VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Gl years?

Gl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted5 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 5 complaints
Gl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V682000SteeringDecember 19, 2008 · 577 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 577 MY 2008 GL-CLASS, M-CLASS, AND R-CLASS VEHICLES. A DEFECT MAY EXIST IN THE DRIVING PIN USED TO CONTROL THE OIL PRESSURE OF THE POWER STEERING.

Consequence

IF A DEFECTIVE DRIVING PIN EXISTS IN A VEHICLE AND THE PIN BREAKS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE TURNING, THE NORMALLY AVAILABLE HYDRAULIC SUPPORT FUNCTION WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION AND STEERING WHEEL OPERATION WILL BE LIMITED.

Remedy

MERCEDES-BENZ WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEARS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

08V242000Trailer HitchJune 2, 2008 · 52,740 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 52,740 MY 2006-2008 GL AND ML CLASS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FLEX-N-GATE TRAILER HITCH. SOME OF THE WELD SEAMS CONNECTING THE TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER TO THE ATTACHMENT BAR USED TO SECURE THE TRAILER HITCH TO THE BODY FRAME DO NOT MEET PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE TRAILE RHITCH RECEIVER SEPARATING FROM THE ATTACHMENT BAR, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD WHICH MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH. THE TRAILER HITCH MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE TRAILER HITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWENRS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

08V006000EngineJanuary 9, 2008 · 9,004 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.

Consequence

WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CONTINENTAL 275/55VR19 4X4 CONTACT EXTRA COST TIRES FURNISHED WITH MY 2008 M-B GL320 CDI HAVE A STRONG TENDENCY TO HYDROPLANE UNEXPECTEDLY, DANGEROUSLY AND AT LOW SPEEDS IN VERY SHALLOW WATER (WEAR GROOVES IN I-5 FREEWAY @ 55 MPH OR LESS). VIRTUALLY THE SAME CAR, (2007 M-B GL320 CDI) WITH STOCK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 20, 2007

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.