repaired · 2026 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 55 owner complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-298 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 13, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has problems
55 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
34Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
9Suspension
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes
3Service brakes, hydraulic
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
1Wheels
1Engine
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 34 | 2 |
| Suspension | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
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
2011 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What GL450 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 [PHONE]. and it was check. I was involved in an Accident on ([XXX]) went into a canal. 50 feet down, the Air Bag did…
I HAVE BEEN CALLING MERCEDES FOR GOING ON 3 YEARS ABOUT FIXING THIS RECALL ISSUE. I GET A LETTER PERIODICALLY PUSHING BACK MY PARTS AVAILABLE DATE. THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAID THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ANY ESTIMATE ON WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. FINALLY, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF…
SINCE 2/2017 THE SUPPOSED TOP QUALITY BRAND MERCEDES BENZ HAS POSTPONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TAMARA AIRBAGS. THEY ARE JEOPARDIZING THEIR CUSTOMERS LIVES. I SPEND $70 000 ON THIS CAR TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE, BUT THEY RATHER SPEND MILLIONS IN A FORMULA E RACING SERIES THAT NOBODY WATCHES…
Own a 2011 GL450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.