Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz GL320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

32 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

79,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 to 2009 model years. Data updated: . 26 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 32 complaints (21.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior721.9%
Braking behavior412.5%
Engine operation26.3%
Electrical and battery issues26.3%
Fuel system concerns13.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
7
Seats
4
Unknown Or Other
4
Air Bags
3
Electrical System
3
Engine
3
Suspension
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering7
Seats4
Unknown Or Other4
Air Bags3
Electrical System3
Engine3
Suspension2
Engine And Engine Cooling1

Steering: 7; Seats: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Air Bags: 3; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 3; Suspension: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9995
75,000 to 99,9998
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 3

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008
1
2009
3
2011
3
2012
2
2013
3
2014
7
2015
3
2016
2
2017
2
2018
2
2019
1
2020
1
2022
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20081
20093
20113
20122
20133
20147
20153
20162
20172
20182
20191
20201
20222

2008: 1; 2009: 3; 2011: 3; 2012: 2; 2013: 3; 2014: 7; 2015: 3; 2016: 2; 2017: 2; 2018: 2; 2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2022: 2

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10290226 · 2009-10-29 (October 29, 2009)

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Owner-reported narrative. 29,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10393647 · 2011-03-29 (March 29, 2011)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL 08V682000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AP…

Owner-reported narrative. 79,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10393647 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11475718 · 2022-07-25 (July 25, 2022)

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which stated that the tow was free of charge. The contact stated that he has contacted Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance to arrange for the tow and was redirected to call the Mercedes-Benz recall hotline. The contact stated that he was told to contact several other numbers to arrange for tow the dealer. The contact stated the was unable to arrange the tow to the dealer. The contact was upset that he was…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11475718 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10584545 · 2014-04-23 (April 23, 2014)

STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CAR STALLED AND WAS ALMOST REAR- ENDED. GOT TO SIDE OF ROAD SOME FLUID, RESTARTED AFTER 20 MINUTES. WHEN RESTARTED WEIRD NOISE WHEN TURNING BUT CLOSE TO DEALER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 74,545 miles reported. Look up ODI 10584545 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10596661 · 2014-06-06 (June 6, 2014)

I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT GETTING INTO THE CAR AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ADAPTIVE HEAD REST RELEASED. THIS IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT WHIPLASH BUT DEPENDING ON THE FORCE IT RELEASED AT (IT'S MECHANICAL NOT AN AIRBAG) IT COULD CAUSE INJURY. THE VEHICLE SMELLED AS IF AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HAD MELTED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT TRIGGERED THE MALFUNCTION. THE SEAT HAS TO BE REMOVED AND THE HEAD REST HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1980. THE SEAT IS A 10 WAY POWER SEAT BUT IT …

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10596661 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10549631 · 2013-10-26 (October 26, 2013)

THERE IS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FILTER NEAR THE HEATING ELEMENT. SOUNDS LIKE THE DESCRIPTION OF A RECALL WITH THE 2011 AND 2012 MODELS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10549631 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2006
0
2007
2
2008
2
2009
3
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
20060
20072
20082
20093

2006: 0; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 3

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz GL320 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
200610Not available
200752+2
20082020
200963+1
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

32 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

81.3%Usable mileage26 / 32 records
100.0%Valid incident date32 / 32 records
100.0%Valid filing date32 / 32 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates32 / 32 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2006200720082009
Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

735.0%
ODI 10393647 · 79,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL 08V682000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AP…

Look up ODI 10393647 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
1100.0%
ODI 10557714 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING TURNED ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER. LESS THAN 1 MINUTE AFTER I FELT BURNING ON MY BACK. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND JUMPED OUT OF VEHICLE. SMOKE WAS FILLING CAR AND JACKET WAS ON FIRE. PATTED JACKET OUT AND FOUND BURN HOLE THROUGH JACKET INTO SWEATER. AFTER SMOKE CLEARED I SAW DRIVER SEAT WAS BURNED THROUGH. I WAS LUCKY THIS OCCURRED ON A SIDE STREET AT 20MPH AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY WITH POSTED SPEED OF 65MPH. FACTORY TOLD ME REPAIR COST MAY NOT BE COVERED SINCE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, HOWEVER LOCAL DEALERSHIP MADE REPAIR AT NO COST. I …

Look up ODI 10557714 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10563658 · 104,000 mi

THE SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON AND THE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THE RESULT WAS A HOLE IN THE SEAT OF THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10563658 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 10550102 · 77,500 mi

