Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 4 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

4 total · 4 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V010000 · Jan 2019

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V363000 · May 2016

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V081000 · Feb 2016

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 12V557000 · Dec 2012

If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

131 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
21

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

fluid leaks 19transmission slipping 1sudden stalling 1
A recent report: After a fuel fill-up, I smell fuel inside the cabin and outside by the gas tank opening. This causes a constant stress..., what if there is a fire? I heard and read so many similar complains and…
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After a fuel fill-up, I smell fuel inside the cabin and outside by the gas tank opening. This causes a constant stress..., what if there is a fire? I heard and read so many similar complains and concerns. This should constitute for a RECALL. What is the responsibility of NHTSA to the consumer's safety.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11607580 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
6

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 2sudden stalling 1
A recent report: Headlight bulbs failed. Owners manual states that the low beam bulb on the driver's side can be replaced by simply removing back cover, inserting hand and removing and replacing bulb. However, this…
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Headlight bulbs failed. Owners manual states that the low beam bulb on the driver's side can be replaced by simply removing back cover, inserting hand and removing and replacing bulb. However, this is fraudulent. Every mechanic and the Mercedes dealers state that the bumper and possibly fender must be removed to replace this SAFETY item. The bulb went out on a trip and could not be replaced even though the bulb was readily available and I purchased it at a Walmart but could not replace it. Even though the Walmart replaced bulbs, after I waited 2 hours they told me they could not do it. I took it to two mechanics and they said they "did not have time" since it required disassembly of the vehicle. The Mercedes dealership said they could not provide an estimate because it required substantial time and disassembly. Now I have a car that has a bulb out, it cannot be driven at night, and to replace the bulb it requires an appointment at Mercedes and apparently hundreds of dollars of expense for labor. Like windshield wipers, tires, etc, etc, this is obviously a CRITICAL SAFETY ITEM and Mercedes has committed fraud in its representation that the bulb can be owner replaced. MY CAR NOW IS A DANGER driving at night. The NHTSA has statutory responsibility for the safety of vehicles and the internet has endless entries about the difficulty of replacing the headlight bulbs on this vehicle. I pay taxes. Do something.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11559655 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of braking 2rollaway 1smoke 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended…
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The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended. Additionally, the brake pedal was spongy while depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed that the brake lines had failed due to severe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11649184 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
2

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1transmission slipping 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the key fob intermittently failed to remotely…
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The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the key fob intermittently failed to remotely start the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had seized and failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electronic steering locks (ESL) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,500.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11495360 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
86

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 6airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: takata airbags- called Mercedes Benz of draper- says it is not on their list???

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11486915 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
5

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 3
A recent report: During a stop the car dives to the right. After removing the right rear tire the subframe is rusted and components are no longer connected to the sub frame

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11687221 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
7

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 7
A recent report: I HAVE TWO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND MERCEDES HAS MADE NO EFFORT TO CONTACT ME REGARDING REPAIRS SINCE 2011. I HAVE TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE MUTLIPLE TIMES AND THE RECALLS HAS NOT BEEN…
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I HAVE TWO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND MERCEDES HAS MADE NO EFFORT TO CONTACT ME REGARDING REPAIRS SINCE 2011. I HAVE TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE MUTLIPLE TIMES AND THE RECALLS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11282479 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 131 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2013 and 2025, roughly 11 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 131 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (240) and fewer than the 2012 (165). Of the 6 model years of the Mercedes Benz GLK350 we cover, the 2010 has the most (240). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.