Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 115 of 115 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 101 of 115 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Seats
40 complaint records30 fire reports
"DRIVER'S SEAT TURNING FROM GRAY TO YELLOW TO BROWN. WIFE AND I NOTICED BURNING SMELL WHILE USING SEAT HEATER AND NOTICED SEAT IS BURNED. NOTIFYING MERCEDES BENZ. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Electrical system
28 complaint records12 fire reports
"Blinkers and horn stopped working windshield wipers coming on without being turned on it’s saying drive to workshop without shifting gears and won’t start in the middle of the highway..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
17 complaint records1 crash report
"I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT AND I COULD ONLY GO 40 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD I STEPPED ON THE GAS. I HAD TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF, WAIT TEN MINUTES AND THEN START IT UP AGAIN. AGAIN THIS WEEK IT ALSO HAPPENED...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V298000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. | Normally free |
| 22V315000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| EW - Balance Shaft and IG Oct 2015 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the replacement of sintered steel balance shaft sprockets and idle gears... |
| EW - Seat Heaters May 2018 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core business, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to the original equipment seat heaters in model year 2000-2007 M-Class,... |
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Structure | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 2023 | Seats | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). | |
| LI82.20-P-070189 Jan 2020 | Structure | Retrofitted front door exit lamps with logo projection flicker | |
| LI8330P0496447 Nov 2016 | Equipment | No cooling output, fault code 9006 stored in air conditioning control unit. | |
| LI0702P0547173 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Ticking or pulsing noise from high-pressure pump and/or fuel injectors. | |
| LI82.10-P-064172 May 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Headlamp lights up sporadically | |
| RecallUpdate Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags. | |
| LI91.22-P-059988 Oct 2014 | Seats | 2nd seat row Power Easy Entry function impairment of backrest folding | |
| LI91.22-P-059388 Jul 2014 | Seats | Electric motor for the folding rear backrest of the 3rd seat row is inoperative or makes noises during adjustment | |
| LI91.12-P-059378 Jul 2014 | Seats | The release loop of the Easy Entry seat in the 2nd seat row is awkward to operate as it is difficult to access | |
| LI27.20-P-059067 May 2014 | Power Train | Delayed 2-3 Upshift | |
| C1A140101 Feb 2014 | Equipment | This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. | |
| LI30.30-P-055823 Feb 2014 | Electrical System | Collision Prevention Assist (CPA) may warn for no obvious reason (optical and/or acoustic warning message). | |
| GI88.40-P-057430 Feb 2014 | Equipment | Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual" | |
| LI8270P055572 Aug 2013 | Electrical System | Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely. | |
| LI27.20-P-055758 Jul 2013 | Power Train | FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit. One possible additional customer complaint could be "poor acceleration" e.g. | |
| LI82.95-P-056655 Jul 2013 | Electrical System | Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement. | |
| LI82.85-P-055695 Jul 2013 | Electrical System | The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30). | |
| LI-47-50 Mar 2011 | Fuel System | MERCEDES-BENZ: THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR IS WRONG. | |
| LI-68-50 Dec 2010 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | MERCEDES-BENZ: THE LOAD COMPARTMENT ROLLER BLIND HAS CATCH BOLTS LOOSE OR BROKEN FROM IMPROPER FORCE WHEN USING. *RM | |
| SB-32-25-82 Nov 2010 | Suspension | MERCEDES-BENZ: SHOCK ABSORBER PROCEDURE. *RM | |
