Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 reliable?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has 25 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (9 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (6 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is air bags problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: i was advised by mercedes 6 months ago that my air bag is defective--or prone to hazard in an accident. they said there is no remedy. i want the airbags deactivated but mercedes refuses.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

9 complaints

36%

• I WAS ADVISED BY MERCEDES 6 MONTHS AGO THAT MY AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE--OR PRONE TO HAZARD IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY. I WANT THE AIRBAGS DEACTIVATED BUT MERCEDES REFUSES
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER
• TAKATA RECALL, IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE WE'VE BEEN ADVISED OF THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL SITUATION REGARDING THE RECALL AND WE DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT NEED IT. THIS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I WAS ADVISED BY MERCEDES 6 MONTHS AGO THAT MY AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE--OR PRONE TO HAZARD IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY. I WANT THE AIRBAGS DEACTIVATED BUT MERCEDES REFUSES”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz GL350 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2011 GL350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS ADVISED BY MERCEDES 6 MONTHS AGO THAT MY AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE--OR PRONE TO HAZARD IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY. I WANT THE AIRBAGS DEACTIVATED BUT MERCEDES REFUSES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: OWN 2 MERCEDES GL350 AND E350. BOTH OF THEM ARE V6 DIESEL BLUETEC ENGINES AND BOTH HAVE LEAKING PROBLEM FROM OIL COOLER.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact then pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. However, there was 20-foot stopping distance delay. T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: GETTING MESSAGE " MALFUNCTIONING" AND COMPRESSOR COOLING DOWN EVEN THOUGH CHANGING FRONT STRUTS AND MAKING ROARING NOISE WHEN CAR IS IDLE, AND BURNT SMELL INSIDE CAR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)