2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class problems
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has 52 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has 52 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 8 complaints, typically surfacing around 76,917 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 GL-Class | 66 | 0 |
| 2011 GL-Class | 97 | 0 |
| 2012 GL-Class | 76 | 0 |
| 2013 GL-Class (this page) | 52 | 0 |
| 2014 GL-Class | 38 | 0 |
| 2015 GL-Class | 34 | 0 |
| 2016 GL-Class | 20 | 0 |
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 8.2/10 — 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.
Buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 76,917 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 38,750 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 28,900 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 82,739 mi · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 76,917 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 7 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The engine failed under 100k miles after being properly maintained according to the manufactures guidelines.
We purchased the 2013 gl 550 five months ago. When we were driving home the vehicle shifted itself into park while in was in drive. The vehicle abruptly stopped and violently jerked the car and our family was inside in traffic approaching a four way stop light. When we attempted…
When activation of the suspension lift system. Compressor is cooling then a malfunction message appears on the screen. Vehicle shakes violently in the rear up and down at low and high speeds and over any small bumps in the road. This concerns me for the safety of other owners…
Suround cameras are not able to see at night and backup lights not bright enough to see.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 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 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 8 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,917 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 52 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 76,917 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 8 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,917 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 76,917 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 52 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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.