Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Complaints (2013)

143 consumer complaints on file.

#11754731August 4, 2026
VEHICLE 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
#11725235March 18, 2026
UNKNOWN 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
#11720856February 27, 2026
AIR 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
#11705730December 17, 2025
SUSPENSION, 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
#11692024October 8, 2025
FUEL/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, 2025
AIR 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
#11660657May 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake lines prematurely rusted through and through causing brakes not to work
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634148January 5, 2025
FUEL/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. As a safety engineer, I can confirm that this poses a significant risk to both the driver and passengers. I have personally experienced a similar issue with a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, 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
#11626813November 22, 2024
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
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
#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
#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
#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
#11548203October 4, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes Benz GLK350. The contact stated that after driving approximately 30 minutes or more they would begin smelling a fuel odor coming from the rear end of the cabin. There were no warning lights. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact found their vehicle's failure related to the recall 2012 however the recall did not include their year. The manufacturer was made aware and confirmed their vehicle was not included. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The contact stated that an attempt to remove the back seat, they identified the smell and that it is coming from underneath. The vehicle has yet to be repaired and the smell is causes health problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532658July 17, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feul leaks from the tank when the vehcle is on idling. I understand its feul pump leaking the feul. This is a gushing leak under the tank whne the car is idling no obvious leak when parked the engine is off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532662July 17, 2023
POWER TRAIN
When the car ids in drive, it at time hesitate to engae and also drag when the transmission change or whne it is give gas. This leads to drag from the rear wheels and vibrations. It happens also wheel one slows and wants to increase speed. Whne the car was about one yea old, I notice this a few times and complained - I was told they did not notice anything like that. But it happened oens in a while. But now it is every day occurence - more frequenlty since December 2022
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515131April 3, 2023
STEERING, POWER TRAIN
My car started making a funny sound above the right tire on the way to my hair apt on March 13, 2023. On the drive home from the appointment, my front axle came off in the middle of the expressway at 9:30 PM on 1-10 in Houston, Texas. I was so scared that I was going to die. Cars were coming so fast and swerving all around me. I turned on my emergency flashers and called 911 immediately. I don't think that I have ever felt so helpless and panicked in my entire life. By the grace of god, I was not hit and tow trucks came within 10-15 minutes. They told me that most people get hit and that I was lucky to not be hit at 80 miles per hour at a dead standstill. We towed my car to the nearest repair shop where they confirmed that the plastic u-clamps had deteriorated which caused the front axle to become detached. Insurance would not cover it. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Mercedes had recalled over 38,000 small SUVS for the exact same issue, but that my Mercedes was not a part of the recall. When I filed the complaint with Mercedes, they said that they would not cover the cost to repair it because my vehicle was not a part of the recall. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else ever. I believe that Mercedes is aware of this issue and does not want to take responsibility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494133November 18, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake fluid and brake warning lights illuminated, and shortly after adding brake fluid the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake lines were corroded, causing brake fluid to leak and the brake lines needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle there was rusting of the rear subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,000. The consumer stated the repair for this vehicle was very expensive being as though it was purchased only 1 year ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11478881August 11, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Dealer reported to me that the brake lines are rusted. Dealer reported the lines are painted rather than coated as they were in the past. Vehicle is less than 10 years old so brake line rusting seems unusual.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464478May 13, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Sudden loss of brake function with large amounts of brake fluid leaking from the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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