2008 Mercedes Benz GL550 problems

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · 121,667 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 550. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle stopped. The brake failure and front passenger air bag warning lights later illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a brake fluid leak in the air suspension system. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,667.

Filed May 11, 2020 · 80,000 miles · MN

When you are driving the car it shakes the entire car. It drives normal for a while and then it shakes again. It has not stopped.

Filed Feb 29, 2020 · Lights, Steering · IL

Power steering went out 2014 charged me for it. Claimed no recalls. Front right headlamp had to be replaced two times. This was the whole headlamp assembly. Due to water getting control box wet. Claimed it's how the headlamp is made. Claimed no warranty or recall on it. 2016 & 2019

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Steering · 74,110 miles · NY

At low speeds like backing up or pulling into driveway the steering becomes very hard to turn.

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 111,000 miles · CA

Vehicle malfunctioned for the 5th time since june 2017 while driving on the surface street. Suv completely shut down while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal including a beeping sound; gears shut down and SUV completely stops was driving. In looking at the history (I'm the 3rd owner), the work performed for the defective camshaft was completed 2 years after the 2009 mercedes bulletin and another replacement to the balance shaft and camshaft was performed 1 year after the 2012 bulletin. In its report, mercedes issued a caution and stated, "new timing chain tensioner must be installed and only after the engine head covers (valve covers) are installed/bottled on. Failure to observe that will result in the over tightening the timing chain which will ultimately lead to engine head damage." in the car fax report, I see after each repair, the owner sold the vehicle. In looking at my receipts, I see my reports of smoke from the dashboard (fire department came to my vehicle while in route to my son's school to ensure my SUV would not catch fire). I also see requests to replace light bulbs for blown fuse, the battery, wiring issue under the seat, now a new problem related to the can technology. Another receipt work done on the camshaft. Based on my research, the recall relates to the degrading of poor materials used to manufacture the 1st gen suvs. I don't believe there are any reported deaths but it puts many people at risk as I was researching this issue looking for my receipts, I came across another receipt for the ml500 2006 I sold before I purchased my current vehicle. The receipt shows I was seeking service for the engine stopping while driving. Read: http://www.mercedesdefects.com http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/industry/13381-mercedes-insolence-mercedes-benz-neglects-korean-consumers-despite-record-high

Filed Nov 25, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 111,000 miles · CA

Status ' 4th time trying to repair the engine shut down issue 'vehicle malfunctioned during driving four separate occasions with kids in the car ' complete shutdown while driving, loss of steering and dashboard illuminates every warning signal (see picture below) 'mercedes in downtown los angeles fixed the car (see receipt $4,600 in repairs) and SUV continues to stop. Since the 1st incident, the dealership has attempted to fix the issue three times and has been in the shop over 60 days this year. I contacted the ceo's office and a representative has stepped in to assist with the issue. They have brought in a special engineer to research the issue but that still did not correct the issue. On 10/20/17 almost two months after having my car in the shop, I picked up the SUV. On 11/18/17, the car stopped on me again with my son in the back seat. After being stranded for nearly two hours. I have been without a car since 11/18/17. On 11/22/17, I received another update stating the car is close to $3000 to fix. Since june 2017, I have repeatedly brought the car in for the exact same issue. I have repeatedly asked mercedes to declare the car a lemon since over $7000 or more has been put into the vehicle for this same issue. I would have never purchase the car. Mercedes knew about the issues with the 1st generation SUV rather than take the older model SUV out of production, the dealership continues to profit and put son and other kids in harm's way---this is a safety issue. The challenges with the engine, the wiring and the older technology is a known issue'the engine completely shuts down while driving and the steering column is locked and you can't put the SUV in any gear'this is the 4th time I have been stranded while driving the road and freeway.

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Steering · 129,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz gl550. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact took the vehicle to mercedes-benz of houston greenway where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. The contact then took the vehicle to a certified mechanic (lang's auto repair shop) who also diagnosed that the power steering failed and replaced the power steering pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v682000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2017 · Steering · NJ

There is an issue with the power steering rack. There is a recall for this problem but my VIN is not included on the recall list.

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Steering · 129,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz gl550. While driving 40 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed at patrick's imports in lawrence, south carolina where it was determined that the rack and pinion was faulty. The contact stated that the power steering pump was replaced three months ago. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Suspension · 21,000 miles · TX

Gl550 suspension drops - malfunctions every year (summer time in texas) my gl550-2008 was about 1 year old in august 2008) with 21k miles. I was parked in the local lowe's parking lot. When I came back from the store, the car body was sitting directly on the tires. In order to get home, I used the flood lift. The car remained lifted after using the flood lift for about a month. A month later we were on a road trip and we pulled over to get gas and it dropped again. Again we used the flood lift until we could get home. When we got back we scheduled a repair appointment. It was diagnosed by the dealership and they replaced the air suspension compressor. Less than a year later (may 2009) at 33k miles it happened again. Again I had to use the flood lift to raise the car back up. I took it back to the dealership but they could not duplicate it. Again it happened in april 2010 at 49k miles. The dealership diagnosed and replaced the entire strut assembly-left front air suspension. In october 2010, 54k miles the right front dropped. I used the flood lift to raise the car. I was in the garage. The garage door was closed. When I got out of the car I could hear hissing from the right front suspension that sounded like a leak. When I took it to the dealership, again they could not duplicate it and sent me on my way. One week later it happened again. The dealership again replaced suspension. This issue seems to happen every year in the summer. I believe the hydraulic seals used in mercedes benz airmatic systems melt or soften in the texas heat causing the parts to fail/leak. It is unsafe as it left us stranded with children many times.