VehicleVerdict

2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 — 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Gl550 years?

Gl550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted16 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 16 complaints2012: 12 complaints2013: 15 complaints2014: 11 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 0 complaints
Gl550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System640%
Transmission320%
Engine213%
Steering213%
Fuel System17%
Other17%

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 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.

“While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2024

“While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 15, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SPUTTER, HESITATE, AND, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF ORLAND PARK, 8430 W. 159TH ST, ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS) WHERE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2018

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 80 MPH.THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ON THE SPEEDOMETER A MESSAGE STARTED TO BE DISPLAYED BLIND SPOT INACTIVE ,THEN PRE-SAFE FUNCTIONS LIMITED ACTIVE LANE KEEP ASSIST UNAVAILABLE .ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CRUZ CONTROL FAILED. THEM THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED . THEN I STOPPED THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 27, 2018

“ I WAS DRIVING FREEWAY 5N (12/20/12) ABOUT 200 MILES N OF LA WITH MY DISTRONIC PLUS SET FOR 79 MPH WHEN THE DISTRONIC QUIT CAUSING THE CAR TO SUDDENLY DECELERATE AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. A CAR THAT WAS FOLLOWING (TOO) CLOSELY HAD TO BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING ME. I RECEIVED 3 ERROR MESSAGES SAYING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 20, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 — common questions

Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Gl550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Gl550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gl550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gl550 years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Gl550 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.