2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 15 of 52 complaints (29%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Transmission & Drivetrain include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 77 in 2012 to 52 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 5,150–5,550 | 5,150–5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 4,100–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–15 | 14–15 | 14–16 | 14–16 | 14–19 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13 / 17–18 | 12–13 / 17–18 | 13–14 / 17–19 | 13–14 / 17–19 | 13–17 / 17–21 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 592–635 | 592–635 | 569–615 | 569–615 | 479–615 | |
| Complaints filed | 94 | 77 | 52 | 39 | 35 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
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 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Engine: 15 of 52 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–16 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
EPA estimates $4,850–$5,550 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 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 569 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $5,150 | 587 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 615 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 9 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 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 (3)
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT · Campaign 18V272000 · May 2, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
Consequence: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
SEAT BELTS · Campaign 13V166000 · Apr 30, 2013
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 4MATIC, GL550 4MATIC, and GL63 AMG vehicles manufactured May 15, 2012 through October 4, 2012. The second row seat belt anchor fitting bolts may not be properly torqued.
Consequence: If the bolts are not properly torqued, the seat belt anchor bolts may continue to loosen and in the the event of a crash, the belted occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will check, and tighten the bolts of the seat belt anchor fittings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall campaign began on May 24, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.