MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 · model year

2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350

279 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010MERCEDES-BENZGLK350 carries 279 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 5 fires, 12 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 2010 GLK350 is air bags with 149 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (26) and suspension (14). 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 2010 GLK350. 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.

279
Complaints
19
Crashes
5
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

279 filings

Crashes Reported

19 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS149
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM26
SUSPENSION14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
STRUCTURE:BODY8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
STEERING8
SERVICE BRAKES7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
ENGINE4
TIRES3
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
STRUCTURE2

Recent Complaints

20251010FireWHEELS

On [XXX], my mother was driving our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to work around 6:30 AM when the vehicle suddenly caught on fire without warning. The car was completely destroyed in the fire. Thankfully, she was able to exit safely. After doing research online, we found many reports of 2010 GLK 350 models catching fire due to fuel system issues and leaks, which appear to be common with this year and model. We were surprised to learn that our VIN currently shows no active recalls, even though the issue seems widespread. We can provide photos of the car before and after the fire, towing documentation, and the police/fire report. The cleanup and towing bills have been expensive, and we are filing this report so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a safety defect that should result in an official recall. Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Mountville, PA VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

20251010FireVISIBILITY/WIPER

On [XXX], my mother was driving our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to work around 6:30 AM when the vehicle suddenly caught on fire without warning. The car was completely destroyed in the fire. Thankfully, she was able to exit safely. After doing research online, we found many reports of 2010 GLK 350 models catching fire due to fuel system issues and leaks, which appear to be common with this year and model. We were surprised to learn that our VIN currently shows no active recalls, even though the issue seems widespread. We can provide photos of the car before and after the fire, towing documentation, and the police/fire report. The cleanup and towing bills have been expensive, and we are filing this report so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a safety defect that should result in an official recall. Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Mountville, PA VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

20251010FireSTEERING

On [XXX], my mother was driving our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to work around 6:30 AM when the vehicle suddenly caught on fire without warning. The car was completely destroyed in the fire. Thankfully, she was able to exit safely. After doing research online, we found many reports of 2010 GLK 350 models catching fire due to fuel system issues and leaks, which appear to be common with this year and model. We were surprised to learn that our VIN currently shows no active recalls, even though the issue seems widespread. We can provide photos of the car before and after the fire, towing documentation, and the police/fire report. The cleanup and towing bills have been expensive, and we are filing this report so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a safety defect that should result in an official recall. Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Mountville, PA VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

20240926FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Extremely Urgent Safety Warning! Similar to the the passenger fuel filter extended warranty on the passenger side, the driver's side plastic fuel filter pump is obviously visably defective and forming a large crack, thereby leaking a significant amount gasoline into the back seat, with much also draining out the bottom of the vehicle. Additionally, the metal studs securing the filter are painted, making removal of the filter difficult without breaking the studs. No warning lamps or messages.

20231221AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the airbags warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Mileage: 77,000

20231116SUSPENSION

I just had my vehicle in the shop for starting problem and oil leak. The former mercedes mechanic told me about my subframe having holes in it and the rear wheel moving forward and back during braking. I'm taking it to the dealership for replacement, but I'm upset knowing that I just took a 1400 mile trip with this problem on my vehicle with family in the vehicle and it could have been catastrophic for us all. I've received no notice of the 20 year extended warranty on this vehicle, but a notice of the Takata airbag issue was received recently by me. Not notifying me is irresponsible. I hope everyone gets this repaired before a life is lost.

20231110SUSPENSION

Corrosión en toda la parte trasera (subframe) que sujeta la suspensión haciendo el carro inestable a la hora de detener el automóvil, y apaga los sistemas ABS,ESP. lo cual lo hace mas peligrosa la conducción. Si Toyota hizo el cambio en sus vehículos con por que mercedes benz deberia comprometerse a repara esta parte. Ya que es un riesgo a la seguridad.

