2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls and problems

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has 2 safety recalls and 12 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
12
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 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 GL550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering7
Electrical System2
Engine2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Suspension1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Exterior Lighting1
Unknown or Other1
Air Bags1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 111,000 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 GL550 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 121,667 miles · reported Sep 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 550. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle stopped. The brake failure and front passenger air bag warning lights later illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a brake fluid leak in the air suspension system. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure.…
Unknown or Other · at 80,000 miles · reported May 11, 2020
When you are driving the car it shakes the entire car. It drives normal for a while and then it shakes again. It has not stopped.
Steering · reported Feb 29, 2020
Power steering went out 2014 charged me for it. Claimed no recalls. Front right headlamp had to be replaced two times. This was the whole headlamp assembly. Due to water getting control box wet. Claimed it's how the headlamp is made. Claimed no warranty or recall on it. 2016 & 2019
Electrical System · at 111,000 miles · reported Dec 5, 2017
Vehicle malfunctioned for the 5th time since june 2017 while driving on the surface street. Suv completely shut down while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal including a beeping sound; gears shut down and SUV completely stops was driving. In looking at the history (I'm the 3rd owner), the work performed for the defective camshaft was completed 2 years after the 2009 mercedes bulletin and another replacement to the balance shaft and camshaft was performed 1 year after the 2012 bulletin. In its report, mercedes issued a caution and stated, "new timing chain…
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 111,000 miles · reported Nov 25, 2017
Status ' 4th time trying to repair the engine shut down issue 'vehicle malfunctioned during driving four separate occasions with kids in the car ' complete shutdown while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal (See picture below) 'mercedes in downtown los angeles fixed the car (See receipt $4,600 in repairs) and SUV continues to stop. Since the 1st incident, the dealership has attempted to fix the issue three times and has been in the shop over 60 days this year. I contacted the ceo's office and a representative has stepped in to assist with the issue. They…

Other Mercedes-Benz GL550 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GL550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550: 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 GL550?

Owners report steering problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 111,000 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.