| P-049567 Jun 2010 | Electrical System | MERCEDES: BATTERY SYMBOL AND SERVICE REQUIRED (IN WHITE). FAULT MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED IF THE CHARGE LEVEL IS TOO LOW OR THE PARK PAWL ADDITIONAL BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE. IN ADDITION FAULT CODE FC 9061 AND/OR FC 9062 IS STORED IN THE FRONT SAM. *PE | |
| LI-58-40 Dec 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| TB-P-047927 Sep 2009 | Suspension | MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL 221; FC5250 DRAIN OPEN CIRCUIT OR... | |
| RB-2009060005 Aug 2009 | Electrical System | MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK LEAK DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY DEACTIVATED DURING A VISIT TO THE WORKSHOP. | |
| SB-82-30-366E Jun 2009 | Visibility | MERCEDES BENZ: ADJUSTING WIPER ARMS. IF YOU RECEIVE REPORTS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES OF WIPERS CHATTERING/NOISY, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: INSPECT WIPER BLADES/INSERTS FOR WEAR AND REPLACE; THOROUGHLY CLEAN WINDSHIELD; VERIFY USE OF CORRECT WASHER FLUID; CHECK WASHER NOZZLE ADJUSTMENT;... | |
| SB-32-22-78 May 2009 | Electrical System | MERCEDES: AIR MATIC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED WITHIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODELS 164, 211, 219, 221 AND 251. INCLUDED 4MATIC, AMG (COMPRESSOR) AMG, BLUETEC AND WAGON. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09. *PE | |
| TB-83-10-112B Jan 2009 | Structure | MERCEDES: A NONFUNCTIONAL BLOWER MOTOR (BLOWER MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY) OR WATER DROPS IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL AFTER ENGINE WASH. CAUSED BY AN INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF AIR/WATER BOX WHEN WATER IS USED WHEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS CLEANED NEAR RIGHT SIDE OF FIREWALL. | |
| 462046 Dec 2008 | Steering | PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE | |
| TB-46-10-39C Dec 2008 | Steering | MERCEDES: CHROME PLATING PEELING ON DECORATIVE CAPS ON THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES, THIS IS DUE TO LESS THAN OPTIMAL ADHESION BETWEEN CHROME PLATING AND BASE MATERIAL. MODELS 164 AND 251. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| TB-46-10-32 Dec 2008 | Steering | MERCEDES: GROANING OR DULL, HEAVY CRACKING NOISES FROM STEERING SHAFT AREA. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL OR MOVING OFF OR BRAKING. THIS MAY BE EMANATING FROM THE BEARING AND HOUSING OF UPPER STEERING SHAFT (FIREWALL PIVOT POINT) OR STEERING COUPLING (LOWER STEERING SHAFT). | |
| TB-91-12-114A Sep 2008 | Seats | MERCEDES: RIGHT SIDE SECOND ROW SEAT FOLD UP MECHANISM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY OR INOPERATIVE; RIGHT SIDE SECOND ROW SEAT RED RELEASE STRAP INOPERATIVE. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| 2006110005 Aug 2008 | Unknown Or Other | INSTALL SOFTWARE FOR NAVIGATION SYSTEM. *KB UPDATED 3/5/09. *PE | |
| SB-2008080001 Aug 2008 | Suspension | MERCEDES: CHECK AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. INSUFFICIENT AIR PRESSURE IN THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM DAMAGE TO THE PRESSURE DISK IN THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR. *PE | |
| 033008 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ UPDATED 8/28/08. *PE | |
| TB-46-20-61 Apr 2008 | Steering | RATTLING/THUMPING NOISE ON ROUGH ROADS AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN MOVING STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON ALL MODEL 164 AND 251 VEHICLES. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE | |
| TB 83 10 112 Mar 2008 | Structure | WATER ENTRY INTO VEHICLE INTERIOR FOR ALL MODEL 164 VEHICLES. *PE | |
| 424587 Jan 2008 | Tires | MODEL ML350, ML500, ML63, ML320, ML550, GL450, GL320, GL550 4 MATIC -- EQUIPPED WITH SALES CODE 477 - TIRE LOSS WARNING SYSTEM (INDIRECT ESP BASED) WITH RUN FLAT TIRES -- MODEL YEAR 2005 TO 2007 (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING INACTIVE) DISPLAYED IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *NJ | |
| 2007100003 Nov 2007 | Electrical System | MODELS E320, E500, E55, E350, E550, E63, ML350, ML500, ML63, ML320, ML550, GL450, GL320, GL550 WITH DIESEL ENGINE OM 642 MY 2006-2007 -- UPDATE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE. *NJ |
Showing 60 of 69 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz Gl450 →