AI Damage2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550: common problems
Owners of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550 filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 20% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 10% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 7 Seat belts 10% of all complaints
- 8 Seats 10% of all complaints
- Engine: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 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.
Vehicle was parked on the driveway, brake sign came on upon start and system malfunction error showed on screen, vehicle started lowering automatically and Air compressor stopped working.
1.The vehicle's air suspension system is constantly grinding, and moving/adjusting while being driven. It feels like the vehicles fame is off balance. 2. The back camera system does not work unless the radio is turned on; which is very alarming not to mention dangerous. 3.
The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with leaky exhaust valves. The dealer determined that the exhaust valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a similar assessment was made.
The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and malfunction PP0 warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway.
Tapping noise developed in the engine, after dealership inspection using borescope, scored cylinder walls were found, resulting to engine replacement. Please see: Lena Jamil, et al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Case No: 2:22-cv-08130-FLA-AFM)
Depending on the orientation of the vent holes in the sealing cap, leaking oil could spray onto hot surface components of the exhaust system. In such a case the risk of a fire cannot be ruled out.
The rear headrests in the models that have the ez fold system in the 2014 gl550 will not come out, nor do the headrests tilt back to a comfortable position for children.
Front seat belt pre-tensioners activated with no imminent crash. Random occurrence in both front seats and released after 2-3 seconds.
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 10,921 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 30% most complained about).
On average one model year of the GL550 has 7 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 10, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, steering, suspension. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: infotainment or screen glitches (20%), warning lights, check engine (20%), door locks, latches, handles (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2014 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 2014 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 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.