Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550, the most recent reported on April 26, 2024 (Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).

How many 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 24V298000 · reported April 26, 2024 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 15,604 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
The risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 22V315000 · reported May 9, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · 350,294 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
The risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering7
Electrical system2
Engine2
Air bags1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Exterior lighting1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Suspension1
Unknown or other1
Vehicle speed control1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 28, 2026 · Air bags · 121,667 miles
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…

May 11, 2020 · Unknown or other · 80,000 miles
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.

Feb 29, 2020 · Steering
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

Oct 11, 2018 · Steering · 74,110 miles
AT LOW SPEEDS LIKE BACKING UP OR PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD TO TURN.

Dec 5, 2017 · Electrical system · 111,000 miles
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…

GL550 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2008	2	12	1
2009	3	6	1
2010	3	3	0
2011	3	15	0

All Mercedes-Benz GL550 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550, the most recent reported on April 26, 2024 (Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550?: Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).
How many 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 28, 2026.