THIRD ROW SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK IN POSITION, EITHER UP FOR SEATING OR DOWN FOR CARGO. THE LACK OF LOCKING EFFECTED THE MOTOR WHICH RAISES AND LOWERS THE SEAT TO LOCK POSITION. DEALER AND/OR MFG. CLAIMED THE SEAT FRAME IS PRONE TO BENDING. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. WHEN I NOTED THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE THEY OFFERED TO PAY 75% FOR THE PART AND DISCOUNT ON LABOR. *TR

Look up ODI 10550102 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

315.0%
ODI 11078793 · 126,000 mi

MERSEDES BENZ CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND BONITA SPRINGS DEALERSHIP FL REFUSED TO DEAL WITH RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 08V242000 MB CAMPAIGN 2008050004 BECAUSE RECALL WAS NOT LOGGED AGAINST VIN # AND REFUSED TO LOG AGAINST VIN DESPITE SEEING RECALL LETTER WHICH DESCRIBES PROCESS AND SEEING ENTIRE MB SERVICE BULLETIN. TRAILER HITCH HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY MB MECHANIC AND DETERMINED TO BE AFFECTED TRAILER HITCH AND THAT RECALL HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED. THE RECALL WARNS THAT TRAILER HITCH SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR ANYTHING WHICH DESTROYS MY PURPOSE FOR PURCHAS…

Look up ODI 11078793 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

350.0%
ODI 10910786 · 89,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: MERCEDES BENZ HAS NO INFORMATION ON WHEN MY TAKATA AIRBAG WILL BE REPLACED. MEANWHILE I CANNOT SELL MY VEHICLE OR DO A TRADE-IN WITH AN OPEN RECALL ITEM. I NEED TO KNOW HOW I CAN GET MY AIRBAG REPLACED ASAP.

Look up ODI 10910786 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 11318184 · 195,000 mi

WIRIING INSULATION IN HEADLIGHTS DETERIORATES RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND REPEATED FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS.INFORMATION SHARED WITH HELLA (ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY CHOOSE NOT TO RESPOND). FAILED PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.

Look up ODI 11318184 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10375151 · 49,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ GL320CDI BLUETEC> SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 40 MPH. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AN EARLIER VERSION THE 2008 MODEL HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE ON THREE OCCASIONS. SUBSEQUENTLY TRADED VEHICLE IN FOR A 2009 MODEL. TOLD BY DEALER PART "CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR" IS THE CAUSE. PART IS BEING ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND WOULD TAKE AT LEAST A WEEK. I SUSPECT THE PART IS IN SHORT SUPPLY DUE TO FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF THIS ISSUE. A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS LURKING WITH THIS …

Look up ODI 10375151 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

210.0%
ODI 10584547 · 96,562 mi

SMOKE STARTED SPEWING FROM FRONT OF CAR - COULD NOT SEE AND PULLED OFF. OIL CAP DEFECTIVE - SHORTED OUT ALTERNATOR. *TR

Look up ODI 10584547 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10917334 · 183,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL320. SHORTLY AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FIRE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

Look up ODI 10917334 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10584552 · 73,900 mi

OCT OF 2012 RIGHT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION COMPONENT WENT OUT - HAD TO REPLACE. NOVEMBER 2012 LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION WENT OUT - HAD TO REPLACE THAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10584552 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering58,500–80,491 mi74,545 mi7
ODI 10393647 · 79,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL 08V682000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AP…

Look up ODI 10393647 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10462580 · 64,000 mi

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. WAS TOLD IT WAS A LEAK AT THE RACK AND WOULD COST OVER $1000 TO REPLACE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING RACK LEAKING AFTER LESS THAN 65000 MILES. SOUNDS LIKE MANUFACTURING ERROR AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TT

Look up ODI 10462580 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10465738 · 25,820 mi

I FOUND FLUID UNDER MY VEHICLE ON THE FLOOR OF MY GARAGE. I AM SENDING THIS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER THAT THIS IS THE RESULT OF A DEFECT. I CHECKED AND THERE WERE RECALLS BUT MY VEHICLE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THERE WERE ALSO SERVICE BULLETINS WHICH WERE NOT CALLED TO MY ATTENTION MBUSA REP ADMITTED DEFECT ,WAS SYMPATHETIC BUT SAID HE WOULD MAKE A NOTE OF IT, BUT THAT WAS ALL. DEALER DID GRANT ME A "GOOD WILL" DISCOUNT,BUT MY COST WAS $600.00 FOR A REPAIR THAT HAS BEEN ENDEMIC.MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AFTER…

