VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Gl320 years?

Gl320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted23 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 23 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints
Gl320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering730%
Other313%
Engine29%
Fuel System29%
Seats29%
Brakes29%
Electrical System29%
Lighting14%
Suspension14%
Transmission14%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 have recalls?

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

24V298000BrakesApril 26, 2024 · 15,604 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

22V315000BrakesMay 9, 2022 · 350,294 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 21, 2011

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 21, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 1, 2013

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 24, 2014

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2015

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 Gl320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (7 complaints), other (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gl320 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gl320 years to avoid are 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Gl320 years belongs to 2006.

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.