The most-reported GL-Class run is 4JGBF71E58A (2008 builds) with 13 complaints, 5.4× the typical run. Air bags problems make up 27% of reports; 2007 is the worst model year at 6.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for GL-Class model years 2006–2016.
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 GL-Class has 229 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 10% of every GL-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4JGBF71E58A•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 4JGBF71E27A•••••• | 2007 | — | 3 | |
| 4JGBF71EX7A•••••• | 2007 | 1 | 5 | |
| 4JGBF71E77A•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 | |
| 4JGBF71E07A•••••• | 2007 | 1 | — | |
| 4JGBF71E17A•••••• | 2007 | 1 | 4 | |
| 4JGBF71E37A•••••• | 2007 | 1 | 2 | |
| 4JGBF7BE6AA•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| 4JGBF71E87A•••••• | 2007 | — | 2 | |
| 4JGBF7BE6BA•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 4JGBF7BE0BA•••••• | 2011 | 1 | — | |
| 4JGBF71E57A•••••• | 2007 | — | 4 |
Each of the other 217 GL-Class runs has 7 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 42 GL-Class VINs so far, most often 2015, 2016, 2014 builds; 3 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 GL-Class the gap between build years is 5.9×: a 2007 car draws 6.5 complaints per run, a 2016 one 1.1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 16 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 29 | 20 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 37 | 21 | — | |
| 2013 | 47 | 23 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 71 | 32 | 4 | |
| 2011 | 92 | 32 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 62 | 26 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 27 | 22 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 79 | 29 | 6 | |
| 2007 | 97 | 15 | 4 |
Heaviest year here is 2007 at 6.5 complaints per run; lightest is 2016 at 1.1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Mercedes-Benz GL-Class owners report: Air Bags, 149 of 557 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 6 | — | |
| Engine | 2 | 6 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 11 | |
| Service Brakes | 12 | — | |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | |
| Seats | — | 26 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 2 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 17 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2006 to 2016. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 24V298000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum | 2007–2012 |
| 22V315000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum | 2007–2012 |
| 18V272000 | Suspension:front | 2013–2016 |
| 19V787000 | Communication | 2013–2016 |
| 16V081000 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module | 2009–2012 |
| 08V006000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel | 2006–2008 |
24V298000 was opened in 2024 on cars built from 2007: 17 years on the road before the recall.
The GL-Class against its rivals
The GL-Class draws 2.4 complaints per production run; the Honda Crosstour 1.7. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 557 | 229 | 4.5% | |
| Honda Crosstour | 124 | 75 | 4% |
How serious were they
Of the 557 reports on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, 4.5% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 557 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 25 (4.5%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 38 (6.8%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 40 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class share of that is 557 complaints over 229 runs, 0.05% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 557 NHTSA complaints from 229 GL-Class runs and 17 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which GL-Class production run has the most complaints?
4JGBF71E58A, a 2008 build, with 13 complaints. The typical GL-Class run has 2.4.
Which GL-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2007 is heaviest at 6.5 complaints per run and 2016 lightest at 1.1.
Does the GL-Class get more complaints than the Honda Crosstour?
Yes: 2.4 complaints per production run for the GL-Class against 1.7 for the Honda Crosstour.
How many GL-Class complaints involve a crash?
4.5% of 557 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 38 involved a fire.
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