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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 55 owner complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-298 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.

45
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.2× the GL450 median · #2 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 3%Owner complaints5511 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage74kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has problems

55 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering211
Suspension151
Air bags60
Engine51
Wheels40
Electrical system42
Power train42
Service brakes41
Structure40
12 other systems192

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

3%repaired · 2026 Q1

Power assist: vacuum

Do not drive

Recall 24V-298 · Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles · 439 repaired

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

43%repaired · 2025 Q4

Power assist: vacuum

Do not drive

Recall 22V-315 · May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles · 149,456 repaired

Risk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other GL450 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GL450 median. How we score

'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GL450 owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine while attempting to steer the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and…
Complaint 11681635 · Aug 19, 2025 · 196,000 miles
STEERING WHEEL DON'T WORK PROPER WAY HOW SHOULD BE. STEERING WHEEL GETTING FROZEN WHEN IS VEHICLE DRIVING.NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 08V682000
Complaint 11287859 · Dec 9, 2019 · 156,000 miles
VEHICLE KEEPS LOSING AIR, STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN, CAR LEANING TO RIGHT SIDE, AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEPS COMING ON, THE CAR LOOSES POWER WHEN TURNING. DURING THE NIGHT CAR WILL LOWER IT SELF. ABS WILL COME ONE, SMELL SMOKE. WAS TOLD BY DEALER I HAVE LEAKS IN THE ENGINE, HAD TO REPAIR SUSPENSION, AND…
Complaint 11150789 · Nov 11, 2018

Own a 2008 GL450?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.