AI Damage2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450 filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 15
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 53% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 13% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 6 Electronic stability control 7% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- Air bags: 8 complaints (53% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 3 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 15 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated, and the struts had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed prior to…
The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive.
Takata inflators : the srs light is continuously staying on in the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle is started the light comes on and does not go off until the vehicle goes back off.
I am having issues with my suspension. I've had to replace it twice in 1 year. A recall should be issued on this.
Under the warranty, I had the air ride suspension fixed twice. Once on front left and right. After the warrant expired, I have had to do both sides of my suspension again. Now the front left has failed and needs to be repaired.
This complain is about the recall report as below feb 11,2016 manufacturer recall number[phone] nhtsa recall number16v081 description: I have never been contacted by the manufacturer about this recall. Apparently, the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner.
Takata recall my vehicle is part of the recall and there is still no fix for my problem. This is extremely dangerous, we are driving with a ticking time bomb.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,286 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the GL450 has 38 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 15, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, service brakes, suspension. Total complaints: 15. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (20%), windows, sunroof (13%), airbag warning light (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.