Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model year (2007–2016) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 123 complaints
17 reported injuries
Top issue: SEATS
Problem score: 157
0 recalls · 87 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 101
0 recalls · 95 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 101
Best Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Buy
0 recalls · 19 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 19
0 recalls · 28 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 30
0 recalls · 32 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 34
Found the right year? Verify that specific GL-Class with a free VIN report.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | 19 | 19 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 32 | 34 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 38 | 40 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 50 | 66 | Caution |
| 2012 | 0 | 76 | 86 | Caution |
| 2011 | 0 | 95 | 101 | Caution |
| 2010 | 0 | 65 | 69 | Caution |
| 2009 | 0 | 28 | 30 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 87 | 101 | Caution |
| 2007 | 0 | 123 | 157 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade GL-Class units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder GL-Class models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GL-Class should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class if possible. It has 0 recalls, 123 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is SEATS. The overall problem score is 157 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GL-Class to buy?+
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 19. It has only 0 recalls and 19 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GL-Class has the fewest problems?+
The 2016, 2009, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz GL-Class VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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