make Mercedes-Benz replacing them free if charge.
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite being securely in "PARK" mode, upon simply opening the car door, it displays a distressing message: "Transmission Not in P Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away." Furthermore, the transmission intermittently ceases to shift from "P," presenting an imminent hazard to myself and my children. Despite numerous attempts to engage with Mercede
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite being securely in "PARK" mode, upon simply opening the car door, it displays a distressing message: "Transmission Not in P Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away." Furthermore, the transmission intermittently ceases to shift from "P," presenting an imminent hazard to myself and my children. Despite numerous attempts to engage with Mercede
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the front passenger seat and concealed beneath the carpet. Even minor rainfall or streetwater has been found to breach this compartment, causing extensive damage to the vehicle's electronic systems. This results in highly precarious and unpredictable behavior, endangering both occupants and road users. As a poignant example, my own GL450, a 2013 model, has exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite being securely in "PARK" mode, upon simply opening the car door, it displays a distressing message: "Transmission Not in P Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away." Furthermore, the transmission intermittently ceases to shift from "P," presenting an imminent hazard to myself and my children. Despite numerous attempts to engage with Mercede
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while opening the door to enter the vehicle, the message "Transmission not in P, Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and moved the gear shifter in and out of park(P); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that other unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that he became aware that there was water accumulation underneath the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that there was water on the battery and electrical wiring. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance Company later informed the contact that the water had frozen because the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle or drained the water. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileag
Mileage: 78,000
SUROUND CAMERAS ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT AND BACKUP LIGHTS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had experienced the failure five times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The dealer stated the steering shaft failing because of corrosion. At this moment they suggested the part is not available so they wanted to fix my car with a used part.
Mileage: 106,000
Exhaust valve not working properly and the result of an engine misfire. Mercedez sent us a warranty letter to extend the warranty for this issue 6 months after our warranty expired even though you can find online this has been a known issue for our model of car and year, GL450 2013. There are tons of online forums and threads from Mercedez Benz owners about this manufacturer issue. This should not fall under purchasing an extended warranty or in our case a $17,000 bill to fix the issue on a car with only 70,000 miles on it. This should be a recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. An unknown message was displayed. AAA arrived on the scene and added fuel to the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred on two separate occasions while the fuel gauge was at a quarter tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge module and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The contact stated that the failure has occurred twice. The vehicle is not a part of a recall for an engine stalling risk which the exact issue that is happening. The vehicle has not been re
Mileage: 110,000
The engine failed under 100k miles after being properly maintained according to the manufactures guidelines.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted in the replacement of the engine wiring harness, four (4) Lambda sensors, four (4) camshaft hall sensors and four (4) camshaft solenoids. This trouble could cause engine failure or misfire if not corrected. Driving the MB GL450 in this condition is a safety issues for anyone driving on the road. Researching on the internet about MB GL450/550 engine oil intrusion into the engine wiring harness is a common problem.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted in the replacement of the engine wiring harness, four (4) Lambda sensors, four (4) camshaft hall sensors and four (4) camshaft solenoids. This trouble could cause engine failure or misfire if not corrected. Driving the MB GL450 in this condition is a safety issues for anyone driving on the road. Researching on the internet about MB GL450/550 engine oil intrusion into the engine wiring harness is a common problem.
Unknown:The road adaptive tire pressure sensors are off and the air suspension is malfunctions.At the cost of this model I would expected a little more class of safety measures.
