repaired · 2026 Q1
Power assist: vacuum
Do not driveRisk. Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 47 owner complaints about the 2012 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 October 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has problems
47 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Air bags
7Suspension
5Power train2 crash/fire/injury
4Service brakes
4Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
3Seat belts
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Electrical system
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 22 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 4 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 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
2012 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 2012 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 was driving on the highway my break warning light came and when I tried pulling over car would not stop my break pedal went all the way to floor causing me to hit the back of another car and I had to get a tow
TAKATA RECALL SINCE JANUARY 2018 I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS TO ARRIVE FOR THIS RECALL. I HAVE MOVED TO CANADA AND IN ORDER TO TRANSFER MY VEHICLE THERE CAN BE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN CONTACTING MERCEDES FOR OVER A YEAR YET THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ANSWERS AS TO…
TAKATA RECALL. RECALL WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 2016 AND I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE AIRBAG TO BE FIXED. MERCEDES BENZ HAS FAILED TO REMEDY MY CAR IN A TIMELY MANNER AND THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED ANY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION, RENTAL CAR OR LOANER CAR WHILE I WAIT. IT HAS BEEN 39 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL WAS…
Own a 2012 GL450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.