Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Complaints
950 consumer complaints on file.
- #11755258August 6, 2026SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that after reversing out of the garage, there was a large rust puddle near the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The driver returned to the residence, and the contact also noticed the clunking sound as the driver was pulling into the driveway. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear coil spring had fractured in half. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the fractured rear coil spring had damaged the shock absorbers and other components. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to schedule an appointment. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11754731August 4, 2026VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal became stuck and almost caused a crash. The contact shifted the transmission into neutral(N) while the vehicle continued to accelerate and the RPM was extremely elevated. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle while the transmission was in neutral (N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the accelerator pedal was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered from a Carfax report that the accelerator pedal had previously been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11752273July 22, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
My kids and I went into a football game and when we came out I used the key fob to unlock the doors but the vehicle didn’t recognize my key fob when I tried to start it. There were no lights or warnings leading up to this incident. The dash didn’t say anything besides “remove key from ignition”. We were stranded for 5 hours before I had to have it towed. It cost roughly $2000 to have it repaired with no clear reason for why it happened. It was a censor on the steering column that was somehow deprogrammed while we were in the stadium and suddenly failed to recognize its own key fob once it was inserted into the ignition. The anti-theft security feature kicked in and I could not get the vehicle to respond or bypass the system and it left me and 4 children stranded in a very dangerous area for several hours with no information as to why this happened or how to avoid it in the future. The steering column locked up when the tow truck driver tried to load it and caused a significant amount of added expenses on to the repair costs and towing costs.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11750586July 15, 2026FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside vehicle. The check engine, TPMS, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11740866May 29, 2026SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz GLK. The contact stated he heating element burned through the front driver side seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an internal fault in the driver seat back heater; however the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11740280May 27, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle involved is a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that experienced severe corrosion and deterioration of the rear subframe component. The subframe is available for inspection upon request and has been identified as unsafe due to excessive rust and structural corrosion. The corrosion created a major safety risk because the subframe supports critical suspension and stability components. The condition could have caused loss of vehicle control, suspension failure, or an accident while driving, placing both myself and other drivers at risk. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership and/or independent repair facility. I was informed that Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged similar rear subframe corrosion issues and that this condition may fall under a manufacturer warranty or extended coverage program. The vehicle and damaged component have been inspected by service technicians, and repair estimates/documentation are available. The corrosion appears excessive for the age and normal use of the vehicle. Prior to discovering the failure, there were symptoms including unusual noises from the rear suspension area, instability while driving, and visible rust underneath the vehicle. The issue became more noticeable over time before the inspection confirmed severe subframe corrosion.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11731078April 14, 2026POWER TRAIN, STEERING
Hello. Since I bought this car in 2015. Every now and again it will go into park when driving and tge car will stop suddenly. It has done it a few times over the years and it’s quite scary. Mercedes has put me off on you, without addressing the situation or looking at the car, unless I pay first it. I think there is a mechanical defect on this car and it is quite dangerous
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11725235March 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving home mid morning Thursday , March 5, 2026 on smooth paved rural road, 50MPH, sunny, temp was 40 degrees, no vehicles anywhere near us, our Panoramic Sunroof shattered on our 2013 Mercedes GLK 250. We heard a loud "BANG", but had no idea what it was. I slowed down, pulled over and while looking up, I noticed the sunroof had completely shattered and cracks were spreading as we sat watching it. I drove home short distance and parked the GLK in the garage. There are no visible signs of an impact to the glass exterior nor interior. To keep it from falling into the cab, I taped the inside and outside with clear packing tape. The vehicle is out of warranty and we don't have comp nor collision on it anymore due to it's age. While researching for glass replacements, I found that there are numerous Class Action Lawsuits for this issue. This is a very dangerous defect and safety issue as when the glass shattered, it was as loud as a shotgun blast and very unnerving. The vehicle is currently undriveable and unsafe.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11721172February 28, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I noticed fuel / gas smell from my vehicle. I looked up cause for this type of occurrence. I was referred to a recall bulletin for this particular cause - Recall Campaign #2013020002. My vehicle (VIN #) is not on the recall list. Both MB dealerships in my area state I would have to cover the cost to replace the Fuel Filter Flange. I am certain the Fuel Filter Flange is defective and should be listed in the recall. I pulled up the rear seat and removed the cover to expose the Fuel Filter Flange. There was gasoline on top of the Fuel Filter Flange. (I have documented with pictures).
