repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 167 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-081 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 has problems
167 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
132Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
12Fuel/propulsion system
6Service brakes
4Electrical system
4Suspension
3Steering
3Power train
3Seats
2Wheels
108 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 132 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 2 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 10 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 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 · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
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 GLK350 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 GLK350 median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What GLK350 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded…
The component or system failed or malfunctioned: Brake pedal -does not brake effectively Engine :Alternator/ignition-the car would not start on me Cigarette lighter: front cigarette lighter does not work (greater fuse or electrical problem Inspection: Car was returned to Hawthorne Auto Square for…
POSTCARDS SENT TO ME SAID DEALER HAD PARTS. MADE APPOINTMENT ONLINE WITH DETAIL THAT THIS WAS FOR AIRBAGS, WENT IN, AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE. REPEATED REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM DEALER -- NO RESPONSE.
Own a 2012 GLK350?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.