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
3 recalls · 46 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 65
1 recall · 44 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 53
Best Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Years to Buy
1 recall · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 20
5 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 22
2 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 28
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 | 5 | 7 | — | — | 22 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 24 | 1 | — | 35 | Caution |
| 2014 | 2 | 20 | 1 | — | 28 | Good |
| 2013 | 3 | 46 | 5 | — | 65 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 1 | 44 | 3 | — | 53 | Caution |
| 2011 | 1 | 47 | 1 | — | 52 | Caution |
| 2010 | 1 | 34 | — | — | 37 | Caution |
| 2009 | 1 | 13 | 2 | — | 20 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 47 | 1 | — | 49 | 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 20. It has only 1 recall and 13 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GL-Class has the fewest problems?+
The 2009, 2016, 2014 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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