Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 reliable?

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has 9 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

Top problems: ENGINE (5 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

No recalls have been issued for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 gets 15 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3200. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 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.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is engine problems (56% of all complaints), specifically: as i was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

5 complaints

56%

• As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.
• Upon receipt of vehicle, when the weather was nice, a rattle in the engine compartment appeared to take place intermittently. Upon diagnosis by a dealership, intermittent was confirmed to take place on a cold start, and not intermittently. Upon further research, it was found the rattle is related t
• My 2015 GL550 has 90k miles on it and is city driven, on 09/11/2023 when I was trying to pull out onto a main rd my suv hesitated and the check engine light came on, luckily traffic wasn’t heavy at the time so I wasn’t in any accidents. I called and was able to get my suv into my local Mercedes deal

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

“As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$3,201

Per month

$267

Per mile

26.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,693/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,667/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 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550

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 GL550 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 2015 GL550, 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

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: MY CAR HAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE HVAC SYSTEM. IT GENERATES A MOLD AND MILDEW SMELL WHILE USING THE AC AND HEAT. MERCEDES SAYS THEY NO OF THIS ISSUE BUT HAVE NO PERMANENT FIX. THE SMELL IS SO BAD THAT IT IS ALMOST UN-DRIVABLE. MERCEDES DEALERSHIPS HAVE BULLETINS THAT DENOTE THE ISSUE IS KNOWN,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: There are many models of the gl550 ranging from 2012-2015, where the second row driver side seats get stuck in a downward position. Recently it happened to me and another gl550 was in the shop at Mercedes North Houston for repair for the same issue. These are very common in this make and model and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)