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2013 Mercedes Benz Glk Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Mercedes Benz Glk Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Panoramic sunroof glass shattering spontaneously.” 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 Glk Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Panoramic sunroof glass shattering spontaneously

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2026-03

“DRIVING 45-50 MPH ON THE ROAD ALONE AND AM STARTLED BY LOUD NOISE WHICH RESEMBLED A GUNSHOT. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE DASH TO SEE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED BUT SAW NOTHING. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I LOOKED UP AND NOTICED MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF WHAT SHATTERED IN TINY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066702
“PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLOSION. DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT 45 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CLOSED SUNROOF SHATTERED. NO FOREIGN OBJECTS OR CONTACT OCCURRED. IT WAS SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821887
“Driving home mid morning Thursday , March 5, 2026 on smooth paved rural road, 50MPH, sunny, temp was 40 degrees, no vehicles anywhere near us, our Panoramic Sunroof shattered on our 2013 Mercedes GLK 250. We heard a loud "BANG", but had no idea what it was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725235

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump or fuel line leak with cabin odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-10

“I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692024
“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong gasoline odor inside”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554946
“STARTING SMELLING FUEL ON LEFT REAR OF CAR FOUND OUT IT WAS THE LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT CRACKED AND LEAKING NEXT TO THE FUEL LINE NIPPLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11152482

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake line corrosion causing fluid leaks

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2025-05

“Brake lines prematurely rusted through and through causing brakes not to work”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660657
“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake fluid and brake warning lights illuminated, and shortly after adding brake fluid the warning lights remained illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494133
“Dealer reported to me that the brake lines are rusted. Dealer reported the lines are painted rather than coated as they were in the past. Vehicle is less than 10 years old so brake line rusting seems unusual”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478881

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended transmission shift into park or neutral

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2021-06

“THE CAR PUTS ITSELF INTO AUTOMATIC "PARK" MODE WHEN SLOWING DOWN, APPLYING BRAKES AND SPEED DROPS BELOW 7 MPH. 9 INSTANCES HAVE HAPPENED, ONCE IN REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100482
“WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS FROM D(DRIVE) TO P(PARK). IT HAPPENS ESPECIALLY WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE. I WENT TO DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE TWICE, AND IT SEEMS THEY STILL CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047331
“I NOTICED SINCE MONDAY THE 20TH OF JANUARY, THE CAR WHILE DRIVING FORWARD WOULD SUDDENLY GO INTO REVERSE MAKING A GRINDING SOUND. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN TRAFFIC AND, COULD BE DANGEROUS IF IT HAD HAPPENED IN AN INTERSECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10561272

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delayed Takata airbag recall replacement parts

AIR BAGS

65 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2021-08

“TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TWO YEARS FOR THE MERCEDES DEALER ON ATLANTIC BLVD IN JACKSONVILLE, FL TO REPLACE MY TAKATA AIRBAGS, ALWAYS GET THE SAME ANSWER, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192602
“TAKATA AIRBAG: I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE (DATED SIMPLY " FEBRUARY 2018") FROM MERCEDES FIRST WEEK OF MARCH 2018. SINCE THEN I HAVE REPEATEDLY CONTACTED MERCEDES CORPORATE, BOTH HERE AND IN GERMANY, AND KEEP GETTING THE RUN-AROUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124740
“TAKATA RECALL!! PER MY VIN #, MY 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GLK 350 HAS BEEN RECALLED EFFECTIVE JAN 10 2018. SIXTY DAYS HAVE PASSED AND NOT ONLY IS THERE NO REMEDY AVAILABLE, BUT I HAVE NOT EVEN BEEN NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078481

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy during a crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2022-04

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MPH, THE DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER RUPTURED DISCS TWO THROUGH SEVEN IN THE NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255954
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10811758
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT WAS IN TRAFFIC WHEN HE NOTICE THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS NOT STOPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217101

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 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)

7 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 Glk 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.

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