My 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 experienced an unexpected vehicle fire on Feb 13th 2026. The vehicle was just parked when I noticed smoke from the engine. The vehicle caught fire within a short period of time, and 911 was called. There was no known external cause for the fire. The incident appeared to originate from the engine compartment. This created a serious safety hazard and posed a risk of injury and property damage. The fire required immediate response from the fire department, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company. This incident raises concerns about a potential mechanical or electrical defect. A vehicle should not catch fire under normal operating or parked conditions. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed as a potential safety defect.
The worst 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine7
- Seats3
- Suspension3
- Electrical2
- Transmission2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine7
- Seats3
- Suspension3
- Electrical2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Recalls 3
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
Suspension: front
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
- Risk
- The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
Recall number 18V272000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 GL350 4Matic Blutec, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, ML250 Blutec, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic and 2015-2016 GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 through March 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have axle bolts on the front and/or rear drive axle carriers that may not have been assembled correctly. As a result, the remaining bolts may fracture.
- Risk
- If any of the remaining front or rear axle bolts fracture, the vehicle may be unstable, reducing the handling capability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts, free of charge. The recall is began February 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 16V900000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 85
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- Engine
- Visibility/wiper
- 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
- During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time
- A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements...
- The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the...
What 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally request the federal safety agency’s assistance regarding a critical safety defect in my 2015 Mercedes‑Benz GL 450 (M278 engine). I purchased this vehicle in October 2024 with 76,000 miles, and it now has about 87,000 miles. Alarmingly, I recently received a quote for $13,000 to repair a camshaft failure and extensive electrical damage. I was unaware of these issues when I purchased this car. I bought it under the illusion that it would be a safe vehicle for me and my children. As a single parent and teacher I invested in this vehicle what I could afford and felt I had purchased a safe, reliable vehicle. I am devasted to have a proposal for repairs in excess of $13,000 from a Mercedes dealership who diagnosed the car. This caused me to do some research and I found the GL450 has a known and widespread defect. I also found, that this causes the cam shaft to need to be repaired and that this is not normal wear-and-tear—it is a systemic design vulnerability common across GL450 models. This can result in the engine seizing from what I was told and that directly poses a substantial risk when driving. From what I found this is a common issue with this car and I did not know that when I purchased it. This is a design flaw, not a misuse of the vehicle. Finally, a $13,000 repair to make this car safe and road ready is astronomical and is not aligned with a normal maintenance cost- manufacturer accountability is warranted here. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: Investigate whether a safety recall or extended warranty program is appropriate for this known defect in the GL450. Require Mercedes‑Benz to provide a comprehensive repair solution for me and repair this defect in my car's engine under the manufacturer's expense. And finally, for Mercedes to make customers affected by this aware of this engine defect and long term risks associated with this issue. Respectfully, Alyssa Begin
The contact owns 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC code: P060A00 was retrieved. The dealer determined that the solenoid valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 37 13 17 2029027/8. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owned a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the dealer for 12 days for an oil change. The contact's son drove the vehicle 2 days later, at an undisclosed speed when the vehicle started smoking from the engine. The contact's son pulled over when the vehicle caught fire completely. The fire marshals came out to extinguish the fire, there were no injuries. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance and twelve days later returned without an oil change. Oil was added to the vehicle and it started smoking.
The rubber sealing around the lift gate failed on the vehicle and water seeped inside the vehicle and entire bottom of the vehicle underneath the floor board thereby damaging the electronic components, engine wire harness and headliner thereby rendering the vehicle was beyond repair. This issue led to mold to grow on the roof liner inside and on the seats which caused breathing issues for me and my family. This put our safety at risk! After talking the vehicle to authorized Mercedes Benz dealer in San Jose CA I was told that this is a known defect with the vehicle about which Mercedes Benz Inc is well aware for years and has not fixed it or recalled vehicles having this safety issue. I had purchased this vehicle from Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton on 6/10/2015 as Certified Pre Owned (CPO) but I was not informed that this safety issue existed. I was informed by Mercedes Benz of San Jose that the vehicle could not be repaired as mold would pose a health hazard for the occupants and the vehicle was deemed to be beyond repair and totaled. I had also purchased extended warranty at the time of purchase in 2015 but the dealership did not honor it for repairs.
Steering wheel will not go up and down. It will go in and out. This needs a recall! This is a HUGE problem with many Mercedes.
The airmatic system in this vehicle fails continuously, causing the vehicle to bump up and down while driving. Unsafe to drive
The fixed portion of the Panorama Sunroof exploded while driving on the highway at 65mph in light traffic and temperatures were in the mid 40's. Glass shards fell on the passengers, including three young children under the age of 5. Repairs are being arranged by customer pay and insurance. Manufacture denies fault.
Plastic coolant union on radiator hose going from the coolant expansion tank to the electric auxiliary coolant pump catastrophically failed when I was changing the lh driver side front headlight bulb. I was leaning over the front of the vehicle with my head down to view the back side of the headlamp to remove the bulb, the plastic coolant union broke at this exact time shooting hot engine coolant all over my face. I've suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to my face, lips, neck and chest as a result. The vehicle engine was on, at idle speed, vehicle stationary in driveway.
Windshield has cracked on vehicle twice just sitting in the driveway has to be a manufacturer defect.
Compare the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450
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Questions about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 reliable?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450, fewer than a typical GL450 model year.
What is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 year score?
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GL450: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450?
Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints. Next is seats (3).
How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 have?
3 recalls, covering communication, suspension and power train.
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