Look up ODI 10465738 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range85,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10557714 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING TURNED ON DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER. LESS THAN 1 MINUTE AFTER I FELT BURNING ON MY BACK. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND JUMPED OUT OF VEHICLE. SMOKE WAS FILLING CAR AND JACKET WAS ON FIRE. PATTED JACKET OUT AND FOUND BURN HOLE THROUGH JACKET INTO SWEATER. AFTER SMOKE CLEARED I SAW DRIVER SEAT WAS BURNED THROUGH. I WAS LUCKY THIS OCCURRED ON A SIDE STREET AT 20MPH AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY WITH POSTED SPEED OF 65MPH. FACTORY TOLD ME REPAIR COST MAY NOT BE COVERED SINCE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, HOWEVER LOCAL DEALERSHIP MADE REPAIR AT NO COST. I …

Look up ODI 10557714 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10563658 · 104,000 mi

THE SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON AND THE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THE RESULT WAS A HOLE IN THE SEAT OF THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10563658 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10550102 · 77,500 mi

THIRD ROW SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK IN POSITION, EITHER UP FOR SEATING OR DOWN FOR CARGO. THE LACK OF LOCKING EFFECTED THE MOTOR WHICH RAISES AND LOWERS THE SEAT TO LOCK POSITION. DEALER AND/OR MFG. CLAIMED THE SEAT FRAME IS PRONE TO BENDING. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. WHEN I NOTED THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE THEY OFFERED TO PAY 75% FOR THE PART AND DISCOUNT ON LABOR. *TR

Look up ODI 10550102 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range127,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11078793 · 126,000 mi

MERSEDES BENZ CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND BONITA SPRINGS DEALERSHIP FL REFUSED TO DEAL WITH RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 08V242000 MB CAMPAIGN 2008050004 BECAUSE RECALL WAS NOT LOGGED AGAINST VIN # AND REFUSED TO LOG AGAINST VIN DESPITE SEEING RECALL LETTER WHICH DESCRIBES PROCESS AND SEEING ENTIRE MB SERVICE BULLETIN. TRAILER HITCH HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY MB MECHANIC AND DETERMINED TO BE AFFECTED TRAILER HITCH AND THAT RECALL HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED. THE RECALL WARNS THAT TRAILER HITCH SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR ANYTHING WHICH DESTROYS MY PURPOSE FOR PURCHAS…

Look up ODI 11078793 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11111446 · 127,000 mi

THE TRAILER HITCH HAS BEEN RECALLED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V242000 : MB RECALL # 2008-050004 MB TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 2008050004C. MERCEDES BENZ (CHRISTIAN TREIBER VP CUSTOMER SERVICE THRU ERICK [LAST NAME REFUSED] EXECUTIVE REFERRAL MANAGER) HAVE IN WRITING DENIED MY REQUEST TO RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO REPAIR MY TRAILER HITCH ACCORDING TO THEIR RECALL AND TSB DENYING THAT THERE IS A RECALL.

Look up ODI 11111446 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range89,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10910786 · 89,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: MERCEDES BENZ HAS NO INFORMATION ON WHEN MY TAKATA AIRBAG WILL BE REPLACED. MEANWHILE I CANNOT SELL MY VEHICLE OR DO A TRADE-IN WITH AN OPEN RECALL ITEM. I NEED TO KNOW HOW I CAN GET MY AIRBAG REPLACED ASAP.

Look up ODI 10910786 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range49,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11318184 · 195,000 mi

WIRIING INSULATION IN HEADLIGHTS DETERIORATES RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND REPEATED FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS.INFORMATION SHARED WITH HELLA (ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY CHOOSE NOT TO RESPOND). FAILED PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.

Look up ODI 11318184 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10375151 · 49,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ GL320CDI BLUETEC> SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 40 MPH. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AN EARLIER VERSION THE 2008 MODEL HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE ON THREE OCCASIONS. SUBSEQUENTLY TRADED VEHICLE IN FOR A 2009 MODEL. TOLD BY DEALER PART "CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR" IS THE CAUSE. PART IS BEING ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND WOULD TAKE AT LEAST A WEEK. I SUSPECT THE PART IS IN SHORT SUPPLY DUE TO FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF THIS ISSUE. A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS LURKING WITH THIS …

Look up ODI 10375151 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range96,562 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10584547 · 96,562 mi

SMOKE STARTED SPEWING FROM FRONT OF CAR - COULD NOT SEE AND PULLED OFF. OIL CAP DEFECTIVE - SHORTED OUT ALTERNATOR. *TR

Look up ODI 10584547 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10787401 · 90,000 mi

THE CAR BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 45 MPH ROAD IN A VERY DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. TOWED THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME THE TIMING CHAIN GOT LOOSE AND WILL COST ~$15K TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED ENGINE.