20231110STRUCTURE:BODY

Corrosión en toda la parte trasera (subframe) que sujeta la suspensión haciendo el carro inestable a la hora de detener el automóvil, y apaga los sistemas ABS,ESP. lo cual lo hace mas peligrosa la conducción. Si Toyota hizo el cambio en sus vehículos con por que mercedes benz deberia comprometerse a repara esta parte. Ya que es un riesgo a la seguridad.

20231107SUSPENSION

corrosion on entire frame crossmember part

20230831SUSPENSION

Subframe is completely rotted. Taken to several mechanics who were unable to diagnose handling problems and severe tire wear. After research this is a common problem, we were never notified this could be an extremely dangerous and hidden issue. Car is unsafe to operate without expensive repairs. Unacceptable.

20230831UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Subframe is completely rotted. Taken to several mechanics who were unable to diagnose handling problems and severe tire wear. After research this is a common problem, we were never notified this could be an extremely dangerous and hidden issue. Car is unsafe to operate without expensive repairs. Unacceptable.

20230512SUSPENSION

While driving I was unable to come to a complete stop….while breaking the vehicle would pull to the side and keep moving into traffic 😞

Mileage: 125,000

20230512FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While driving I was unable to come to a complete stop….while breaking the vehicle would pull to the side and keep moving into traffic 😞

Mileage: 125,000

20230502SUSPENSION

RUSTED REAR SUBFRAME

20230421TIRES

The tires were purchased from NTB in August 2022. I noticed a bubble on the side of the tire 3 April. We contact NTB in Columbia,MD because we purchased them from the location and they were also put on at the location. They stated, we can purchase a new tire but there was nothing they could do. We purchased the tire from Walmart.com and took it into the Walmart Tire and Lube. The technician Kevin replaced the olde tire with the new and asked why didn’t we get a free replacement tire from wherever it was purchased from since it was a new tire and defective. We asked him to show us a defect and he showed a small slit inside the tire which caused the tire bubble. He then brought it back to us and placed it in our trunk to give back to NTB. NTB declined to replace the tire stating it was a Pirelli issue and we needed to contact them.

20230216SUSPENSION

Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already under recall in Europe. there are thousands of existing owner complains about the exact same issue. MB USA initially refused to acknowledge the problem, but on 2/14/2023 they sent a memo to all US dealers to repair rotted subframe for free under "extended warrantee". however, they refused to pay for the full repair even after dealership specifically informed them that it was not possible to complete the repair without replacing thrust arm and rod, which were damaged due to the Subframe failure. this incident endangered me and my family, cost $2000+ out of pocket for repairs in addition

20230216STRUCTURE:BODY

Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already under recall in Europe. there are thousands of existing owner complains about the exact same issue. MB USA initially refused to acknowledge the problem, but on 2/14/2023 they sent a memo to all US dealers to repair rotted subframe for free under "extended warrantee". however, they refused to pay for the full repair even after dealership specifically informed them that it was not possible to complete the repair without replacing thrust arm and rod, which were damaged due to the Subframe failure. this incident endangered me and my family, cost $2000+ out of pocket for repairs in addition

20230216UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already under recall in Europe. there are thousands of existing owner complains about the exact same issue. MB USA initially refused to acknowledge the problem, but on 2/14/2023 they sent a memo to all US dealers to repair rotted subframe for free under "extended warrantee". however, they refused to pay for the full repair even after dealership specifically informed them that it was not possible to complete the repair without replacing thrust arm and rod, which were damaged due to the Subframe failure. this incident endangered me and my family, cost $2000+ out of pocket for repairs in addition

20230207SUSPENSION

After breaking hard the vehicle started to pull left and the rear felt like it had locked up. I took it immediately to my local mechanic who diagnosed a prematurely rotted out subframe. I am in the process of having MB review and quote for the repair.

20230207SERVICE BRAKES

After breaking hard the vehicle started to pull left and the rear felt like it had locked up. I took it immediately to my local mechanic who diagnosed a prematurely rotted out subframe. I am in the process of having MB review and quote for the repair.

Compare 2010MERCEDES-BENZGLK350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 have?
The 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 has 279 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 5 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350?
The most-complained component for the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 is AIR BAGS with 149 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.