2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Mercedes-Benz GL 2008

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL repairs by problem area

Engine (29%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (1%)

Suspension and Steering (23%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (10%)

Chart based on 311 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (15%)

< $100 (54%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 181 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL

Engine not specified

Mercedes-Benz GL in Missouri, United States
Nov 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013 Power steering was hard and does not come back to position. Was told it was a strut problem, spent $1300 got it fixed. The problem statyed and now I hear that it was the Steering Coupling. Havent got the car back yet. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Ohio, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

9000 mi
Slow window raise, fixed, Wiper Blades - replaced, Perfect Service, $0 Cost - Warranty 
Mercedes-Benz GL in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

70000 mi

US $650
Have had severe fuel pump problems that have caused to cease while driving at high speeds; Morristown MB unable to rectify after 4 attempts including replacing fuel pump; Open Road Bridgewater repaired in one day. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4dr SUV

turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz GL in Arizona, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2014
Jun 2012

26000 mi

US $600
Dealer said power steering fluid leak was caused by excessive wear on upper radial shaft sealing ring in control head. Warranty expired by time not mileage. Dealer says this was a defect and split the cost with me. MBUSA refused to cover me. Defect past warranty period in Power steering 
Oct 2013

33300 mi
replaced left rear airbag 
Dec 2013

35000 mi
oil leak from deep in engine. required much labor and seals and gaskets as well as pipe sockets 
Jan 2014

35000 mi
Previously reported as"repaired" engine oil leak continued. Dealer claimed there was no leak! Would urge anyone buying a this model to have an extended warranty and be ready for frustration. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Maryland, United States
Oct 2010 - May 2011
Nov 2010

93000 mi

US $1200
Rack in steering had to be replaced. Dealer estimated cost would have been over $3000. Mercedes paid for part despite no warranty coverege, they only charged labor. I was pleased with outcome. 
Jan 2011

97000 mi

US $600
The car was losing power. I thought it was another fuel pump, but it turned out to be some sensor. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Illinois, United States
Oct 2010 - Mar 2014
Dec 2010

45000 mi
Rear hatch wouldn't latch 1 out of 15 cycles. Same thing when took delivery, just came back a month later. Re-adjusted and no further issues at this time. 
Apr 2011

47500 mi
Trim pieces at base of every window were peeling a protective coating. Covered under warranty. No cost. 
Aug 2011

52300 mi

US $900
Rear black bumper had serious fade. Replaced at no cost, covered by warranty. 
Dec 2011

58000 mi
Leaking oil. After review the rack and pinion was leaking, Service said rack and pinion alone was $3000.  Seal on top of the engine also leaking. 
Mar 2012

63000 mi
The steering rack was leaking fluid. Entire unit replaced under warranty. CSR said it was about a $3000 job. My cost, $0. 
Jun 2013

82000 mi

US $700
Covered by warranty, leaking shock strut on right rear. Everything else was wear and tire items, like rotors, rear brakes, oil, and a couple of filters. 
Nov 2013

87400 mi

US $14
Oil differential pressure switch replaced. Oil leak repaired, broken oil cap. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Texas, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2012
Apr 2011

14000 mi
Leaky oil tube and diesel fuel line 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Texas, United States
Sep 2007 - Jan 2013
Oct 2009

38000 mi
1) Air suspension sensor was faulty, setting off warning light. There was nothing wrong with air suspension system itself.  2) Oil level sensor needed adjustment to prevent false low oil level indications. No parts needed. 
Mar 2010

47000 mi
Two wheels developed cracks on one spoke. The cracks went all the way through. They ordered and replaced with new wheels under factory warranty. 
Jun 2011

70000 mi
Engine stalled at stop light. Barely started. Drove to dealer next day. Determined to be a crank sensor and was replaced at no charge due to extended warranty. 
Jun 2012

89000 mi
Keyless entry, Driver's door handle repleced. 
Oct 2012

94000 mi

US $1475
Replace strut on Airmatic suspension. 
Nov 2012

94200 mi

US $650
Airmatic again. Rear strut replaced. We were leaving on vacation the next day. They couldn't get our GL repaired in time, so they allowed us to drive the loaner car (GLK 350) for almost two weeks. 
Dec 2012

