2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 38 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has 38 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 10 complaints, typically surfacing around 103,000 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 GL-Class | 97 | 0 |
| 2012 GL-Class | 76 | 0 |
| 2013 GL-Class | 52 | 0 |
| 2014 GL-Class (this page) | 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 2014 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
- engine — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 103,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 50,000 mi · ~$700 to fix
- brakes — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 31,500 mi · ~$450 to fix
- electrical — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 57,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
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 2014 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 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Mercedes benz gl450. The contact stated that the transmission jerked and hesitated to shift. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The technician reprogrammed the transmission software and the module…
Car got a check engine for failed turbochargers at 71000 miles. Mercedes refused to acknowledge and get the problem addressed.
1. The power steering wheel is stuck at the top position once in a while. 2. Active curve system pump will fail and leak fluids in 30000-40000 miles.
There is a recall on some of the make & models of my truck with different years but, my truck has been having the same issue & I believe that myself & my family may be at risk. The recall states that if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 10 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 103,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 38 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 103,000 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 10 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 103,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 103,000 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 38 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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.