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11720856February 27, 2026AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
RECALL NO: 19V-868 | VIN: [XXX] | CASE #: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (X204) DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY PROBLEM: This complaint concerns a failure to adequately remedy NHTSA Recall 19V-868. Since [XXX], my vehicle has been grounded at Mercedes-Benz of Westmont. The dealer performed the recall out of sequence, ignored documented circuit faults, and refused mandatory Xentry commissioning and SCN Normalization, leaving the SRS system inoperative and uncertified. NHTSA records (Ex B-27) confirm the recall remains "Incomplete." MANUFACTURER ABANDONMENT OF SAFETY OVERSIGHT: On Feb 26, 2026, an MBUSA Executive Referral Manager (Case #[XXX]) stated by phone he would not read my 61-page safety complaint and classified the failure to verify the recall as a "dealer issue" due to franchise laws. Only 28 minutes after admitting he would not read the file, he sent an email falsely claiming he had "reviewed the documentation" and closed the case. By refusing to audit a documented failure to certify a safety repair, MBUSA is in active violation of its duty to ensure recall completion under 49 U.S.C. § 30120. COERCIVE SAFETY THREAT (49 U.S.C. § 30122): Service Manager Blake Farmer and Advisor Harry Arroyo explicitly threatened to remove the new airbag and reinstall the original defective recalled inflator (Ex B-6) during a billing dispute. This is a direct violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30122, which prohibits a dealer from knowingly making a safety system inoperative. DEALER NEGLIGENCE & ADDITIONAL RISKS: Dealer negligence regarding Part #204-440-68-41 (Ex B-17, B-26) caused a 5-day delay, resulting in a nationwide backorder. Furthermore, technician video (Ex B-10) shows an active oil leak (Code P2610-29), a fire/stalling hazard per MBUSA TSB LI05.20-P-067123 that the dealer refused to diagnose. ATTACHED: 61-page filing with 28 exhibits and 3 notarized affidavits. The 60-day federal deadline is April 4, 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11711749January 18, 2026AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Any time a passenger sits in the passenger seat in the shows on my dashboard “ front right malfunction service required “
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11711759January 18, 2026AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded knee airbag which contained metal components that impaled my skin. I continue to receive treatment for multiple injuries and the wounds that have not healed. My safety was at risk due to the metal components (shrapnel) deployed via the exploded knee airbag. I also sustained injuries my left wrist from the steering wheel airbag, and my left chest from the tightening of the seatbelt. The local Mercedes Benz dealer recently towed the vehicle from my home address to their facility for inspection of said airbags. As of today, I have not received any report from MBUSA.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11705730December 17, 2025SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
I am reporting a safety issue involving my Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 following repairs performed by an authorized dealership, Critz Mercedes-Benz in Savannah, Georgia. I brought the vehicle in due to persistent noise when shifting gears and steering-related symptoms. I asked the dealership to fully investigate the cause of the issue and not limit the diagnosis or repair to any single system, as I am not a mechanic and relied on their expertise. I paid $5,674.90 for the repair. During the process, a service advisor contacted me regarding an additional charge of approximately $800, which I approved to ensure the vehicle was repaired correctly and to avoid any claim that I declined recommended work. After the first repair, the noise was still present. I contacted the service advisor and returned the vehicle. After the vehicle had already been released to me, the dealership’s own technician recorded a diagnostic video stating that a suspension arm was “about to break.” I have the video and the email containing the link. This confirms the vehicle was returned to me with a serious unresolved safety defect, and I returned it after learning of this issue. The dealership performed additional work and released the vehicle again, but the noise remained. I asked the service advisor to hear the noise in person, after which he verbally stated that “all GLK 350s do that.” I later sent a text expressing my concern, and he replied in writing stating the same. I also have a saved and transcribed voicemail repeating this statement. Since the repair, the condition has worsened. Steering noise continues and braking effectiveness has degraded, requiring longer stopping distance. Because steering and suspension directly affect braking and vehicle control, this presents a safety risk. Due to the expense of the failed repair, I have no immediate alternative transportation and have been forced to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11703480December 6, 2025STEERING
The steering adjustment moves in and out but will not move up or down. You can hear a clicking noise like it’s trying to move but nothing happens to the steering column.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11701710November 26, 2025SUSPENSION
I brought my car in to my local mechanic and was told my rear suspension was corroded. He said it would cost around five thousand dollars to repair. I researched online and found mercedes did not have a recall but has extended the warranty and will cover the repair to the rear suspension. The mercedes dealer called me and told me my brake lines were rusted out and needed replacement and that it was not covered by the extended warranty and would cost thirty five hundred dollars. In all my years of driving, I have never had the brake lines rust out on a vehicle and can't imagine that this is not related to the suspension issue. I have done some research and seen many mercedes owners have had the same complaint. I believe mercedes benz should be responsible for this repair just like they are responsible for the corrosion with the rear suspension.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11696034October 28, 2025SEATS
My passenger got 2 degree burns to his right buttocks and seat is melted ...he is a paralyzed patient i took him to the er and the burn center i have pictures and documentation....my guess the seat got to hot melted and burned him this what doctors concluded the is very scary for a seat to burn the skin off your butt
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11693897October 16, 2025STRUCTURE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
See attached document for complaint.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11692599October 10, 2025WHEELS, VISIBILITY/WIPER, STEERING
On [XXX], my mother was driving our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to work around 6:30 AM when the vehicle suddenly caught on fire without warning. The car was completely destroyed in the fire. Thankfully, she was able to exit safely. After doing research online, we found many reports of 2010 GLK 350 models catching fire due to fuel system issues and leaks, which appear to be common with this year and model. We were surprised to learn that our VIN currently shows no active recalls, even though the issue seems widespread. We can provide photos of the car before and after the fire, towing documentation, and the police/fire report. The cleanup and towing bills have been expensive, and we are filing this report so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a safety defect that should result in an official recall. Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Mountville, PA VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11692024October 8, 2025FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, particularly related to the fuel pump system under the rear passenger area. It has come to my attention that the fuel pumps in these vehicles emit a strong, unpleasant odor every time the car is refueled. This poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, where the pumps were constructed with a substandard plastic material that, over time, will melt and start dripping from the top of the pump. This degradation of materials significantly compromises the integrity of the system, creating a serious hazard that could, in the worst case, lead to catastrophic outcomes, including fire or explosion. I strongly urge Mercedes-Benz to investigate and address this issue as a matter of priority. The potential consequences of ignoring this matter are severe, and a permanent solution must be found before any further risk is posed to the safety of vehicle occupants. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical safety concern. I look forward to your prompt response and the implementation of necessary corrective actions. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11690404September 29, 2025AIR BAGS, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger head restraint exploded no accident no bump nothing !!! The car had just been in for service 2 months ago I have video saying excellent condition..11,500 miles only ..I went to Mercedes they are charging me $900.00 for new headrest they said plastic parts broke cannot fix :(
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0