95000 mi

US $400
Battery was replaced. It was the original battery. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Maryland, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

23000 mi
satellite radio would not hold signal trailer hitch defect satellite radio would not hold signal Told problem with reception on certain satellite stations and nothing further could be done. Installed new components after I had MBUSA overrule local rep. Refused to replace the radio with a later model which mechanic said has not had problems. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2014
Jul 2011

45000 mi
AC stops blowing on humid day and long trip. Car must sit for an hour to make it operate normally. Delaer could not find problem AC stops blowing on humid day and long trip. Car must sit for an hour to make it operate normally. Delaer could not find problem 
Apr 2013

65000 mi
White Smoke Billowing out of car on highway. Resolution was it was a routine active particulate filter burn - with NO notification to the driver - thought my car was burning up or a blown head gasket. 
May 2013

65300 mi

US $950
Glow Plug Failure and replacement (6) 
Aug 2013

67100 mi
AC system stops blowing air on long humid trips. System was in for this before it was out of warranty, problem remained. Dealer was never able to diagnose. This time they replaced the blower motor...said it was losing power. The problem still reoccurs. 
Dec 2014

78000 mi

US $1400
Air matic strut 
Mercedes-Benz GL in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2016 - Apr 2018
Sep 2016

72000 mi

US $377
Electric rear gate latch failed. Replaced with new part from Mercedes dealer in LA area. Hooray for ebay!! 
Dec 2016

75000 mi

US $123
Glow Plug power module failed. Ordered a replacement from RockAuto and installed it. Problem solved. 
Apr 2017

76000 mi

US $300
Issue with small auxiliary battery and then actuator in turbo manifold. 
May 2017

79000 mi

US $800
Turbocharger flap actuator failed. 
Aug 2017

82000 mi

US $1200
AC Compressor failed. Replaced. 
Dec 2017

86000 mi
Air bag intermittent failure. 
Mar 2018

84000 mi

US $250
Replaced leaking [suspension] airbag. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Idaho, United States
Dec 2014 - Feb 2022
Mar 2017

126000 mi

US $700
Replaced front air springs and shocks. 
Dec 2017

129000 mi

US $250
Previously put in non-Mercedes battery but it was weak in cold weather so replaced with genuine Mercedes car battery. 
Mar 2021

137000 mi

US $3000
Replace oil cooler and seals. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2012 - Sep 2014
Nov 2012

70000 mi

US $700
Replaced Rear Airsprings and struts 
Jun 2013

80000 mi

US $900
Replaced front airsprings and struts. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Louisiana, United States
Nov 2013 - Jun 2022
Nov 2013

82000 mi
Replaced steering rack. 
Jul 2014

88500 mi
Replaced L/F Airmatic strut. A/C needed freon recharge. 
Sep 2014

91000 mi
Replace R/F Airmatic strut A/C blower fan noisy. Replaced A/C blower motor. 
Dec 2014

94000 mi
#3 cylinder injector leak. Replaced injector and fuel hose. 
Mar 2015

95000 mi

US $2200
Both rear air bellows failed. Turbo seals leaking. 
Dec 2015

105000 mi

US $307
Fuel line came loose. Was reclamped and new fuel filter installed. 
Feb 2016

105300 mi

US $1100
Replaced motor and transmission mounts. 
Mar 2016

106000 mi

US $1100
Replaced glow plugs and control module. 
Jun 2016

106000 mi

US $6500
Replaced compressor, drier, and evaporator. Compressor seized, breaking belt and pulley. 
Mar 2017

115000 mi

US $2400
Both rear air struts were leaking and passenger front air strut failed. Temp sensor at DPF failed. 
Dec 2017

120000 mi

US $1600
Lower control arm and sway bar bushings replaced. 
Jan 2018

120000 mi

US $168
Additional bushings were perished and required replacement, Still functional, but they were getting noisy. 
Nov 2021

138000 mi

US $1800
Replaced front right air strut. 
Jun 2022

148000 mi

US $1084
L/F air strut failed. R&R L front air strut 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2014 - Dec 2016
Aug 2014

133000 mi

US $1300
Torque converter replaced, I bought the truck knowing it needed the repair, got a really good price for it. 
Mar 2016

