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2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 35owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 17%fail the UK MOT
35 complaints, against an average of 47 for the other 4 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
The components named most often in the 35 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 35 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAOil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir
Risk: It has been determined that on Model series ML/GLE GL/GLS (166) & GLE Coupe (292) with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS) Oil foam may develop in the systems oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions and at an oil level below the minimum level and escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir. Depending on the orientation of the two ventilation bores the escaping oil could spray onto hot component parts of the exhaust system. In this case risk of fire cannot be ruled out.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the oil dipstick of the reservoir for the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSevere corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force…Severe corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force required to decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a possible increase in stopping distance. Moreover, due to severe corrosion, a particularly strong or severe braking manoeuvre may cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, preventing the vehicle from decelerating through the service brake and thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under…The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe sealing cap of the Active Curve System's oil reservoir does not prevent oil from leaking out.Oil may leak out and spray onto hot components. As a consequence it may ignite and lead to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to incorrect functioning of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fuel delivery module may not be fuel tight, as a result of which fuel might leak out during travel or if the vehicle is parked at an…The fuel delivery module may not be fuel tight, as a result of which fuel might leak out during travel or if the vehicle is parked at an angle, depending on how full the tank is. A risk of fire caused by an external ignition source may consequently arise.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2015, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class owners report?
12 of the 35 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 experienced an unexpected vehicle fire on Feb 13th 2026. The vehicle was just parked when I noticed smoke from the engine. The vehicle caught fire within a short period of time, and 911 was called. There was no known external cause for the fire. The incident appeared to originate from the engine compartment. This created a serious safety hazard and posed a risk of injury and property damage. The fire required immediate response from the fire department, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company…
My 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG has suffered two separate ECU failures caused by oil migrating through the engine wiring harness. The first failure occurred at ~42,600 miles in 2020, and the second at ~59,000 miles in 2023. Both times, the vehicle developed misfires, check-engine warnings, and drivability issues that could have led to stalling at highway speeds. On both occasions, the vehicle has been completely disabled. Repairs required replacement of the wiring harness, ECU, sensors, and fuse box, costing over $5,600. This is a hidden, recurring defect that poses a safety risk and financial…
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally request the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s assistance regarding a critical safety defect in my 2015 Mercedes‑Benz GL 450 (M278 engine). I purchased this vehicle in October 2024 with 76,000 miles, and it now has about 87,000 miles. Alarmingly, I recently received a quote for $13,000 to repair a camshaft failure and extensive electrical damage. I was unaware of these issues when I purchased this car. I bought it under the illusion that it would be a safe vehicle for me and my children. As a single parent and teacher I invested in…
There are many models of the gl550 ranging from 2012-2015, where the second row driver side seats get stuck in a downward position. Recently it happened to me and another gl550 was in the shop at Mercedes North Houston for repair for the same issue. These are very common in this make and model and something needs to be addressed concerning the matter.
As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes.
The rubber sealing around the lift gate failed on the vehicle and water seeped inside the vehicle and entire bottom of the vehicle underneath the floor board thereby damaging the electronic components, engine wire harness and headliner thereby rendering the vehicle was beyond repair. This issue led to mold to grow on the roof liner inside and on the seats which caused breathing issues for me and my family. This put our safety at risk! After talking the vehicle to authorized Mercedes Benz dealer in San Jose CA I was told that this is a known defect with the vehicle about which Mercedes Benz Inc…
The airmatic system in this vehicle fails continuously, causing the vehicle to bump up and down while driving. Unsafe to drive
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON BUT STATIONARY (E.G. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN LIGHT TRAFFIC) I BEGAN TO SMELL DIESEL EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR WAS VERY STRONG AND I HAD TO LOWER THE WINDOWS IN ORDER TO BREATHE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK NEAR THE TURBO. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTOR AND LEAK LINE, IN ADDITION TO ALL PIPE SEALS AT TURBO.
ON 12/30/2017 WE PURCHASED A MERCEDES-BENZ CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 'CPO' VEHICLE FROM MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH. WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN THE AFTERNOON SENT BY MERCEDES BENZ OF WEST PALM BEACH THEIR AFFILIATED DEALERSHIP FOR THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE WE PURCHASED. WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO VIEW THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOT DETAILED FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER. ON THE TEST DRIVE WITH OUR SALES PERSON I NOTED UNUSUAL NOISES AND RIDE CONDITIONS IN THE VEHICLE. THE SALESPERSON ASSURED US THAT IT IS A CPO VEHICLE WITH AN UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY BACKING UP BUMPER TO BUMPER FACTORY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350W. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL. WHEN THE DRIVER TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE SAFELY ABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AND THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF SLOWLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COGEN MERCEDES-BENZ FT…
GL 450 WITH VIN [XXX] EXPERIENCED EXACT PROBLEM DEFINED BY NHTSA RECALL # 18V272 IN MAY 2018 (2 OR 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE FROM MERCEDES-BENZ USA). DEALERSHIP, MERCEDES-BENZ OF MIDLOTHIAN VIRGINIA, PERFORMED REPAIR WORK REQUIRED (BASED URGENT NEED FROM MIL SAYING "DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. MB MIDLOTHIAN REPAIRED THE ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM BY REPLACING THE "SEALING CAP" ON THE "ACS OIL RESERVOIR" - THE EXACT REPAIR SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL. I WAS CHARGED IN EXCESS OF $400 FOR THIS REPAIR AS THE DEALERSHIP "HAD NOT YET RECEIVED OFFICIAL NOTICE THAT THE RECALL WOULD INCLUDE (MY)…
SECOND ROW HEAD REST DOES NOT ADJUST TO DIFFERENT POSITIONS MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN.
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2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class; the most common categories were engine (14, 40%), electrical system (4, 11.4%), seats (4, 11.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Across 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (40% of complaints), electrical system (11.4% of complaints), seats (11.4% of complaints), suspension (8.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 35 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (11.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2015 mercedes benz gl350. the contact stated that the fuel tank started to leak onto the vehicle. the vehicle stalled because of the failure." (NHTSA complaint 10693851, March 2015). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 35 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (8.6%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The vehicle misfired while driving on city streets and presented a code for faulty ignition coils. upon inspection, mercedes-benz service center found oil in the engine wiring harness rendering the car undriveable." (NHTSA complaint 11359766, September 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Have any 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vehicles caught fire?
3 of the 35 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (8.6%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "As I was driving down the freeway the whole vehicle caught on fire and we got out of the car and within 2-3 minutes while car was burned to ashes." (NHTSA complaint 11470389, June 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own GL-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only.