Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Complaints

950 consumer complaints on file.

#11607406August 8, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gasoline smell around the car when parked in the garage. An inspection underneath the car and in the engine, bay failed to locate the leak. A [XXX] search for fuel leak on Mercedes Benz (MB) returned a number of hits for problems with leaks around fuel tank components on the GLK and other MB models. Upon removal of the rear seat and a check under the two fuel tank covers, I found gasoline pooled on a concave area on top of the Fuel Suction Pump Assembly, MB, part 2184700994 (see attached photos). This plastic part has cracks in it that allow fuel to escape. I contacted MB U.S. headquarters support as I thought that they may have been a campaign to replace this component since the 2012 GLK had a recall for fuel flange cracks but the MB customer support team indicated that a campaign did not exist for this issue on the 2015 MB GLK. Since the car is out of warranty, I purchased a replacement part 2184700994 and installed it which fixed the problem. 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
#11607422August 8, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When we fill up the SUV with gas, there is a very strong odor of gas outside of the passenger door & some odor "inside the SUV. We looked online Motortrend.com said Certain 2011-2012 MB CLK 350 4matic are being recalled for a potential fuel leak caused by a crack in the fuel filter flange, Dec 15, 2012.' We stopped by MBenz of Lynnwood, Wa and spoke Garrett, a service rep. Garrett said that this was not a safety issue and we can continue to safely drive the SUV. We disagreed! We are very concerned because we believe there is a safety issue, our SUV has a crack fuel line could catch on fire while we are driving and potentially anyone around us could be affected. We did not get a malfunction or error message.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606711August 6, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Key in electronic ignition switch is not recognized, automatic transmission shifts to automatic park before vehicle comes to a stop. When car slows to 5 miles per hour it abruptly slams into park, putting myself in danger of being rear ended in no fault of my own. It happened multiple times before I could get my vehicle to safety. This has been a known issue as documented on website [XXX] in a memo from Mercedes Benz dated 12/22/13 service memo [XXX]. This is two years prior to my model automobile and should have been rectified. This should have been addressed as a recall item as it is a known safety risk. 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
#11597950July 1, 2024
SEATS
The leather seat on the drivers side has melted. After trying to research for a recall, I did see that others have had this problem also. It appears that the seat heater causes the leather to melt. The leather has melted and peeled and is flaking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595654June 21, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vaporized gasoline fuel odor emanating from the back seat area due to fuel filter flange crack
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595543June 20, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive SUV, having the Mercedes-Benz "4Matic" drivetrain, has it's Center Differential Planetary Gearset (With Integral Clutch Pack) in failure. Mercedes is clearly aware that this is a drivetrain component that fails prematurely as there is a Technical Service Bulletin (LI28.00-P-051499) that provides methodology for diagnosing the failure for 4Matic equipped vehicles from 2003 to 2016, specifically listing 83 different 4Matic equipped vehicles. Particular caution is called out as to special lubrication required prior to assembling the component into the drive train. Very likely that the root cause of the widespread failures was the part not being installed correctly. Though the failure evidences initially by front wheel vibrations and shuddering at low speed, it is a latent serious safety issue in that the component could fail catastrophically when stressed, i.e., hard acceleration when merging onto a highway, at best causing a sudden imbalance in front/rear propulsion resulting in an affected vehicle compromised in its steering, or at worst locking up front or rear wheels resulting in a spin out. Mercedes has replaced this equipment under warranty for an unknown number of vehicles, but refuses to acknowledge how widespread the problem is. Mercedes Customer Assistance says "no recall' so refuses to address the issue and flatly told me to take it up with the NHTSA. Public safety dictates that all affected vehicles need to be inspected for the failure and these defective components replaced as a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578969March 22, 2024
AIR BAGS, STEERING
Out of no where when I cranked my car the airbag light came on in my car. I took it to have a diagnostic test done and the report shows short circuit at steering gear and driver air bag squib. When I look up my make and model a previous recall for driver airbag comes up, but it's not assigned to my specific vin. Also, there was a previous recall for the steering gear bolts on my make and model but it also was not assigned to my vin. NO ONE AT MERCEDES WILL HELP ME! THEY STATE NO ONE HAS THE ABILITY TO ASSIGN RECALLS TO A SPECIFIC VIN IF IT WAS MISSED IN ERROR. My vehicle currently has no airbags cause the system has disabled itself to prevent possible deploy malfunction. Can you please help me. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578750March 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear powered tailgate closes by itself. There is no warning. It closes VERY rapidly. This hit me in the head, but I am mostly concerned with others, such as elderly people and children. It could easily cause a concussion, or worse. I have contacted MBUSA advocacy at 1-800-222-0100 three times. I was told all three times that I would be contacted back within 24-48 hours (business days) regarding this safety issue. It has now been two weeks, and I have not received anything such as a returned phone call, email, etc. The vehicle is at my residence and available for any inspection or test, etc. I also have video of this problem. Again, the rear powered tailgate closes by itself, without warning. It closes VERY rapidly with force far greater than gravity alone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11574920March 1, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked fuel leaked underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side fuel tank housing had cracked causing fuel to leak. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in the Manufacturer's Extended coverage for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 66,300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572326February 16, 2024
