MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz G500 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every G500 from 2002 to 2010: 13 owner complaints and 10 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (7), 2002 (2), 2005 (2). Best fuel economy: 13 mpg combined (2008).

Mercedes-Benz G500
Photo: BrokenSphere · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Steering2
Brakes2
Engine & cooling1
Seats1
Electrical1
Engine1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20021212
20032712
20041012
20051212
20061012
20071113
20081013
200911–
201010–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mercedes-Benz G500.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz G500?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (7), 2002 (2), 2005 (2).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz G500 had?

Across 2002–2010, NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).