Look up ODI 10787401 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10917334 · 183,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL320. SHORTLY AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FIRE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

Look up ODI 10917334 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range128,950 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10584552 · 73,900 mi

OCT OF 2012 RIGHT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION COMPONENT WENT OUT - HAD TO REPLACE. NOVEMBER 2012 LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION WENT OUT - HAD TO REPLACE THAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10584552 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range29,100 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2008: 0 complaints · 2009: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2008000
2009112
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20082000
2009600

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSteeringSeatsUnknown Or OtherAir BagsElectrical SystemEngineSuspensionEngine And Engine Cooling
Steering—0000000
Seats0—000000
Unknown Or Other00—000
1
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags000—0000
Electrical System0000—00
1
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

Engine00000—00
Suspension00
1
ODI 11204274 · 184,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I10 WEST NEAR MOBILE, AL AT NIGHT. I HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FEEL IT LIFT INTO THE AIR AND START BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE SEATBELT ENGAGED AND I WAS WORRIED FOR MY 10 MONTH OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. A PASSERBY STOPPED AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAR LIFTED 2 FEET IN THE AIR. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES THE AIR SUSPENSION HAS NOT RECALLIBRATED. MY BACK AND NECK ARE SORE. I CALLED MY FIANCE TO MEET MYSELF AND THE BABY SO WE COULD GET HOME. I …

Look up ODI 11204274 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling0000
1
ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

00—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

5 mentions · 15.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 53,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10393647 · 79,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL 08V682000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AP…

Look up ODI 10393647 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10462580 · 64,000 mi

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. WAS TOLD IT WAS A LEAK AT THE RACK AND WOULD COST OVER $1000 TO REPLACE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING RACK LEAKING AFTER LESS THAN 65000 MILES. SOUNDS LIKE MANUFACTURING ERROR AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TT

Look up ODI 10462580 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 9.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10290226 · 29,100 mi

MY GL 320 ? 2007 LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE POWER COMES BACK ON IN 10 TO 20 SECONDS AND THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES DURING THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OCT 2009 WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS JUST UNDER 30,000. NOTE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST GO OUT COMPLETELY AS DO THE HEADLIGHTS. ON ONE ACCESSION AT NIGHT ON A CURVE I WENT OFF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP. ON ALL OCCASIONS THIS HAPPENED 15 TO 20 SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO DEACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL AND AFTER COASTING…

Look up ODI 10290226 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10584545 · 74,545 mi

STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CAR STALLED AND WAS ALMOST REAR- ENDED. GOT TO SIDE OF ROAD SOME FLUID, RESTARTED AFTER 20 MINUTES. WHEN RESTARTED WEIRD NOISE WHEN TURNING BUT CLOSE TO DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10584545 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10375151 · 49,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ GL320CDI BLUETEC> SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 40 MPH. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AN EARLIER VERSION THE 2008 MODEL HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE ON THREE OCCASIONS. SUBSEQUENTLY TRADED VEHICLE IN FOR A 2009 MODEL. TOLD BY DEALER PART "CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR" IS THE CAUSE. PART IS BEING ORDERED FROM GERMANY AND WOULD TAKE AT LEAST A WEEK. I SUSPECT THE PART IS IN SHORT SUPPLY DUE TO FREQUENT OCCURRENCES OF THIS ISSUE. A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS LURKING WITH THIS …

Look up ODI 10375151 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10549631

THERE IS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FILTER NEAR THE HEATING ELEMENT. SOUNDS LIKE THE DESCRIPTION OF A RECALL WITH THE 2011 AND 2012 MODELS. *TR

Look up ODI 10549631 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10565953 · 32,100 mi

DIESEL FUEL LEAKING ON ROADWAY FROM FILTER. SIMILAR TO MODEL YEARS 2010-2012 RECALL. FUEL IS FOUND WHEN PARKED DRIPPING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DIESEL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10565953 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b