170000 mi

US $800
Replaced oil cooler seals as preventative as they began to have a slow leak, replace water pump, belt and tensioner, both idler pulleys while I was in there. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Apr 2015
Jan 2013

US $135
Glow Plug controller 
Nov 2013

109100 mi

US $15
Oil cap. I accidentally got it on crooked, the tech said that it should fit tight enough not to allow that. 
Mar 2015

121000 mi
Replaced leaking air spring 
Apr 2015

121000 mi

US $250
Alternator failed Rain-Light sensor failed. May have been related to jump start for failed alternator. Replaced a leaking and failed rear shock 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Oregon, United States
Apr 2014 - May 2014
Apr 2014

56000 mi

US $2000
Power door locks went out, O rings on engine leaking 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Kansas, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2016
Oct 2015

152300 mi

US $500
Front left air strut and Right rear air spring replaced. 
Aug 2016

158600 mi

US $700
Front Right air strut and Left rear Air spring and shock replaced 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Ontario, Canada
May 2009 - Jul 2016
Jun 2009

11160 mi
Driver's door handle mechanism was defective and was replaced. Also driver's side rear door handle mechanism was defective and was replaced. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2010 - Apr 2012
Feb 2011

38000 mi
engine was leaking oil around the oil separator seal at the turbo charger port. seal needed replacing. coolant hose to the transmission cooler leaking at the crimp of hose at the radiator intake... crimp failed and was leaking coolant. replaced with new hose assembly. 
Apr 2011

40000 mi
turbo intake seal leaking, had to order part turbo intake seal replaced and oil spillage over engine was cleaned up now turbo oil separator seal leaking oil down side of engine onto exht. pipe Heat shield and exhaust particulate filter rattling and leaking exhaust. rear headliner came unglued and sagging from ceiling 
Sep 2011

46000 mi
Rear lift gate mechanism failed. Could not open, lock or operate. Entire system had to be replaced. I have had 28 entirely different problems with this vehicle since I bought it 3 years ago!!! I'm afraid to drive it anywhere! SUCKS! 
Jan 2012

38500 mi
engine oil cooler broke, leaking oil, effect: rising engine heat and yet another mess on the garage floor from the most unreliable and problematic vehicle I have ever ever owned! window switch on driver's side broke off, leaving left rear window in down position. took a paper clip and needle nose pliers to reach in and get contacts together to raise window.... winter time must. the 29th problem in less than 4 yrs. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Washington, United States
Jun 2008 - Jul 2012
Jan 2009

6700 mi
Low oil level. Drove to dealer and refilled with no charge. 
Oct 2009

15000 mi
ABS/Engine warning lights + skidding occurred. Crankshaft sensor faulty and replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2011

30700 mi
Corroded wires to battery. Battery does not charge. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Maryland, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2012
Sep 2011

28000 mi
Rear hatch pressure strut was leaking. Power door could not open fully. Replaced strut. 
May 2012

45300 mi
Front air springs leaking. Car sagged when parked. Replaced. 
Jun 2012

51000 mi

US $600
Steering rack leaking fluid. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Ohio, United States
Feb 2008 - Aug 2013
May 2008

2000 mi
Driver's window needed new motor, regulator and seals. Rear hatch intermittently not closing fully. Harsh downshifts from 3-2 and 2-1 and "crunching noise" 
Jun 2008

3000 mi
Homelink garage door transmitter not functioning properly 
Dec 2008

11000 mi
False check oil warnings displayed, despite correct oil level. Oil level sensor and bracket replaced under warranty.  Wind noise from driver's door corrected by replacing defective door seal. 
Feb 2009

12000 mi
Chrome trim strip above rear license plate and in front of tailgate handle fell off, requiring replacement of trim and housing to which it attaches. Rear tailgate not latching shut properly. Replaced latch but still not latching properly. Re-adjusted tailgate latch and seems to be working better, although still doesn't latch properly 100% of the time. 
Oct 2009

23000 mi
Oil pan leaking from prior oil sensor repair and oil pan replacement 
Dec 2009

