Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 reliable?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 51 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

Top problems: ENGINE (9 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (8 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 gets 16 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is approximately $2,079/year (suv-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 GL450

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 48. The most common issue is engine problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: this is to report an event happened more than once before. the car engine syo suddently while traveling on highway at speed and must have the car pull over to the side of highway to restart again!!! *tr. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

9 complaints

18%

• THIS IS TO REPORT AN EVENT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR ENGINE SYO SUDDENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND MUST HAVE THE CAR PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY TO RESTART AGAIN!!! *TR
• CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. PROBLEM REPORTED TO YOU, BEFORE! THEY SENT ME TO THREE DEALER, ALL THEY DID WAS ROUTINE CHECKS AND DID NOT ADMIT TO PROBLEM. THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE GM KEY PROBLEM. WHY DIDN'T YOU SURVEY THIS ISSUE AND GET A RECALL?!!
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 (NA) MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THROUGH A PUDDLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITIO

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

“THIS IS TO REPORT AN EVENT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR ENGINE SYO SUDDENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND MUST HAVE THE CAR PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY TO RESTART AGAIN!!! *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450

Based on 33 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 36K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 200 mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 5 reports

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$3,001

Per month

$250

Per mile

25.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,429/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Based 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 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450

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

$2,079

Full coverage / month

$173

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+24%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2079

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

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 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

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:

☐
ENGINE: THIS IS TO REPORT AN EVENT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR ENGINE SYO SUDDENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND MUST HAVE THE CAR PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY TO RESTART AGAIN!!! *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ GL450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE SIDE MIRRORS BECAME DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UTILITY ROOM COMPARTMENT UNDER THE FRONT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW- THE HEADRESTS IN THE SECOND ROW ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE. THEY ONLY HAVE TWO POSITIONS: FULLY UP OR FULLY DOWN. IN EITHER OF THESE POSITIONS, MY 11 YEAR OLD CHILD'S HEAD IS IN A CLEARLY UNSAFE POSITION. IN THE DOWN POSITION, HIS BACK IS PUSHED FORWARD AND HIS NECK PUSHE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: BRAKES ROTORS WARPED THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AGAIN ON JUNE 5 2013 AT 5269 MILES REPLACED AGAIN NOT TOWING ANYTHING. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)