There are 4 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and approaching a stop light, an unknown "malfunction" warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to veer to the side of the road but noticed that the steering wheel had lost power steering functionality. The contact then forcefully steered the steering wheel and veered into the right turn lane. The contact turned off the vehicle and turned on her hazard lights. Upon restarting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power steering functionality had not returned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V682000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE TWO MONTHS AGO. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF SUDDENLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN ORDER TO BE COASTED SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CALLED FERGUSON SUPERSTORE (1601 N ELM PL, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012, (918) 258-1800) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TOOLS TO CHECK A MERCEDES-BENZ AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONSULT WITH A MERCEDES DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A MERCEDES DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
THE CAR BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 45 MPH ROAD IN A VERY DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. TOWED THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME THE TIMING CHAIN GOT LOOSE AND WILL COST ~$15K TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED ENGINE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A MERCEDES BENZ GL 450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JUNE OF 2008 REGARDING THE COMPRESSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS PROMISED THAT IT WOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS PROMISED; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. OTHER RECALLS WERE ALSO FOUND FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026