AI Damage2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550: common problems
Owners of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 12
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 58% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 17% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 8% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 8% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 8% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- Steering: 7 complaints (58% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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.
The contact stated the engine was turned on with the gear selector placed in the "park" position when an unexpected acceleration occurred which caused the vehicle to jump over two curbs and crashed into a tree. The vehicle continued to accelerate and then crashed into two unoccupied vehicles.
The brake failure and front passenger air bag warning lights later illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a brake fluid leak in the air suspension system.
Power steering went out 2014 charged me for it. Claimed no recalls. Front right headlamp had to be replaced two times. This was the whole headlamp assembly. Due to water getting control box wet. Claimed it's how the headlamp is made. Claimed no warranty or recall on it. 2016 & 2019
Suv completely shut down while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal including a beeping sound; gears shut down and suv completely stops was driving.
Status ' 4th time trying to repair the engine shut down issue 'vehicle malfunctioned during driving four separate occasions with kids in the car ' complete shutdown while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal (see picture below) 'mercedes in downtown los angeles fixed the car (see…
The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact took the vehicle to mercedes-benz of houston greenway where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed.
Gl550 suspension drops - malfunctions every year (summer time in texas) my gl550-2008 was about 1 year old in august 2008) with 21k miles. I was parked in the local lowe's parking lot. When I came back from the store, the car body was sitting directly on the tires. In order to get home, I used the flood lift.
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 10,162 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 28% most complained about).
On average one model year of the GL550 has 7 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 12, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 12. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: steering or power steering problems (58%), airbag warning light (8%), brake failure (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550?
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 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 2008 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.