Mercedes-Benz GL-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 29 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Takata recall: still no remedy available per Mercedes benz; first notice received 2/2017.
It's taking too long to get these airbags replaced! News reports continue to report on injuries and how important it is to get fixed and takata is not able to meet the demand while they continue to produce new air bags for new cars? Where is NHTSA priorities here? I have 4…
This complain is about the recall report as below feb 11,2016 manufacturer recall number2016020003 NHTSA recall number16v081 description: I have never been contacted by the manufacturer about this recall. Apparently, the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this…
I am having issues with my suspension. I've had to replace it twice in 1 year. A recall should be issued on this.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 13 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,733 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 98,733 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 29 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.