repaired · 2021 Q1
Communication
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, most often about the seats. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-787 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 16, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has problems
13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Seats
2Engine2 crash/fire/injury
1Steering
1Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
1Visibility
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 2 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2016 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 · 2019 Q4
Suspension: front
Risk. The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2018 Q2
Control arm: upper arm
Risk. The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2016 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 seats complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
2ND ROW HEAD REST UNSAFE AND UNUSEABLE - THE HEADREST IS TOO LOW AND TOO HIGH FOR A CHILD OR SMALL PERSON TO USE. WHEN IN DOWN POSITION, SEAT PUSHES HEAD FORWARD; WHEN IT IS UP, IT'S TOO TALL FOR THE HEAD. ALSO HEADREST IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL UP. BASICALLY, THIS PART IS NOT USEABLE BY ANYONE…
THE SECOND ROW SEAT HEADREST IS UNUSABLE FOR MY CHILDREN. IT HITS THEM IN THE HEAD AND THEY ARE TOTALLY UNCOMFORTABLE. I SEE NOW THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SOURCE OF PROBLEMS FOR THIS VEHICLE. MANY PARENTS ARE COMPLAINING. MERCEDES HAS NO CURE FOR IT. NOT OK.
MY FATHER AND MOTHER IN-LAW RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ GL450 AS OUR FAMILY CAR. THE HEADRESTS FOR THE 2ND ROW SEATS WITH THE "EASY ENTRY" OPTION APPEAR TO POSE A COMFORT AND SAFETY ISSUE FOR BOTH CAR SEATS AND "SHORTER" PEOPLE... I WOULD SAY 5'-3" AND SHORTER. WITH THE "EASY ENTRY"…
Own a 2016 GL450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.