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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-MERCEDES-BENZ-GL-CLASS
2012 · mercedes-benz

mercedes-benz GL-Class problems

0 safety recalls. 76 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
37 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
10 reports · avg $450
severe
suspension
6 reports · avg $900
moderate
engine
5 reports · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
4 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
3 reports · avg $850
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 GL-Class · other
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK IS INOPERATIVE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE DUE TO FACT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE FAILS. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2012 ##
12/26/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291387.0
2012 GL-Class · airbags
TAKATA RECALL THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT BUT IF THERE WAS IT COULD BE FATAL. I LIVE IN A HOT, HUMID AREA THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED BEFORE OTHER AREAS. MY COMPLAINT IS THE PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOCATED FOR MY CAR. NEED IT DONE!
12/26/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11056672.0
2012 GL-Class · airbags
TAKATA RECALL. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLACE AIR BAG IN MY CAR YET BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOT A REPLACEMENT YET. HERE IT IS ALMOST 2018.
12/23/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11056227.0
2012 GL-Class · airbags
TAKATA RECALL. FEB 09,2016 . MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2018030011 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V081 WHY IS THE RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE/.REMEDY STILL NOT YET AVAILABLE???? I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY DIRECT ISSUE BUT WANT TO KNOW WHY IKNOWN PROBLEM IS NOT RECTIFIED?
12/21/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162916.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 37 complaints filed. 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. 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 76 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with mercedes-benz. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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