AI Damage2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450: common problems
Owners of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 21
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 33% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 14% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 10% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- 7 Lane departure 5% of all complaints
- 8 Latches, locks, linkages 5% of all complaints
- Engine: 7 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (14% of all).
- Visibility: 3 complaints (14% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (10% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 21 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
There were numerous Engine Oil Leak Recalls by Mercedes-Benz. There was a recent recalls announced in 2023, however, my vehicle 2014 GL450 with now about 50K miles, was not included in the list. Since there have been engine oil leaks problem reported and recalls, I'd like to report my car engine oil leaks problem too.
The leaking of oil in the presence of ignition source can increase the risk of fire. I have been having to add two quarts of oil to my car every month for almost a year & there has been no oil in my driveway at all.
The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
Our vehicles computerized self-diagnostic system (OBD) registered faults.
Front drivers side (Front Left) Aluminum wheel rim is cracked and will not hold tire pressure. We loose about 10 psi per day because of it. Now we have to replace this rim at significant cost. However, that's not the main issue.
The middle section of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. Upon examination on the side of the road there was no apparent impact spot or item in the roadway that would have indicated that particular section of the roof had been struck by anything (no rock, branch, brick, etc), nor were there any other vehicles in the…
/The right front headlight was replaced (after receiving a headlight warning) approximately about a year after the warranty expired. The dealership claimed this was due to moisture in the headlight. In August 2021, the left front headlight showed to be having issues with the same error message.
The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who stated that the rear hatch was faulty and allowed water to enter the vehicle, but no leaks were found. The independent mechanic had to replace the rubber casing on the rear door hatch, the electrical wiring, and replace the floor carpet.
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 8,077 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 22% most complained about).
On average one model year of the GL450 has 38 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 21, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, visibility. Total complaints: 21. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (19%), oil leak or consumption (14%), warning lights, check engine (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2014 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 2014 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 2014 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 2026-11-06.