2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls and problems

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls

Recall 19V-787: Communication

Reported Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Recall 18V-272: Suspension

Reported Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

Recall 13V-166: Seat Belts

Reported Apr 29, 2013 · 256 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.

Risk: If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System5
Power Train3
Engine2
Steering2
Unknown or Other1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Adas — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,686 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 20, 2024
While driving on the highway approximately 70 mph the car stalled. I slowly came to a stop, unable to restart the car. After getting towed to a nearby Mercedes service shop, They diagnosed the issue as inaccurate fuel gauge and refueled the car. At the time the car stalled, the tank was approximately 1/8 full according to the gauge, but in fact the car stalled because it ran out of fuel. They were unable to pinpoint why they fuel gauge was showing the wrong level.
Electrical System · at 90,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2020
We purchased the 2013 gl 550 five months ago. When we were driving home the vehicle shifted itself into park while in was in drive. The vehicle abruptly stopped and violently jerked the car and our family was inside in traffic approaching a four way stop light. When we attempted to put the car back into drive and pull off the car automatically shifted itself into park again while we were driving. This happened in the middle of traffic while making a left turn with oncoming traffic at a light. Police were called. Car was towed. We've since found that there was a recall for faulty installation…
Electrical System · at 91,500 miles · reported Apr 11, 2020
2013 mercedes rough running at idle, various faults stored for injector quantity compensation for cylinder balancing. Fault code p1cwf-85. The check engine light eventually came on. Upon further inspection and diagnosis found that both engine bank 1 and 2 camshaft position sensors were full of oil due to failed internal packing of sensor. Inspected injector connectors and had oil, o2 sensors connector had oil, power train control unit full of oil. If enough oil was to flow through the electrical wires to the control unit as such this instance or sensor may result in immediate catastrophic…
Electrical System · at 62,686 miles · reported Sep 27, 2018
I was driving on the highway at 80 MPH.then all of a sudden on the speedometer a message started to be displayed blind spot inactive ,then pre-safe functions limited active lane keep assist unavailable .all of a sudden the cruz control failed. Them the turn signals failed . Then I stopped the car waited for 10 mins restarted the car the same error came after driving 300 miles . The failure of turn signals nearly caused me to have accidents since the person behind me doesnt know when I AM changing the lane. I had small children in my car and my wife . This problem is worser than the toyota…
Engine · at 50,000 miles · reported Feb 8, 2018
The contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz gl550. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly began to sputter, hesitate, and, on several occasions, the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (Mercedes-benz of orland park, 8430 w. 159th st, orland park, illinois) where it was diagnosed that the engine cylinder head was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated that the failure was not due to a faulty cylinder head; however, the spark plugs and spark plug wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the…

Other Mercedes-Benz GL550 years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550: 19V-787 (communication), 18V-272 (suspension), 13V-166 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,686 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.