AS YOU STATED ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT A REASON A DRIVER WOULD LOOSE CONTROL UNLESS YOU HAVE A MERCADES THAT IS LEAKING GAS AND MY KIDS AND PASSANGERS ARE SICK AND PASSING OUT AND SO AM I. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ALMOST 3 YEARS. GOES TO DEALERSHIP AND THEN SITS BECAUSE THEY NEVER FIX IT. FINALLY A LAW SUIT WITH PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM ENTERED THE CLASS ACTION SUIT NOTHING. TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAY NOW THE TOXIC GAS LEAKING OUT OF FAULTY A/C UNITS THAT MERCEDES WAS SUED AND CONSUMERS WON BUT NOW WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. SO I NOW HAVE SEVERE ASTHMA MY KIDS NOW HAVE BREATHING ISSUES AND WON'T DRIVE A SICK CAR. A/C UNITS ARE TO BE CONTAINED AND HOLD ANTI-FREEZE THAT IF INHALED AS IT IS LEAKING OUT OF THE NON CONTAINED UNIT IS TOXIC, A CARCINOGEN, SAME TOXIN USED IN NERVE GAS AND IT IS DEADLY AND MERCEDES DOES NOT FIX IT OR CARE. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS AND IS A NIGHTMARE. THEY MADE A SETTLEMENT BUT THEN THEY DON'T DO WHAT THE JUDGE SET FORTH IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEME
Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took vehicle to the shop with suspension complaints at the end of April 2021. We were told they did not find an issue with suspension but saw an issue with the sway bar. This cost $549.00. The week we brought the car home it was still bouncing up and down and we contacted the dealer again and was advised they did not find anything wrong. Within 2 weeks of having the vehicle, I was driving and the vehicle was violently bouncing up and down even traveling at a low level. We took the vehicle back and have not been advised now that they see the malfunction light for the suspension on they realize that's the issue. The suggested cost to repair only the rear is $4k. If the front and rear need repairs it over $7k.
Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took vehicle to the shop with suspension complaints at the end of April 2021. We were told they did not find an issue with suspension but saw an issue with the sway bar. This cost $549.00. The week we brought the car home it was still bouncing up and down and we contacted the dealer again and was advised they did not find anything wrong. Within 2 weeks of having the vehicle, I was driving and the vehicle was violently bouncing up and down even traveling at a low level. We took the vehicle back and have not been advised now that they see the malfunction light for the suspension on they realize that's the issue. The suggested cost to repair only the rear is $4k. If the front and rear need repairs it over $7k.
WHEN ACTIVATION OF THE SUSPENSION LIFT SYSTEM. COMPRESSOR IS COOLING THEN A MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE SCREEN. VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR UP AND DOWN AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND OVER ANY SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS CONCERNS ME FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS WHOM MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL 450 IS THE MODEL I OWN CURRENTLY AND IVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS AND I'M ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR OF SOMETHING CATOSTROPHIC HAPPENING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN PARK AND ACTIVATING THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM THE ERROR MESSAGE STILL APPEARS.. I HAD A INDEPENDANT MECHANIC SAY ITS THE REAR AIR BAGS AND THE COMPRESSOR THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT BEING A 4 MATIC MODEL THE AIR LINE FROM THE COMPRESSOR IS NOT SUPPLYING THE REAR SUSPENSION WITH ENOUGH AIR TO LIFT THE VEHICLE THUS CAUSING THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.
Mileage: 100,456
A DEFECTIVE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG ALERT / SIGN COMES ON ONCE I TURN THE ENGINE ON. IT STAYS ON THROUGH OUT THE DRIVE. I SUSPECT THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE
THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP, RADIATOR LEAK, LOT OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. OIL LEAK IT'S GOT LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. RADIATOR HOSES LEAK. CAR STOPPED ON MASS PIKE GOING TO ALBANY, NY TOOK IT TO BENZ OF ALBANY THEY SAID ENGINE MISFIRES NEEDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND IT WOULD COST $47,000 TO REPLACE. VERY VERY BAD ENGINES. I LEFT A VOICEMAIL ON BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO ONE CALLED BACK OR SEND ME ANY TYPE OF RECALLS. VERY BAD SERVICE.
Mileage: 100,000
THIS CAR HAS LOT OF ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP, RADIATOR LEAK, LOT OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. OIL LEAK IT'S GOT LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. RADIATOR HOSES LEAK. CAR STOPPED ON MASS PIKE GOING TO ALBANY, NY TOOK IT TO BENZ OF ALBANY THEY SAID ENGINE MISFIRES NEEDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND IT WOULD COST $47,000 TO REPLACE. VERY VERY BAD ENGINES. I LEFT A VOICEMAIL ON BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO ONE CALLED BACK OR SEND ME ANY TYPE OF RECALLS. VERY BAD SERVICE.
Mileage: 100,000
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.