This page covers 5 recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gl450.
Complaints for the 2016 GL450 are spread thin across a small number of reports, so no single system dominates by volume. The most-reported category is seats, though the underlying narratives point more broadly to the rear tailgate, owners describe it opening unexpectedly while driving, requiring multiple attempts to latch shut from outside, and failing to respond to the electronic close button. A separate complaint describes an HVAC odor issue, with owners reporting a persistent musty or moldy smell when the air conditioning runs. One report mentions a coolant hose failure, and one isolated report involves a steering concern. The tailgate behavior and the HVAC odor pattern are the two issues that appear across more than one account in this complaint set.
13
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a loose front suspension bolt that can cause the wheel to track incorrectly and a separate front suspension oil leak that creates a fire risk if the fluid contacts an ignition source.
The electric power steering system carries its own concern: water can enter the steering control unit and shut down power assist entirely, leaving the driver with significantly heavier steering effort and reduced ability to respond quickly in traffic. A software recall affects the airbag system, where a fault can prevent one or more airbags from deploying as intended in a crash, reducing occupant protection at the moment it matters most. Rounding out the list, a separate software fault in the emergency call system can cause the vehicle to report an incorrect date, time, or location when an automatic emergency call is placed after a crash, which may delay the arrival of first responders.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oil in the Active Curve System reservoir can foam and leak from the cap's vent holes when the oil level drops below minimum during certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the oil level as needed and replace the reservoir sealing cap to stop oil foam from leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering connector may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the upper control arm to the axle stub may not be properly tightened, potentially causing the connection to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolt connecting the upper control arm to the axle stub, replacing the upper control arm if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
