2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 2 of 3 complaints (67%) mention it.
Complaints filed held steady at 3 in both 2015 and 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 5,950 | 5,950 | 5,950–6,450 | 5,950–7,050 | 5,950–7,050 | |
| Combined MPG | 13 | 13 | 12–13 | 11–13 | 11–13 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12 / 14–15 | 12 / 14–15 | 11–13 / 13–14 | 11–13 / 11–14 | 11–13 / 11–15 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 680–696 | 680–696 | 663–762 | 660–829 | 660–829 | |
| Complaints filed | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class get?
EPA rates it 12–13 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
EPA estimates $5,950–$6,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 12 mpg | 14 mpg (high) | 13 mpg (high) | $5,950 (low) | 696 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (high) | 14 mpg (high) | 13 mpg (high) | $5,950 (low) | 663 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | 12 mpg (low) | $6,450 (high) | 762 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL · Campaign 17V713000 · Nov 15, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 G550 4Matic, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG vehicles. A malfunction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), while Distronic Plus is engaged, may cause the engine to not reduce power, regardless of the vehicle's speed, driving situation or brake application.
Consequence: Increased braking effort and/or shifting to neutral would be needed to stop the vehicle, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ESP control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110012.
STEERING · Campaign 17V250000 · Apr 14, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.(MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 G550 and G63 AMG vehicles and 2016 G65 AMG vehicles. The steering coupling may have been insufficiently tightened, resulting in the steering connection wearing.
Consequence: The steering coupling wear may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering coupling, free of charge. The remedy is currently unavailable. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 17V178000 · Mar 17, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 G550 4MATIC and G63 AMG vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the cable that unlatches the door when the inner door handle is pulled may break if the door is difficult to release, such as could occur after a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: If the cable breaks and the door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle after a crash, the occupant is at an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners and dealers will replace the cable that connects the inner door handle and the door lock on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began on April 28, 2017. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.