My suspension light came on while I was driving and my truch caught fire.
The worst 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
Recalls 2
Communication
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Recall number 19V787000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.(MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 G550 and G63 AMG vehicles and 2016 G65 AMG vehicles. The steering coupling may have been insufficiently tightened, resulting in the steering connection wearing.
- Risk
- The steering coupling wear may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering coupling, free of charge. The remedy is currently unavailable. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 17V250000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 80
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active...
- A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially...
- Consistently reproducible erroneous parktronic warnings from front with every key cycle
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop...
- After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the...
- 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active...
- Water ingress in the load compartment between the C and D pillars
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving on XXX in [XXX] on my way home from picking up my son from [XXX], when I noticed smoke coming from the dash while my suspension light came on. The right side of my car went down. A large amount of smoke started filling the car. I immediately tried to pull over, and as the car slowed, I told my son to get out of the truck and run far away. Once I made a stop, I was able to exit the car as well. I called Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance and the fire department. The fire department came and put out the fire and stated that the dash, console, and driver visor mirror were melted. I had inhaled a lot of smoke because I was the last one out of the car. This has resulted in smoke inhalation, PTSD, and a phobia of driving for both my son and I. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On February 8, 2023, I was driving the vehicle when the driver's side front door swung open while I was driving. The door would not close - the locking mechanism in the driver's front door completely failed and would not engage the door latch. My safety was put at extreme risk - the door flew open as I was taking a turn and I was forced to try to hold the door closed while driving the car. The local Mercedes Benz dealer confirmed the problem noting that the door locking mechanism was "defective"; however, Mercedes Benz did not assume responsibility for the failed door mechanism claiming that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. I did receive a very slight discount but was forced to pay for mostly all of the repair costs. There was no warning of the problem in advance - the door simply flew open while taking a turn as I was driving the vehicle and the only thing that stopped me from falling out of the vehicle was the seat belt. Mercedes Benz should institute a recall of this vehicle model - this was a very dangerous situation and I could have been hurt or killed had I not reacted quickly. I did report this to Mercedes Benz North America.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz G550. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started drifting to the right. The contact attempted to turn left and the steering wheel failed to operate as designed. The vehicle then struck the curb. The service EPS warning light was illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a stripped steering link. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,275.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz G550. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the steering wheel was not responding while turning to the left or the right. The contact pulled over and after a short stop resumed driving. The contact stated that the EPS malfunction warning light was illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V250000 (Steering). The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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Questions about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550, 2.5 times a typical G 550 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550?
Steering, with 2 complaints. Next is suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 have?
2 recalls, covering communication and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 550 steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V250000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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