2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 48. The most common issue is air bags problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz gl450. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags) for the driver frontal air bag inflator; however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonab.
51
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
21 complaints- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG INFLATOR; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONAB
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY.
- • TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG INFLATOR; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONAB”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Based on 22 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 53K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
SUSPENSION
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz GL450 Service Intervals
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
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 2012 GL450, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 51 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG INFLATOR; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONAB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: AIRMATIC SUSPENSION LEAK. REQUIRING EXPENSIVE REPAIRE.. ONLY HAS 61000 MILES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: "TAKATA RECALL" MY 2012 GL 450 MERCEDES BENZ ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE BRAKES ENGAGED BEFORE I COULD STOP MY VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. IT LITERALLY ALMOST SENT ME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, A HARD GRINDING SOUND AND AN INTENSE STOP.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: ON 01/08/14, A FEMALE DRIVER OF A 2012 GL 450 WAS STATIONARY, IN THE GARAGE, WITH ENGINE RUNNING. BEFORE SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE TO CHECK ON HER CHILD IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, SHE PRESSED THE PARK BUTTON ON THE DRIVE SELECT ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED COLUMN SHIFTER. AS SHE EXITED AND WALKED AROUND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz GL450 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 48
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450