The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (22 reports).
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 recalls
Moisture Can Corrode Brake Booster, Risking Brake Failure
Certain 2006-2012 Mercedes-Benz ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles may have moisture accumulating inside the brake booster housing.
Moisture Can Corrode Brake Booster, Causing Brake Failure
Moisture can build up inside the brake booster housing of certain Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles from model years 2006 and 2007.
Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems
Problem areas named in the 55 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 22 |
| Suspension | 15 |
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
What owners report
Driving on the 99 freeway when out of no where a loud explosion hit my car from behind or on top of my car it scared me so bad, I pulled over to emergency lane but I did not find or know what hit me so I continued home slowly afraid to drive. When I got home I was. checking my car and on top of my car there is a section that has. Electrical or computer components and it had broke lose that is what slammed into my vehicle the electrical cords are still connected or somebody would have been serious hurt Sept 15, 2026 430 in the afternoon
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal shaking coming from the engine while attempting to steer the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering reservoir and the power steering lines were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.
UNKNOWN
A flash from the right headlight had occured. I thought it was the bulb, but turns out the ballist was shorted out. I removed the assembly from the vehicle to change the ballist and because I want to also change the lens on the assembly. When I got the old lens off, I found most of the wiring has heat distress, causing the casings to flake off. I have photos of this issue. The headlights are a high energy assembly and this unsafe condition can lead to a vehicle fire if not taken care of immediately.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the recall repair could not be performed until the rear brake lines and a transmission diagnostic test was performed. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was unable to have the dealer complete the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 questions
Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450: Moisture Can Corrode Brake Booster, Risking Brake Failure; Moisture Can Corrode Brake Booster, Causing Brake Failure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (22), Suspension (15), Air Bags (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.