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2014 Mercedes Benz Gl Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Mercedes Benz Gl Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine oil leak wicking into camshaft sensors.” 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 2014 Mercedes Benz Gl Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine oil leak wicking into camshaft sensors

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2025-04

“Oil leaking and wicking into camshaft position sensors, camshaft magnets, O2 sensors, engine wiring harness and ultimately, the ECU is destroying all electronic components connected to the engine causing misfiring and seizing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457964
“Oil leaking and wicking into camshaft position sensors, camshaft magnets, O2 sensors, engine wiring harness and ultimately, the ECU is destroying all electronic components connected to the engine causing misfiring and seizing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418207
“The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, there was oil leaking underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated while operating the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530486

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering while driving

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2022-03

“After picking up children from school, I was driving out of the parking lot down a slow-speed arterial road (35 mph posted speed limit). Roughly 30 seconds after reaching the posted speed limit we heard a loud bang (like a gunshot) and immediately pulled over”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457961
“AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN ON I-27 FROM AMARILLO TO LUBBOCK AT 70 MILES PER HOUR ON 6/22/2020 IN PLEASANT WEATHER AND NO VEHICLES EITHER IN FRONT OF ME OR BESIDE ME, THE MIDDLE PANEL OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITH THE GLASS SHATTERING INTO PIECES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330419
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. WE WERE NOT BEHIND ANOTHER CAR AND DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN UNPOPULATED AREA ALONG THE !-10 FREEWAY. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10948508

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air suspension grinding and unexpected ride-height changes

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-08

“1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672674
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BOUNCED AND PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11355330
“Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756541

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion into cabin and electrical systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY, STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, she noticed moisture inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle filled up with water while it was raining”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429432
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SEVERAL MESSAGES DISPLAYED REGARDING THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE, TRANSMISSION, AND THE VEHICLE BEING INOPERABLE. ALSO, SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FEATURES MALFUNCTIONED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244201
“Water has accumulated into the spare wheel well twice causing my ad blue module to be submerged in water, making the system faulty, which then disables the car for use”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527566

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake fluid loss and unexplained brake response

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2024-12

“THE CAR RAN OUT OF BRAKE FLUID - THERE WAS AN INDICATOR AND WHEN TAKEN TO SERVICE WE WERE TOLD THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. WHAT IS ALARMING IS THAT THE CAR IS SERVICED VERY FREQUENTLY AND ONE SET OF BRAKES WAS RECENTLY REPLACED (ABOUT 6 MONTHS)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11143013
“YOU NEED TO ORDER A RECALL OF MERCEDES BENZ GL450 (2014) (VIN [XXX]). I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE LOCKING WHEN I DROVE BACK FROM SAN DIEGO AND SEVERAL TIMES I WAS CLOSE TO HIT OTHER VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715465
“There is a recall on some of the make & models of my truck with different years but, my truck has been having the same issue & I believe that myself & my family may be at risk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628855

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Internal engine failure requiring engine replacement

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2024-02

“The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven to the residence”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590445
“On this Engine 166 model, I experience noise when Idling and when driving, coming from Engine with no code to indicate what is the problem of the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634146
“Tapping noise developed in the engine, after dealership inspection using borescope, scored cylinder walls were found, resulting to engine replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537166

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss or seizure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2024-02

“The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and malfunction PP0 warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569931
“POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED , DROVE CAR WITHOUT POWER STEERING FOR ABOUT 9 MILES TO GET TO SAFE PLACE. AFTER CAR WAS RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES STEERING STARTED TO WORK FINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10638770
“1. The power steering wheel is stuck at the top position once in a while. 2. Active curve system pump will fail and leak fluids in 30000-40000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496474

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2014 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.

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