24000 mi
Oil leak  
Jan 2010

25000 mi
Release handle on second row folding seat broke off 
Jun 2010

30000 mi
Check engine light and glow plug light illuminated. Dealer found a loose bolt near the glow plug that was creating a short. 
Jan 2011

50700 mi
Check engine light came on - replaced exhaust pressure sensor. 
Apr 2011

42300 mi
Driver's window motor slow,replaced Satellite radio not working, replaced sat radio unit Rear hatch not closing properly, adjusted rear hatch again. 
Jun 2011

44000 mi
Check engine light came on and engine died while driving, with loss of power steering. Car had to be towed to dealer, both fuel pumps needed to be replaced. Seems to have resolved issue. Dash ashtray mechanism no longer working smoothly, would pop open too quickly, spilling contents. New ashtry installed. Key developed crack and was replaced under warranty. 
Aug 2011

45300 mi
Fuel guage stopped working correcting - showing about 1/2 tank less than actual level. Faulty wire found in left side fuel sending unit. Repaired. 
Dec 2011

52000 mi
Rear latch not closing properly in cold weather. Has been an ongoing issue since Day 1. 
Aug 2012

62800 mi

US $98
2nd Row seat release lever broke off - second time this part has broken - this time not covered under warranty or extended warranty - $98 repair 
Dec 2012

67000 mi
Car was leaking oil due to failed oil cooler. Oil cooler replaced. Exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Replaced faulty exhaust gasket. 
Feb 2013

68800 mi
Car leaking oil. Oil cooler replaced again. 
Mar 2013

68000 mi
Car leaking oil again and check engine light on; car in limp home mode. Oil intercooler replaced again and seals replaced. 
Apr 2013

68800 mi
Oil/Coolant leaking again 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Oregon, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2018
Dec 2007

1000 mi
M-B insisted on reflash of ECU whenever vehicle appeared in shop. Need for reflash unknown - M-B wouldn't tell. 
Feb 2008

5000 mi
Owners manual had many missing critical pages with duplicate pages where the missing pages should have been. Manual replaced after many weeks wait. Improper "check engine oil level at next fillup" message appears often (3-4 time in 70 mi trip). Oil level always OK. Dealer says sensor defect causes message. No new (redesigned) sensors available. Problem is NOT new - 2007 CDI engines often had same ... 
Jul 2008

15000 mi
False oil level warning appeared sometimes. Oil never low. While in shop for problem 1) and 4), battery drained down twice - dead battery - "SOS telaid disconnected" message had appeared in multifunction display, and no crank, no start condition (for 4 tries) had occurred earlier. Rear Signal Acquisition Module 
Aug 2008

16000 mi
Driver door handle refused to 'retract' to 'ready' position. Handle OR lock (latch) malfunction. Parts back ordered. Shop did not take door apart to confirm source of problem. 
Jan 2009

24000 mi
C/S Low oil level warning in I/C again. Oil level not too low. Repeat of problem previously 'repaired'. Oil level sensor replaced with sensor with new part number. Oil pan replaced because original oil pan warped when it was removed - too much sealant.. Mercedes open campaign 2008110009 update rear SAM (Signal Acquisition Monitor) software. Prevents drawdown of battery under certain conditions and sequences of using REMOTE key to close hatch and then NOT open/close doors manually. Cars with keyless go. 
Feb 2009

26000 mi
Problem per description above. Resolution: Dealer replaced door latch assys for all four doors and installed updated springs for all 4 door handle bearing brackets 
Aug 2009

34000 mi
Parking brake handle not returning to correct position after releasing parking brake. Found guide for parking brake release cable was not holding cable correctly. Replaced guide 
Sep 2009

35000 mi
Parktronic audio (rear) alarm volume too low to hear over ambient, most situations. Dealer discovered original factory sound level was set at 80%, he adjusted to 100% for rear sensors, sound is now slightly louder. Tech found L parking light bulb burned out. Removed/replaced halogen headlight to replace bulb. MORE new software updates for rear SAM module. Newer software available and installed on top of new software previously installed. All values and coding checked out correct both before and after update. 
Nov 2010

52000 mi

US $1671
CEL on >2 wks. Local indy couldn't diagnose. Dealer found servomotor failed. This servo drives an air door inside intake manifold [provides engine braking?]. Servo was reported to have failed because oil dripped onto shaft, parts seized. 
Mar 2011