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment for the auxiliary battery replacement, the contact was informed that water was in the spare wheel storage location. The contact was informed that the water level measured to be a quarter of a foot of water. In addition, the water was also noticed to be in the auxiliary battery storage area. 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 55,714.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570907February 8, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was a gasoline leak however, the location of the leak was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568914January 30, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I smell gasoline every time I fill up the gas tank and don't smell it when not quite full. I haven't check yet but I think that the fuel pump flange has deteriorated. My co-worker has the same exact issue and he found out that it was the fuel pump flange. There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate. Thank you. Sincerely,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11563424January 3, 2024
AIR BAGS, WHEELS, SUSPENSION
The following are malfunctions that are a high risk when driving: •airbags •ball joints •coolant •control arms •electrical power system It is a risk when driving due to the ball joints and control arms not properly secured. Engine warning light
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561371December 21, 2023
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the airbags warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559655December 12, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Headlight bulbs failed. Owners manual states that the low beam bulb on the driver's side can be replaced by simply removing back cover, inserting hand and removing and replacing bulb. However, this is fraudulent. Every mechanic and the Mercedes dealers state that the bumper and possibly fender must be removed to replace this SAFETY item. The bulb went out on a trip and could not be replaced even though the bulb was readily available and I purchased it at a Walmart but could not replace it. Even though the Walmart replaced bulbs, after I waited 2 hours they told me they could not do it. I took it to two mechanics and they said they "did not have time" since it required disassembly of the vehicle. The Mercedes dealership said they could not provide an estimate because it required substantial time and disassembly. Now I have a car that has a bulb out, it cannot be driven at night, and to replace the bulb it requires an appointment at Mercedes and apparently hundreds of dollars of expense for labor. Like windshield wipers, tires, etc, etc, this is obviously a CRITICAL SAFETY ITEM and Mercedes has committed fraud in its representation that the bulb can be owner replaced. MY CAR NOW IS A DANGER driving at night. The NHTSA has statutory responsibility for the safety of vehicles and the internet has endless entries about the difficulty of replacing the headlight bulbs on this vehicle. I pay taxes. Do something.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559515December 11, 2023
STEERING
Steering column is stuck tilted in upmost highest position and will not adjust down lower.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557044November 27, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Evap small leak P0456 Car cabin smells strong gas odor check engine light is on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555900November 19, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On 11/18/2023, while driving my GLK350 2014, I decided to open and later close the sunroof. As I closed the sunroof, I heard a distinct cracking sound, which caught my attention. Initially, I was unsure of the source of the sound and continued driving. It wasn't until I arrived home that I made a shocking discovery - the front black stationary window panel, located just above the windshield, had shattered unexpectedly. Prior to this incident, I had meticulously cared for my car, ensuring it was regularly maintained and kept in excellent condition. There were no visible cracks or signs of damage on the front black stationary window panel. I even hand-washed the vehicle earlier that day and inspected the panel, confirming its integrity. I had a clear view of the area around the car while I was on a ladder, ruling out the possibility of any rocks or debris causing the breakage. My adult daughter was present in the car with me as a witness to this unfortunate event. We were both astonished by the sudden and unexplained shattering of the window panel. Given the circumstances, it became evident that there is a significant safety concern regarding the GLK350 2014 model's front black stationary window panel. The shattered panel poses serious risks to the safety of both the driver and passengers. These risks include compromised structural integrity, the potential for harmful glass projectiles, and impaired visibility that could lead to accidents or hazardous driving situations. To address these urgent safety concerns, I have written this letter to request an immediate safety recall for all GLK350 2014 vehicles. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all drivers and passengers who rely on your esteemed automobile brand. Please consider the gravity of this situation and take swift action to rectify
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555455November 16, 2023
SUSPENSION
I just had my vehicle in the shop for starting problem and oil leak. The former mercedes mechanic told me about my subframe having holes in it and the rear wheel moving forward and back during braking. I'm taking it to the dealership for replacement, but I'm upset knowing that I just took a 1400 mile trip with this problem on my vehicle with family in the vehicle and it could have been catastrophic for us all. I've received no notice of the 20 year extended warranty on this vehicle, but a notice of the Takata airbag issue was received recently by me. Not notifying me is irresponsible. I hope everyone gets this repaired before a life is lost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554946November 13, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong gasoline odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and the sending unit were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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