VehicleVerdict

2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Gl350 years?

Gl350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted25 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 25 complaints2012: 23 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 1 complaints
Gl350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System120%
Lighting120%
Seat Belts120%
Speed Control120%
Visibility & Wipers120%

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 have recalls?

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

19V787000OtherNovember 1, 2019 · 24,226 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Consequence

An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

18V272000SuspensionApril 27, 2018 · 9,725 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Consequence

The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

17V241000SteeringApril 11, 2017 · 58,323 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.

Consequence

If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

16V903000AirbagsDecember 15, 2016 · 47,799 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.

Consequence

If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON SEPTEMBER 6 2017 MY MERCEDES CLUSTER PANAL (ODEMETER) STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING. WHICH THEN I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE ODOMETER WHICH THEN FAILED AGAIN HOURS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR. AFTER REPLACING IT 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY I'M STILL EXPERIENCING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 6, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDHICKS MERCEDES (3102 S PADRE ISLAND DR, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 26, 2017

“THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON THE VEHICLE PROVIDED IS SIGNIFICANTLY INFERIOR IN INTENSITY AND DISTANCE ILLUMINATED. IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE AN OBJECT AFTER FEW FEET AND NIGHT DRIVING BECOMES EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AT NIGHT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE PASSING CARS OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 31, 2016

“ON SEPTEMBER 6 2017 MY MERCEDES CLUSTER PANAL (ODEMETER) STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING. WHICH THEN I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE ODOMETER WHICH THEN FAILED AGAIN HOURS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR. AFTER REPLACING IT 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY I'M STILL EXPERIENCING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 6, 2017

“Spontaneously exploding panoramic sunroof: I was driving northbound on I-5 in Everett, WA, on 27 January 2023 around 7pm. It was clear, the road was dry, it was around 45 degrees, and there was medium traffic. We were going about 65mph. Just myself and my 4 year old daughter were in the car. With…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 27, 2023

2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gl350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gl350 years to avoid are 2011, 2012. The cleanest record among Gl350 years belongs to 2017.

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.