56000 mi

US $90
ABS light flashed, cruise control disengaged. After a short pause, able to reset cruise. Problem apparently related to wheel speed sensors/computer/modules. ABS, ESP systems involved. After flushing brake fluid, problems has not reappeared. 
Apr 2011

56000 mi
Exterior mirror, passenger side would not adjust electrically. Plug had disconnected, dealer reconnected plug. 
Jul 2011

64000 mi
bolt holding charge air tube (turbo to cooler) in place failed as a result of being replaced during earlier repair to fix intake manifold air regulating servo. Bolt failure allowed tube to move forward and seal blew out at turbo connection. Bolt which had failed was hardened and broken thread could not be removed from intake manifold. Intake manifold replaced as well as all seals. Broken bolt had been replaced during servomotor repair. Told dealer that used bolts NOT be replac 
Sep 2012

76000 mi
CEL appeared. 1st trip to dealer found that diff pressure sensor at DPF filter failed high. Sensor replaced. Fault would not clear. New DPF ordered.  2nd trip DPF replaced. Same day CEL reappeared. 3rd trip found temp sensor found unplugged during DPF repair and not plugged back in. 
Dec 2013

95000 mi

US $3000
Bad oil leak from center of engine rear. O ring seals to oil cooler had failed - a defect known to Mercedes and the subject of a TSB. Dealer replaced seals with new design. An oil cooling line from the transmission to the radiator was also replaced (not warranty either). ONE of the leaks in the steering rack supply line was fixed by replacing that line. (no warranty there either). 
May 2014

100000 mi

US $65
Car stopped without warning while driving. After waiting, car started and ran normally but with MIL set (check engine symbol). Dealer ran diagnostic on fuel system and determined MIL was due to low fuel pressure. Fuel filter was NOT plugged. 
Aug 2014

103000 mi

US $30
Driver side rear view mirror quit working (second time this happened). electrical plug inside the mirror housing was disconnected. Mechanic was able to reconnect plug without any disassembly. 
Jan 2015

85500 mi
Driver's side rear view mirror turn indicator lights would occasionally not work and throw a MIL. Dealer diagnosed as requiring a new LED strip and wire harness. $$$$ Took it home, figured out how to take mirror apart, and it now works! 
Sep 2015

110000 mi

US $1
Chronic power steering leak. PS squealed when running. Added 50ml PS fluid. 
Dec 2016

128000 mi

US $578
transmission to cooler line came loose at transmission. All oil was expelled. Car was flat bedded to dealer by Mercedes Roadside assist for diagnosis and fix. Line reattached w/ new 'seal' and transmission flushed. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Texas, United States
Nov 2008 - May 2018
Mar 2009

6000 mi
Small oil leak caused by uninstalled o-ring at the factory.  
Apr 2009

8000 mi
another leak in engine caused oil to drip onto timing belt, breaking the belt and shutting the engine down on the Interstate Highway. Vehicle hauled to dealer on flatbed for repair. 
Jul 2009

15000 mi
fuel tank locking door broken---dealer replaced switch that locks fuel door to frame 
Nov 2009

20000 mi
Left rear seat raise/lower motor defective. Replaced with new part. 
Oct 2010

35000 mi
cam shaft problem reported by check engine light 
Dec 2010

37000 mi
unknown sensor causing check engine light to illuminate; sensor replaced 
May 2011

44500 mi
Liftgate stuck closed and would not unlatch 
Sep 2011

52000 mi
Tire pressure monitoring system failure. TPMS System still not working after 2 failed attempts by the dealer to resolve. 
Jan 2012

41200 mi
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): malfunction finally diagnosed and repaired. 
Jun 2012

65000 mi
Strut replaced. Had to order part from Germany. covered under extended warranty. 
Sep 2012

72000 mi
The other front strut broke and had to be repaired under warranty. 
Feb 2013

75700 mi
Electrical ignition relay replaced. Truck had to be towed on flatbed to dealer. Battery died. 
Aug 2013

