VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Gl450 year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 11 Gl450 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (22), suspension (15), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

89

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Gl450 years?

Gl450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted162 complaints2007: 162 complaints2008: 89 complaints2009: 22 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 64 complaints2012: 51 complaints2013: 51 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 24 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 1 complaints
Gl450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2225%
Suspension1517%
Brakes78%
Engine78%
Airbags67%
Electrical System56%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Other44%
Tires & Wheels44%
Transmission44%
Body & Structure33%
Seat Belts22%
Seats22%
Fuel System11%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 24, 2010 · crash

“ON APRIL 30TH 2009 WHILE DRIVING CAR SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN. ON MAY 1ST WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND GOING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ON A MAJOR ROAD THE CAR AGAIN SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR. TEN MINUTES LATER WHILE EASING INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING SPOT THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AND CRASHED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 1, 2009 · crash

“Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment. Once I shifted into "Drive", immediately the engine revved up and vehicle accelerated in high rate of speed across the parking lot, I was applying the brakes, but they were not stopping the vehicle, it then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2023 · crash

“Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment. Once I shifted into "Drive", immediately the engine revved up and vehicle accelerated in high rate of speed across the parking lot, I was applying the brakes, but they were not stopping the vehicle, it then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 6, 2023 · crash

“I OWN MERCEDES GL450 2008 THAT I BOUGHT AS NEW. I SAW THAT THE R/F CORNER OF THE VEHICLE VERY LOW. TURNS OUT THAT THE TRUST AIRBAG IS LEAKING AND BOTH SUSPENSION/TRUST ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS ISSUE CAN FLIP THE CAR IF YOU RAN INTO POTHOLES ON THE ROAD. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 2012

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 11 Gl450 years. It is one of the Gl450 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Gl450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (22 complaints), suspension (15 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl450. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gl450 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gl450 years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Gl450 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.