What 97 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-benz Gl-class

Air compressor fail

NHTSA ODI 11737595

My tires were wearing on the inner sides, replaced tires and had a 4 wheel alignment. Rear wheel alignment could not be corrected due to severe rusted and corrosion. Mechanic said the rear sub frame needs replacing. They advised that I do not drive the vehicle because it is not safe. I have the wheel alignment printout. I only have 48,000 miles on vehicle and keep up with maintenance. The Mercedes Benz dealer quoted 8,000 to replace. This issue was known by Mercedes Benz which they did not disclose to owners. Very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11737177

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the brake pedal. The contact stated that the sound was audible since the vehicle was purchased in 2019. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact received a vehicle compliance letter from the manufacturer, which stated that a mobile mechanic could be sent to the residence to inspect the vehicle, and the dealer would offer tow service. However, when the dealer was contacted, the dealer refused to assist the contact with the tow service or a mobile mechanic. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven due to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ODI 11699386

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message for brake and traction control failure was intermittently displayed, causing the cruise control to disengage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ha ydraulic control unit failure. The contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to two undisclosed recalls; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683170

- The hard brake lines from the going to the rear axle ruptured during light braking. The corroded sections have been removed and are available. - I had no indication of a problem until I went to stop the vehicle. I was able to slow the vehicle down but could not keep it from moving forward with out being in neutral. Had there been another car in front of me or in traffic, I would not of been able to stop. - The problem cannot be reproduced by a dealer, since the corroded and ruptured section of the lines had to be replaced. There has been no inspection of the issue since no accident occurred. - No warning lamps or any indication of a problem until the brake pedal was applied. Pedal was firm then suddenly went to the floor (repeatedly). Only until all the fluid drained from the reservoir did the "brake" light come on.

NHTSA ODI 11650259

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11630391

The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle failed to stop, which led him to rear-end a truck in front. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a fracture in the finger, and forehead injury caused by the impact with the steering wheel that required medical attention. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was deemed destroyed. The contact related the failure to the received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was invalid.

NHTSA ODI 11596585

I [XXX] own. The Mercedes Benz, it was in recall for the Air Bag, I took it to the Dealer at the Coral Gables Dealership of the Mercedes, 300 Almeria Ave, Coral Gables 33134. Phone (305)306-3549. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did not OPEN, the Brake did not brake properly the truck slip through the grass, and we end it in the Canal. I did not was advise the brake were in recall found out later on after the accident the GEIGO the insurance Company advise, but it was too late. I We were Born that Day my husband and me. I have picture of the accident; The check engine was on and off sometime like a year before or maybe more can't recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11569056

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Release Parking Brake" was displayed. The contact stated that she engaged the parking brake release button. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 284,000.

NHTSA ODI 11553771

Check Engine Light came on and took it to the mechanic who identified low compression on cylinder #3. The injector was replaced which did not fix the issue since the vehicle lags when first accelerating. We were also informed of a service bulletin that included the issue with our vehicle and to take the car to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who did not check the cylinder low compression/leakage issue because the check engine light wasn't on, which it would not be since it was recently serviced, and the number of miles required had not been driven for the check engine light to come back on. Even though the service bulletin is for the same make, model and years because our VIN was not included that there is no warranty on this vehicle. I now have a vehicle with an engine issue that should be included in the recall based on being the same make, model, year and mechanical issue.

NHTSA ODI 11551600

Brakes pipe lines

NHTSA ODI 11543894

We smelled smoke from under the passenger seat. We had the car in for a recall and service recently and didn’t understand what was happening. Our three Children smelled the smoke too. Everyone exited the car and it burst into flames.

NHTSA ODI 11522087

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked while accelerating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no failure was found. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V496000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11521108

Intermittently car does not engage when key fob is inserted into eis (electric ignition switch) and turned. No dash lights turn on, car does not start. Car has turned off while driving. Car has remained running when key was removed. Key will lock and unlock doors and open hatch.

NHTSA ODI 11517502

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that the dealer had previously serviced the vehicle under an unknown diesel emission recall; however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the ignition switch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer determined that the engine compartment fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,001.

NHTSA ODI 11512780

Heated seat caught fire while driving

NHTSA ODI 11504596

Brought this vehicle into Mercedes-Benz of Peoria, Peoria, IL. for routine maintenance on May 19, 2022. When I returned to pick up vehicle, I was informed of the Do Not Drive recall and was informed I could not drive my car. I was only offered a curtesy car for that night and then had to find my own rental car, which I have done, incurring $7,675.11 in rental charges through August 2022. I have received zero updates from Mercedes as to when they will fix this problem. I have also not received any reimbursement for my rental car expenses.

NHTSA ODI 11491926

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11484310

Malfunction with the air suspension. The vehicle is currently lowered and will not rise which is causing the tires to sit in a bent position and a horrible ride. The tires appear that they will detach from vehicle which is a safety risk for myself and others. After repairs from someone who presented themselves as a certified Mercedes’ mechanic, the issues still exist. The problems first existed about a year and a half ago, about 6 months after purchasing. I am making payments on a vehicle I am unable to safely drive or use for travel with my family. This should be a recall due to several vehicles jus in my area with same issues.

NHTSA ODI 11474695

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact then pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. However, there was 20-foot stopping distance delay. The warning message "Brake Fluid Low" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then noticed a trail of brake fluid on the ground. The contact was able to refill the brake fluid reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake fit knots, the brake fitting union, and brake fluid line were repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,748.

NHTSA ODI 11464858

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446102

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to decelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust valve pressure sensor and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the failure was related to an unknown recall that would be issued in the 4th quarter of 2021. The dealer also advised the contact to continue to drive the vehicle in the meantime. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred several times while driving and the vehicle had been jerking each time it was about to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442594

WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED STOPLIGHT, OUT OF NOWHERE THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION, SHOOK THE WHOLE CAR AND SANK, THE FEELING LIKE WE WERE IN A SINK HOLE OR LIKE A TIRE BLEW BUT THE TIRE WAS FINE. A LOYD HISSING SOUND ENSUED. THANK GOD, WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT AND NOT IN A SPEED THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.

NHTSA ODI 11406490

2011 MERCEDES BENZ GL550. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE UPON ARRIVAL TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS A 220 MILE DRIVE TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE PICKED UP AND RETURNED BY MERCEDES. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11244664

STILL WAITING FOR DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS.

NHTSA ODI 11210547