2013 Mercedes Benz Gl Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Mercedes Benz Gl Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Second-row headrest interference with child restraint.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Mercedes Benz Gl Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Second-row headrest interference with child restraint

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2015-03

HEADRESTS ON SECOND ROW WITH EASY ENTRY OPTION CANNOT BE REMOVED. THEREFORE, PROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD SAFETY SEAT (CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT) IS IMPOSSIBLE. THIS FAMILY VEHICLE IS UNUSABLE SAFELY FOR A CHILD. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10692018
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW- THE HEADRESTS IN THE SECOND ROW ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE. THEY ONLY HAVE TWO POSITIONS: FULLY UP OR FULLY DOWN. IN EITHER OF THESE POSITIONS, MY 11 YEAR OLD CHILD'S HEAD IS IN A CLEARLY UNSAFE POSITION. IN THE DOWN POSITION, HIS BACK IS PUSHED FORWARD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10525434
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND ROAD SEAT HEAD RESTS WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS CHILD TO BE SECURED PROPERLY IN A BOOSTER SEAT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEAD RESTS WOULD CAUSE THE CHILD TO BE PUSHED TOWARD THE SIDE. THE CONTACT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10537338

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Brake rotor warping and vibration

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2014-05

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE PROFUSELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THE DEALER RECOMMENDED AND REPAIRED THE ROTORS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10593690
FRONT END OF CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AT SPEED OF 60MPH AND VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WILL NOT STOP. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10575221
BRAKES ROTORS WARPED THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AGAIN ON JUNE 5 2013 AT 5269 MILES REPLACED AGAIN NOT TOWING ANYTHING. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10532134

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Turn signal and blind spot assist failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2018-09

DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, A MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL "BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERATIVE," AND THE TURN INDICATORS STOPPED WORKING, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO INDICATE TO OTHER DRIVERS THAT I WAS CHANGING LANES, AS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819381
BLIND SPOT ASSISTANCE BECOMES DISABLE AND MINUTES LATER THE BLINKERS STOP WORKING. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND APPEARS MORE FREQUENT ON COLD WEATHER. THIS CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING. DEALERSHIP REFERS IT TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11098357
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11131960

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Water intrusion under passenger seat disabling park position

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2024-03

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, while opening the door to enter the vehicle, the message "Transmission not in P, Risk of Vehicle Rolling Away" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle,
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578908
I am reaching out to bring to your attention a significant manufacturing flaw in the Mercedes GL450 model, which poses a severe risk to both vehicle functionality and passenger safety. The issue pertains to water infiltration into the battery compartment situated beneath the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579182
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE SIDE MIRRORS BECAME DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UTILITY ROOM
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10692165

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Engine stalling and internal failure

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2026-03

I was driving along in my 2013 MB GL450 with the M278 engine when the engine stopped. I had it towed to my home and checked it out. I had a suspicion the engine was seized. I eventually had to towed to my closest MB dealership for evaluation. The engine was seized. Their further
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724243
THIS IS TO REPORT AN EVENT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR ENGINE SYO SUDDENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND MUST HAVE THE CAR PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY TO RESTART AGAIN!!! *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520043
TL* 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,
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11071696

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Oil intrusion into engine wiring and sensors

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2022-08

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450; it started with the activation of the vehicle's check - engine light. The Mercedes-Benz service advisor diagnosed the issue as oil intrusion into the vehicle's engine wiring harness. The estimated cost to repair was quoted as $7,0000.00. This resulted
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477496
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320867
OIL LEAK PERSISTENT FROM OIL COOLER IN DIESEL BLUETEC ENGINE SPRAYING OIL OUTSIDE GASKET ONTO FUEL LINES, OIL PAN, AND ONTO THE GROUND EMITTING HIGH LEVEL OF SMOKE WITH TARRY BURNT TOXIC NOXIOUS CHARCOAL SMELL FUMIGATING THROUGH THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE WITH VISIBLE BLUE SMOKE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207874

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Airmatic air suspension malfunction

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2022-03

Unknown:The road adaptive tire pressure sensors are off and the air suspension is malfunctions.At the cost of this model I would expected a little more class of safety measures
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456392
Driver's side tire continues to leak air - note low tire pressure even with new tire replacement. Airmatic Suspension failure. Rear airbag suspension airbag. Compression also failed. Several complaints to dealer advising the car was bouncing up and down while in drive. Took
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420287
AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM DROPS IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10919787

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Mercedes Benz Gl Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.