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2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 5 of 13 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Seats. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

5 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2026
Unknown Or Other

Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered at some time between 2/4/26 and 2/5/26. Car was fine when I drove on 2/4/26 and parked at home at approximately 4:30p (still light outside). I got in car next day 2/5/26 at approximately 5:45p (when dark outside). Heard slight air/wind noise as pulled out of driveway and started driving.…

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Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered at some time between 2/4/26 and 2/5/26. Car was fine when I drove on 2/4/26 and parked at home at approximately 4:30p (still light outside). I got in car next day 2/5/26 at approximately 5:45p (when dark outside). Heard slight air/wind noise as pulled out of driveway and started driving. Looked up and saw sunroof completely shattered (but still fully attached). No glass inside car until the next day when the sun came out and glass started to fall in and create a hole in the broken glass panel. I was the only one who drove the car. Dealer viewed on 2/9/26, and provided repair estimate of $4,500.30. Still waiting on insurance to authorize repair. I have attached photos from 2/5/26 when discovered and next day 2/6/26 after hole formed and glass started falling into car (blocked by sunshade).

NHTSA ODI #11731672

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Coolant Reservoir Hose Blew out on my 2016 GL450 Mercedes Benz.

NHTSA ODI #11565835

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Air Conditioner always make musty / moldy odor. Many forums says that is a common problem all across Mercedes models and it causes allergic reaction resulting in sneezing all the time when a/c is on. Problem is especially bad for my kids who have environmental allergy like mold/mildew. This horrible odor coming from a/c is d…

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Air Conditioner always make musty / moldy odor. Many forums says that is a common problem all across Mercedes models and it causes allergic reaction resulting in sneezing all the time when a/c is on. Problem is especially bad for my kids who have environmental allergy like mold/mildew. This horrible odor coming from a/c is due to mold/mildew forming on condenser. Please order a recall ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #11472624

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2021
Unknown Or Other

1. Transmission spontaneously disengaged park to allow the car to roll backwards 10 feet. No one was in the car at the time of the incident. I have a security system video of the incident. 2. Spontaneous runaway vehicle could have crashed children in the driveway or the street. 3. The dealer is not available to reproduce the pro…

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1. Transmission spontaneously disengaged park to allow the car to roll backwards 10 feet. No one was in the car at the time of the incident. I have a security system video of the incident. 2. Spontaneous runaway vehicle could have crashed children in the driveway or the street. 3. The dealer is not available to reproduce the problem. 4. No one performed any inspections at this time. 5. The vehicle did not present any warnings messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I have a security system video that shows the vehicle parked and 20 minutes latter the vehicle spontaneously moving backwards a few feet and then stops. Please contact for a copy of this video.

NHTSA ODI #11428599

24,000 miles · May 2, 2018
Unknown Or Other

THE SUNROOF IN THIS VEHICLE SHATTERED OVERNIGHT WITHOUT ANY KNOWN CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY HOME. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LAST DRIVEN AT 10 P.M. ON 05/01/18 WITHOUT THE DAMAGE, AND AT 7:30 A.M. THIS MORNING, 05/02/18, WHEN I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOME, I NOTICED …

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THE SUNROOF IN THIS VEHICLE SHATTERED OVERNIGHT WITHOUT ANY KNOWN CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY HOME. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LAST DRIVEN AT 10 P.M. ON 05/01/18 WITHOUT THE DAMAGE, AND AT 7:30 A.M. THIS MORNING, 05/02/18, WHEN I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOME, I NOTICED THE MIDDLE OF THE SUNROOF WAS STICKING UP A LITTLE BIT...IT LOOKED LIKE A PUNCH FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR, A BIG PIECE OF THE MIDDLE OF THE SUNROOF FELL DOWN ONTO THE SCREEN UNDERNEATH IT AND THE REST OF IT WAS SHATTERED BUT STILL IN PLACE. THIS WAS THE FIRST DAY OF REALLY WARM WEATHER WE HAVE HAD IN A WHILE AND I DON'T KNOW IF THAT COULD BE RELATED TO THE CAUSE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP AND THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE SAID HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING; HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS REPORTED ON THE INTERNET OF THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. I HOPE YOU CAN FORCE THEM TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND ALSO FOR THE MONETARY EXPENSE TO THE CONSUMER. IT SHOULD BE A WARRANTY REPAIR ITEM.

NHTSA ODI #11091309

Official recalls

5

19V787000 · Communication

Nov 1, 2019

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

18V272000 · Suspension:front

Apr 27, 2018

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

17V241000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Apr 11, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

17V177000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Electrical System:software

Mar 14, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

17V081000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

Feb 8, 2017

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.