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Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN Check

NHTSA holds 22 owner complaints on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class from 18 production runs; the worst run has 2, the typical one 1.2.

NHTSA complaint records · 22 complaints · 18 runs · 2002–2017 · Updated Nov 4, 2026
Quick answer

The most-reported G-Class run is WDCYC7BF6BX (2002 builds) with 2 complaints, 1.7× the typical run. Structure problems make up 19% of reports; 2013 is the worst model year at 1.7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 37 recall campaigns for G-Class model years 2002–2025.

Which build runs owners report most

A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has 18 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 41% of every G-Class complaint on file.

FIG.01·Mercedes-Benz G-Class — complaints by production run
Production run (VIN 1–11)YearComplaintsInvolved a crashFire
WDCYC7BF6BX••••••20022——
WDCYC3HF7DX••••••20132——
WDCYC7DF9DX••••••201321—
WDCYC7DF7FX••••••20152——
WDCYR49E65X••••••20051——
WDCYR71E59X••••••20091——
WDCYR71E85X••••••20051——
WDBSK71F19F••••••20091——
WDCYC3HF5BX••••••20111——
WDCYC3HF2DX••••••20131——
WDCYC3HF6EX••••••20141——
WDCYC3KF8GX••••••20161——
ROWS 12·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records, grouped by VIN prefix

Each of the other 6 G-Class runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 93 G-Class VINs so far, most often 2026, 2025, 2021 builds; 1 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.

Which model years to check twice

Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz G-Class the gap between build years is 1.7×: a 2013 car draws 1.7 complaints per run, a 2016 one 1.

FIG.02·Mercedes-Benz G-Class — complaint rate by model year
YearPer runComplaintsRunsCrashes
2016133—
20131.7531
ROWS 2·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

Heaviest year here is 2013 at 1.7 complaints per run; lightest is 2016 at 1.

What to inspect on this car

One system accounts for 19% of everything Mercedes-Benz G-Class owners report: Structure, 4 of 22 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.

FIG.03·Mercedes-Benz G-Class — most-reported systems
SystemComplaintsInvolved a crashFire
Structure4——
Steering41—
Electrical System3——
Tires2——
Fuel/propulsion System2——
Unknown Or Other2——
Air Bags2——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2——
ROWS 8·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

Recalls to check against your VIN

NHTSA has 37 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2002 to 2023. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.

FIG.04·Mercedes-Benz G-Class — recall campaigns
CampaignComponentModel years
10V366000Exterior Lighting:turn Signal2002–2010
24V659000Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock2019–2023
21V058000Electrical System:software2017–2020
19V787000Communication2013–2016
17V250000Steering2013–2016
23V445000Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump2021–2023
ROWS 6·SOURCE NHTSA recall campaigns

10V366000 was opened in 2010 on cars built from 2002: 8 years on the road before the recall.

How serious were they

Of the 22 reports on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, 4.5% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.

FIG.06·Mercedes-Benz G-Class — complaint severity
OutcomeMercedes-Benz G-ClassAll vehicles
Complaints filed221,116,631
Involved a crash1 (4.5%)64,221 (5.8%)
Involved a fire0 (0%)26,977 (2.4%)
Injuries reported058,047
Deaths reported02,728
ROWS 5·SOURCE NHTSA complaint records

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How this check works

The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class share of that is 22 complaints over 18 runs, 0% of everything on record.

Everything on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Recalls75 campaignsReliability3.5/5Common problems52 complaintsDimensionsSize, weight, generationsUsed prices521 listingsWhat yours is worthValue by year & mileageInsurance costEstimated per yearWindow stickerOriginal Monroney labelDecode a VINWhat each character meansAbout this car1999–2026

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN for free?

Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 22 NHTSA complaints from 18 G-Class runs and 37 recall campaigns. No account, no card.

Which G-Class production run has the most complaints?

WDCYC7BF6BX, a 2002 build, with 2 complaints. The typical G-Class run has 1.2.

Which G-Class years have the most complaints?

Per production run, 2013 is heaviest at 1.7 complaints per run and 2016 lightest at 1.

How many G-Class complaints involve a crash?

4.5% of 22 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.

Complaint and recall records from NHTSA, grouped by VIN production run (characters 1–11). Per-run rates computed by ForCar. Federal data covers safety only — title, odometer and insurance history are not included. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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