VehicleVerdict

2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 sits mid-pack among Gl450 years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 48, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), engine (9), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

51

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Gl450 years?

Gl450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System918%
Engine918%
Seats510%
Suspension510%
Brakes510%
Other48%
Transmission36%
Airbags24%
Seat Belts24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Steering12%
Fuel System12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Driver Assistance12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 have recalls?

3 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.

13V166000Seat BeltsApril 29, 2013 · 256 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.

Consequence

If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. 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.

“UPON ACCELERATION AFTER A COMPLETE STOP THERE ARE SEVERAL SECONDS OF HESITATION TO ACCELERATE AND LOUD CLICKING SOUNDS THAT NEIGHBORING CARS CAN HEAR. AFTER DOING ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS ISSUE IS NOT LIMITED TO GL450. OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME CONCERN IN OTHER MODELS: 2008 C300, 2009 C300,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 12, 2019

“ENGINE HARNESS WIRES CONTAMINATION IN ME, CAUSE SENSORS DAMAGE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS TO START UP RIGHT NORMAL DEALER WANT TO CHARGE ME 14K FOR SERVICE AND REPAIR , EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IT SOUNDS LIKE IT TAKE TIME TO START AND I GET THE CHECK ENGINE EVERTIME I START THE CAR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 11, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE PROFUSELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THE DEALER RECOMMENDED AND REPAIRED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 1, 2014

“HEADRESTS ON SECOND ROW WITH EASY ENTRY OPTION CANNOT BE REMOVED. THEREFORE, PROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD SAFETY SEAT (CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT) IS IMPOSSIBLE. THIS FAMILY VEHICLE IS UNUSABLE SAFELY FOR A CHILD. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 4, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR SECTION WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN VIOLENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY REAR AIR SUSPENSION. IN ADDITION, AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE ARM REST WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 22, 2019 · fire

2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 — common questions

Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Gl450: 51 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Gl450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 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.