Problem Lookup › Mercedes-Benz › GLK-Class › 2012
Car problem report
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 171owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 3injuries reported
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class year on file: 171 complaints, against an average of 135 for the other 3 model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
The components named most often in the 171 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 171 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-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 DVSAThe passenger air bag may not deploy as specified
Risk: The passenger airbag may not deploy as specified.
Fix: Replace the passenger airbag.
UK DVSAThe passenger air bag may not deploy as specified
Risk: The passenger airbag may not deploy as specified.
Fix: Replace the passenger airbag.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSASoftware update required to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace N0x sensor if necessary.
UK DVSASoftware update required to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual.
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 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 steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause 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 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
What do 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class owners report?
12 of the 171 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.
On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded knee airbag which contained metal components that impaled my skin. I continue to receive treatment for multiple injuries and the wounds that have not healed. My safety was at risk due to the metal components (shrapnel) deployed via the exploded knee airbag. I also sustained injuries my left wrist from…
I brought my car in to my local mechanic and was told my rear suspension was corroded. He said it would cost around five thousand dollars to repair. I researched online and found mercedes did not have a recall but has extended the warranty and will cover the repair to the rear suspension. The mercedes dealer called me and told me my brake lines were rusted out and needed replacement and that it was not covered by the extended warranty and would cost thirty five hundred dollars. In all my years of driving, I have never had the brake lines rust out on a vehicle and can't imagine that this is not…
My passenger got 2 degree burns to his right buttocks and seat is melted ...he is a paralyzed patient i took him to the er and the burn center i have pictures and documentation....my guess the seat got to hot melted and burned him this what doctors concluded the is very scary for a seat to burn the skin off your butt
Electronic steering wheel lock is broken and engine will not start because of lock.
I smelled gasoline in my car didn’t think of anything . Till today when i pumped gas it smelled very strong got home parked my car i notice a leak i look closer under and it’s leaking gas .just got this car 2 months ago There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate
RUPTURE OF LEFT REAR AND LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES 1/26/24,8/30/24. BOTH TIMES THE FAILURE WAS UNANNOUNCED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER.
My rear subframe is rotted out but won't be replaced under warranty because there are no rust holes in the metal. The rust is very extensive, and the car isn't safe to drive. The rear metal brake lines are also rotten and need to be replaced. I've owned many cars older than this one with more miles, and I've never had rusted-out brake lines. This is a safety issue.
I smell gasoline every time I fill up the gas tank and don't smell it when not quite full. I haven't check yet but I think that the fuel pump flange has deteriorated. My co-worker has the same exact issue and he found out that it was the fuel pump flange. There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate. Thank you. Sincerely,
The plastic trim/cover that wraps around the steering wheel column and is the same color as the seats and interior heats up, melts, becomes brittle after the fact but could is fire hazard, especially with melting plastic falling into the driver’s feet and/or carpeting. When I googled the replacement part, I found out on The Internet that owners across America have had the same problem with their vehicles regardless of the year or model. Some believe there is a shortage in the wiring that allows the steering wheel to be raised, lowered, pushed away or brought closer to the driver. There should…
The component or system failed or malfunctioned: Brake pedal -does not brake effectively Engine :Alternator/ignition-the car would not start on me Cigarette lighter: front cigarette lighter does not work (greater fuse or electrical problem Inspection: Car was returned to Hawthorne Auto Square for repair and ultimately returned and sale of the used car was cancelled due to these issues. Please inspect car at Hawthorne Auto Square 11646 Prairie Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Please do not allow Hawthorne Auto Square to resell this car it is a hazard to all Safety of myself and others were put at…
CAR SHUTTERED WHEN ACCELERATING , VIBRATES WHEN AT STOP LIGHTS. GOT INSPECTION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SLIPPING DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BASED ON MILEAGE 150K. OIL COOLER LEAKING, CENTRIFUGE LEAKING, MOTOR MOUNTS COLLAPSED. MB IS AWARE OF ISSUE, BUT ONLY WANT TO ADDRESS CERTAIN VINS. MB CORP SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO GET CORRECTED ONLY ASSISTANCE THEY OFFERED INCENTIVE BUY A NEW CAR. SEEN MANY SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE.
[XXX] STEERING LOCK FAILURE SHOULD BE A RECALL. MERCEDES CHARGES $1100 TO REPLACE MINE AND EVERYTHING I'VE READ PPL ARE ALL HAVING SAME COMMON ISSUES. I HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL AFTER MY CAR WAS HIT IN FRONT WHEN SOMEONE BACKED INTO ME (VERY HARD THAT IS). SUDDENLY MANY LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON AND NEXT STEERING LOCK FAILURE. INS CO SAID THAT MERCEDES MECHANIC SUPERVISOR SAID IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FROM ACCIDENT.. AND THAT IT'S COMMON WITH THESE MERCEDES BC THEY ARE LEMONS!!! REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *CC
Mercedes-Benz guides on CarHooq
- Mercedes Regenerative Braking - How It WorksGuide · 11 min read
- Mercedes Brake Dust Problem - How to Remove Brake Dust from the Inside Wheel and Between Wheel NutsGuide · 13 min read
- Mercedes Sprinter Cabin Air Filter ReplacementGuide · 14 min read
- A Detailed Guide on Mercedes BlueTec CoolantGuide · 11 min read
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 171 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class; the most common categories were air bags (136, 79.5%), fuel/propulsion system (12, 7%), service brakes (6, 3.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
Across 171 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (79.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7% of complaints), service brakes (3.5% of complaints), electrical system (2.3% of complaints), suspension (2.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class smell of fuel or gas?
7 of the 171 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (4.1%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "My mercedes GLK 350 4matic has a strong gas smell every time I fill up and I am afraid to park in my garage because of the very strong gas smell, and I am afraid of a fire." (NHTSA complaint 11535252, July 2023). 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 is the airbag light on in my 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
6 of the 171 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (3.5%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz glk350. while driving 20 mph with a passenger in the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11223174, June 2019). 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 GLK-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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.