Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class reliable?

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class scores 55/100 (D) on OwnerKeep's reliability index, which places it in the high risk category. See the full report for the specific strengths and failure points.

What are the common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class?

See the Common Issues section above for the top failure areas reported by real owners, with typical mileage ranges where problems start showing up.

How much does it cost to maintain a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class?

Expected maintenance costs depend heavily on age, mileage and how well the vehicle was kept up. Run the full report for a year-by-year cost outlook.

What should I check before buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class?

Focus on the top risk areas flagged in this report, review service history, and verify the vehicle is not inside one of the mileage danger zones listed above.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Reliability ReportD grade · high risk · system-by-system breakdown

55/ 100

KeepScore

HIGH RISK

Grade: D

A luxurious family hauler burdened by complex, expensive systems prone to widespread and debilitating failure.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class

The system most likely to surface first: airmatic air suspension (critical severity).
No active NHTSA safety recalls on record — a clean recall slate for the 2008 model year.
Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class earns a 65.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Worth Buying?

While offering impressive luxury and seating for seven, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is notoriously problematic and carries a very high risk of expensive failures. What seems like a bargain on the used market can quickly become a financial black hole due to pervasive issues across its complex systems, most notably the air suspension and certain engine components.

Biggest Strengths

Luxurious and spacious interior comfort
Excellent safety features for its era
Powerful engine options (when operating correctly)

What Tends to Fail First on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class

The systems that break first on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Airmatic Air Suspensioncritical

Engine (M273 V8 & OM642 Diesel)major

Transmission (7G-Tronic)major

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Recall History

No active NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class. Always verify with your VIN atnhtsa.gov.

What breaks on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class. Click any year for its full report.

All Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class years ranked →Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class years to avoid →Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class common problems →

2008 Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2006 ToyotaLand Cruiser

92/100

2010 ToyotaSienna

88/100

2006 ChevroletCorvette

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report