Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Top problems: ENGINE (4 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 is approximately $1,971/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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 has 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: 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 while driving moderate to. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ENGINE

4 complaints

33%

• 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 WHILE DRIVING MODERATE TO
• MAKES A RATTLING NOISE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER STARTING AND SPUTTERING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING
• MAKES A RATTLING NOISE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER STARTING AND SPUTTERING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. MY CAR HAS 64K AND DAIGNOSED THE CAR AT 2 DEALERSHIPS CONFIRMED THE ENGINE CHAIN STRETCHED

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“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 WHILE DRIVING MODERATE TO”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350

Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 59K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 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

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

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 2013 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 12 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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 WHILE DRIVING MODERATE TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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 WHILE DRIVING MODERATE TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: 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 WHILE DRIVING MODERATE TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: AIRMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM DROPS IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)