NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 5 recalls, 101 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Glk350.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2014 GLK350 centers heavily on the airbag and restraint system, which accounts for the large majority of reports filed. Owners frequently describe heated seat malfunctions where the seat generates excessive, uncontrolled heat, multiple reports describe physical burns to the driver's seat cushion or to the occupant, sometimes without any warning light or indication before the event. This is the most consistent and repeated theme across the complaint set. Service brakes draw a smaller but notable share of reports, with owners describing parking brake failures, including the pedal releasing too slowly or failing to hold. A handful of fuel and propulsion system reports round out the complaint picture, though those complaints are limited in number.
101
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a loose steering coupling bolt that can cause a complete loss of steering control, and a Takata passenger airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The steering recall covers a connecting bolt in the steering column that may not have been tightened enough during assembly, meaning the steering wheel can disconnect from the rest of the system and leave the driver with no directional control. The passenger airbag inflator issue is the well-known Takata defect, where the inflator can explode in a crash and hurl sharp metal fragments toward the passenger seat, with the potential for serious injury or death.
Two additional airbag-related recalls round out the safety equipment concerns. A separate issue can cause the driver airbag to deploy without warning during normal driving, raising the risk of a crash and injury. There is also a software fault in the airbag control system that can prevent the airbags from deploying correctly in a crash, reducing their protective effect when they are needed most.
The fifth recall involves the vehicle's emergency call system, where a software error causes the system to report an incorrect date, time, and potentially an inaccurate location when a crash triggers an automatic emergency call. That mismatch can send responders to the wrong location, delaying help from reaching the scene.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering coupling may not be tight enough, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering coupling bolt as needed at no charge.
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.