Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-benz glk350w4. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 18v043000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. Mercedes-benz of fresno (7055 n palm ave, fresno, ca 93650, (559) 438-0300) stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class airbags problems
severe 99 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
99
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 99 airbags complaints filed for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 68% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 99 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 GLK-Class is subject to multiple Takata airbag recalls (campaigns 16V081000, 16V363000, 18V043000, 19V010000) with a documented history of non-deployment in collisions that caused owner injuries. Before purchasing, verify the recall has been completed and documented by the dealer; widespread reports show parts were unavailable for extended periods (sometimes over a year), leaving owners stuck with unrepaired safety defects.
Owners of 2013 GLK-Class vehicles describe two main categories of airbag trouble. First, actual failures: several owners were in collisions at speeds as low as 12–18 mph and 65 mph where the front airbags simply did not deploy. One owner suffered ruptured discs in the neck; another sustained injuries to the back, both arms, and left eye. In each case, independent mechanics or dealers could not pinpoint why the airbags failed to deploy.
Second, and far more common across these 99 complaints, is the parts shortage nightmare. Mercedes issued Takata airbag recalls (campaigns 16V081000, 16V363000, 18V043000, 19V010000) starting in 2016, but owners consistently report dealers had no replacement airbags in stock. Many waited six months to over a year with no firm repair date. Manufacturers told owners "parts unavailable" or gave vague estimates—March 2019, April 2020, or "mid-May 2020." Some owners said they were denied loaner vehicles and told they weren't in prioritized "hot zones," while newer vehicles in cooler climates got repaired first. One owner couldn't sell their vehicle due to the open recall. Throughout, Mercedes-Benz said the vehicles were safe to drive—a hollow assurance given the documented deployment failures.
Same Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class airbags reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Takata airbag non-deployment in frontal collision
Multiple owners report airbags failed to deploy when vehicles were struck or involved in collisions at low to moderate speeds (12-70 mph). Injuries resulted, including ruptured discs and lacerations. Owners took vehicles to independent mechanics or dealers who could not diagnose the root cause. The vehicles are subject to NHTSA recall campaigns 16V081000, 16V363000, 18V043000, and 19V010000.
When: 61,300 miles, 115,000 miles, 47,000 miles, and other instances not specified
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment in collision; SRS warning light illuminated; Whining noise from dashboard at 65-70 mph; Occasional passenger safety warning message when front passenger present
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V081000, NHTSA Campaign 16V363000, NHTSA Campaign 18V043000, NHTSA Campaign 19V010000
Repairs/costs cited: Front end rebuilt after collision; airbag failure cause could not be determined by independent mechanic. Multiple recalls issued; remedy parts unavailable at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata airbag recall issued. Mercedes-Benz advised owners to send crash reports and stated vehicle was safe to drive. Dealers informed owners parts were unavailable and gave estimates ranging from March 2019 to April 2020 or later for parts availability. Some owners were told they were not in 'hot zones' prioritized for repair.
Recall parts unavailability and excessive delays
The overwhelming majority of complaints (40+ narratives) describe owners receiving recall notices for Takata airbags but being unable to schedule repairs because dealer parts were not available. Owners reported waiting months to over a year with no firm repair date, despite recall notices issued in 2016-2019. Dealers stated parts were on backorder; manufacturers could not confirm delivery timelines. Owners noted other newer vehicles in cooler climates received repairs while older vehicles in hot/humid regions waited.
When: Recall notices issued between 2016 and 2019; owners waited months to years beyond notice date
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received with no remedy available; Dealer unable to book repair appointment; Manufacturer unable to provide parts delivery timeline; Parts stated as 'unavailable' or 'on backorder' at all contacted dealers
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V081000, NHTSA Campaign 16V363000, NHTSA Campaign 18V043000, NHTSA Campaign 19V010000
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed. Owners reported waiting 12+ months in some cases. Estimated repair dates provided by manufacturer ranged from June 2018 to April 2020 in various cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes-Benz issued recall notices but stated parts were unavailable. Manufacturer advised owners the vehicle was safe to drive and would notify them when parts became available. Some owners reported being told they were not in priority 'hot zones.' Loaner vehicles were refused by dealers. No alternative remedy offered.
Inability to sell or trade vehicle due to unrepaired recall
Multiple owners reported they could not sell or trade in their vehicles due to the unresolved airbag recall, trapping them in unsafe vehicles they could not divest. One owner noted they discovered the recall when attempting a trade-in; another stated the recall prevented them from selling the vehicle.
When: During attempted sale or trade-in; vehicles had been on recall for 6+ months to over a year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cannot be sold or traded while under unrepaired recall; Owner unable to replace unsafe vehicle
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 18V043000
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs possible due to parts unavailability. Vehicles remained in owner possession despite safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered to owners trapped with unrepaired recalled vehicles.
SRS warning light and intermittent passenger safety alerts
Some owners reported SRS airbag warning lights illuminating or remaining lit after receiving recall notices. One owner reported an intermittent passenger safety warning message appearing when the front passenger seat was occupied, occurring sporadically regardless of vehicle speed.
When: Mileage approximately 72,000 to 98,000 miles; alerts occurred over time, not at specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: SRS warning indicator illuminated; Intermittent passenger safety warning message; Whining noise from dashboard (65-70 mph)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V081000, NHTSA Campaign 16V363000, NHTSA Campaign 18V043000
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic testing scheduled at CarMax; no repair completed due to recall part unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers charged diagnostic fees to investigate SRS warnings. Manufacturer offered no resolution during recall period.
Synthesized from 99 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mercedes benz glk350. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the contact was involved in a head on crash with another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained head injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. It was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed however, the vehicle was not repaired. The…
It has been on recall since january 2019, which is almost an entie year. They don't seem to be able to issue parts or airbags in a timely matter. There are times when im driving with a passanger that a message comes on due to the passengers saftey. I don't recall the exact wording bu it comes on, on occasion and not every time someone is sitting in the front passengers seat. There is no 1 date I…
It has been on recall since jaseem to be availablenuary 2019, which is almost an entire year. They don't seem to be able to issue the parts or airbags in a timely matter. The recall statis is: recall incomplete, remedy not yet available.. There are times when im driving wirh a passenger in the front that a message comes on due to the passangers saftey. I don't recall the exact wording. It doesn't…
Mercedes benz notified in february 2019 that passenger side airbag may be defective. Followed up with Mercedes in november 2019.. They now advise that their best estimate is correct airbags will not be available for another year I.e. November 2020 .. Where is the urgency to protect their customers?
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-benz glk350. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19v010000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called new country Mercedes-benz (1 weston st, hartford, ct 06120, (860) 278-2000) and Mercedes-benz of north haven (620 washington…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-benz glk350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v010000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. Mercedes-benz of massapequa (101 sunrise hwy, amityville, ny 11701, (631) 213-2023) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-benz glk350w2. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v043000 (air bags). The contact called Mercedes-benz of the woodlands at 936-206-7500 (located at 16917 I-45, conroe, tx 77385) and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the…
Recall notice on takata passenger air bag dated february 2018. Still no repair available. Manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall in a timely. Date response to "when did this happen?' is date this report is being filed.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Had airbags trouble with your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 99 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 43,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 61,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Mercedes-Benz/GLK-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.