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, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 70 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: SEATS
Problem score: 90
2 recalls · 45 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 61
3 recalls · 44 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 59
Best Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Buy
6 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 24
1 recall · 20 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 25
3 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 26
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 | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 | 6 | — | — | 24 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 21 | 1 | — | 29 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 20 | 1 | — | 25 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 45 | 5 | — | 61 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3 | 44 | 3 | — | 59 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 47 | 1 | — | 58 | Caution |
| 2010 | 3 | 34 | — | — | 43 | Caution |
| 2009 | 3 | 13 | 2 | — | 26 | Good |
| 2008 | 2 | 47 | 1 | — | 55 | Caution |
| 2007 | 0 | 70 | 10 | — | 90 | Avoid |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GL-Class should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class if possible. It has 0 recalls, 70 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 90 — 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 24. It has only 6 recalls and 6 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GL-Class has the fewest problems?+
The 2016, 2014, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems. 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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