2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls and problems

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 2 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Urgent: recall 24V-298, recall 22V-315 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
55
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls

Recall 24V-298: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Apr 26, 2024 · 15,604 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Recall 22V-315: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported May 9, 2022 · 350,294 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering22
Suspension15
Air Bags6
Unknown or Other5
Engine5
Wheels4
Power Train4
Structure4
Electrical System4
Service Brakes4
Visibility3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 229,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2026
Driving on the 99 freeway when out of no where a loud explosion hit my car from behind or on top of my car it scared me so bad, I pulled over to emergency lane but I did not find or know what hit me so I continued home slowly afraid to drive. When I got home I was. checking my car and on top of my car there is a section that has. Electrical or computer components and it had broke lose that is what slammed into my vehicle the electrical cords are still connected or somebody would have been serious hurt Sept 15, 2026 430 in the afternoon
Steering · at 196,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine while attempting to steer the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering reservoir and the power steering lines were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.
Electrical System · reported Jul 12, 2024
A flash from the right headlight had occured. I thought it was the bulb, but turns out the ballist was shorted out. I removed the assembly from the vehicle to change the ballist and because I want to also change the lens on the assembly. When I got the old lens off, I found most of the wiring has heat distress, causing the casings to flake off. I have photos of this issue. The headlights are a high energy assembly and this unsafe condition can lead to a vehicle fire if not taken care of immediately.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the recall repair could not be performed until the rear brake lines and a transmission diagnostic test was performed. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to have the dealer complete the recall. The contact had not…
Service Brakes · reported Jun 15, 2023
Last Wednesday Morning June 06, 2023 I started vehicle up to move it closer to my apartment. Once I shifted into "Drive", immediately the engine revved up and vehicle accelerated in high rate of speed across the parking lot, I was applying the brakes, but they were not stopping the vehicle, it then slammed into wooded area and crashed head first into creek beyond the wooded area. I was dazed and bleeding from cut beneath my nose, I climbed out of vehicle and back up the incline the vehicle crashed downward into. Baltimore County Police responded and I explained to Officer what had happened. He…

Other Mercedes-Benz GL450 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GL450 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450: 24V-298 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-315 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

Owners report steering problems most often (22 reports), followed by suspension (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.