2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450: 3 recalls, 37 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #13V166000 · 2013 · 256 vehicles
What's wrong: The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts May not be properly torqued.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #18V272000 · 2018 · 9,725 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Communication Vehicle recall #19V787000 · 2019 · 24,226 vehicles
What's wrong: 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
Why it matters: An inaccurate vehicle location May delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), door / lock issues (2).
- Seats (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 37 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 11 GL450 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 38). Complaints peaked in 2013 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 24,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (47 complaints, 3 recalls), 2014 (21 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems?
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (9), electrical (8), seats (5).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.