Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2007–2015)
Side-by-side reliability scores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Gl-Class across generations.
Average Score
65/100
Best Year
2012 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class
Score 72
Weakest Year
2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class
Score 55
Every Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Ranked
Sorted by reliability score. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A premium SUV experience at a budget price, but be prepared for premium maintenance and repair bills, especially concerning the suspension and diesel engine.
Top risks: AIRMATIC Air Suspension · Diesel Engine (GL350 BlueTEC) Oil Cooler · Electrical System
A lavish family hauler that delivers luxury and capability, but be prepared for a premium price tag on maintenance and repairs.
Top risks: AIRMATIC Air Suspension · Diesel Emissions System (GL350 BlueTEC) · Engine Oil Leaks (OM642 Diesel & M278 Gasoline)
A majestic SUV with high repair potential, demanding a hefty preventative maintenance fund to avoid major financial shocks.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension · Diesel Emissions System (GL350 BlueTEC) · Electrical & Sensors
A supremely comfortable and capable luxury SUV, but be prepared for significant upkeep and repair costs, especially as it ages.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension System · Diesel Emission System (BlueTEC) · Electrical & Sensor Issues
This full-size luxury SUV delivers comfort and prestige, but its high-maintenance nature and propensity for expensive system failures make it a high-stakes ownership proposition.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension · OM642 Diesel Engine (Oil Cooler & Swirl Flaps) · M273 V8 Engine (Intake Manifold & Cam Magnets)
A luxurious, capable SUV that will continually test the depth of your wallet, demanding proactive maintenance and a healthy repair fund.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension · Engine Oil Leaks & Turbo Issues (GL350 Diesel) · Transmission Valve Body/Conductor Plate
A luxurious and capable SUV that offers significant value upfront, but demands an equally significant, ongoing investment in maintenance and repairs.
Top risks: AIRMATIC Air Suspension · OM642 Diesel Engine Emissions System · 7G-Tronic Transmission
A tempting luxury SUV that offers a lot for the money, but its complex engineering brings a significant risk of financial ruin if not thoroughly vetted and maintained.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension · Engine (M273/M642) · 7G-Tronic Transmission (Conductor Plate)
A luxurious family hauler burdened by complex, expensive systems prone to widespread and debilitating failure.
Top risks: Airmatic Air Suspension · Engine (M273 V8 & OM642 Diesel) · Transmission (7G-Tronic)
Problems That Follow the Gl-Class Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Airmatic Air Suspension
Appears in 5 model years · 56% of generations
AIRMATIC Air Suspension
Appears in 3 model years · 33% of generations
Diesel Emissions System (GL350 BlueTEC)
Appears in 2 model years · 22% of generations