94000 mi
air suspension--blown air shock on left rear. I believe this is the 3rd or 4th one of these to blow since we bought the vehicle. 
Oct 2013

95300 mi
Power steering pump and controller went out. another busted air shock--fourth time this has happened on this vehicle 
Nov 2013

98000 mi
Drivers door lock no longer worked with electric door lock--had to replace 
Mar 2014

108000 mi
Leaky oil pump needing full replacement. Also caused damage to servo motors attached to oil pump and other parts. 
Apr 2014

109300 mi

US $500
Honestly I cannot remember the exact repair but it was something either to do with the power steering or ignition system. Cost me another $500. 
Feb 2015

132000 mi
A/C Compressor required replacement 2 middle seat seatbelts faulty. Had to replace 2 latches that no longer worked as well as the middle seatbelt strap. 
Oct 2015

142200 mi
Torque converter went out. Had to replace most of transmission. Park distance sensors malfunction 
Mar 2016

148000 mi

US $1500
Front left strut (air suspension) failure. (2nd time for this wheel) 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Georgia, United States
Feb 2008 - Dec 2008
Mar 2008

10000 mi
Rear a/c not cooling properly. Passenger seat creaks when occupied. Faulty rear door seal. 
Jul 2008

18500 mi
Trip took 3 visits due to problems obtaining special order parts. Rear A/C not cooling from roof vents. Part ordered 
Mercedes-Benz GL in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

22000 mi
Replaced fuel pump. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in New York, United States
Jun 2008 - Jun 2011
Jan 2009

15000 mi
Oil pan leaked due to incorrect gasket used in dealer prep; replaced gasket Rough downshift (repaired under warranty with factory spec computer download) 
Apr 2009

19000 mi
Fuel pump faulty. Engine shutting off intermittently. 
May 2010

30300 mi

US $350
leaking oil light sensor malfunction 
Sep 2010

32000 mi
Car loses oil. Recurring problem. Each time I replace lost oil, the oil cap fails and spews oil on engine until warning light comes on.  
Mercedes-Benz GL in Michigan, United States
Feb 2009 - Aug 2011
Oct 2010

64000 mi

US $500
lit sill plate not illuminating sat radio does not work properly on some stations. update: later fixed by sirius changing their channel bandwidth. rear hatch latch not latching 
Apr 2011

68000 mi

US $250
key fob failure 
Jul 2011

80000 mi
temp exhaust sensor replaced 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4dr SUV

382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz GL in Virginia, United States
- Jul 2008
Jul 2008

22950 mi
Air Bladder error appeared on the display. This increases/decreases the ride height of the vehicle. Dealer performed the necessary repair(s) at no cost to me. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Apr 2017
May 2016

76900 mi

US $700
air suspension error message. replace air compressor for the air shocks. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2011
May 2008

6000 mi
Broken door handle. 
Jun 2009

22000 mi
Oxygen Sensor causing Check Engine Light to come on. Door Handle loose, needed to be secured.  
Sep 2009

25000 mi
Faulty Fuel Pump 
Sep 2011

42000 mi
Air Struts making noise (clunking), and required replacement. Dealer Replaced air strut. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Colorado, United States
Nov 2007 - Jun 2011
Feb 2008

6000 mi
Electrical codes #2193 and #0436. Replaced right 02 sensor which controls the right side heater. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Texas, United States
Dec 2016 - Mar 2018
Jan 2017 Rear shock went bad. Mercedes dealer I bought it from covered it under a 30-day warranty. 
Mar 2018

65000 mi

US $44000
Power steering pump parts in steering 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2015
Sep 2011

40000 mi

US $750
Check engine light and fuel low warning when fuel not low. Dealer replaced hose and carbon filter in fuel system. 
Apr 2014

52000 mi

US $800
Battery (both) needed replacement Camshaft sensor (one of two bad) 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4dr SUV

335-horsepower 4.7L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range

Mercedes-Benz GL in Maryland, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2014
Oct 2007

1000 mi
Tele-Aid module not working. Self-diagnosed, brought vehicle in, and dealer replaced Tele-Aid unit. Tele-Aid module not working. Self-diagnosed, brought vehicle in, and dealer replaced Tele-Aid unit. 
Oct 2008

15000 mi
Driver's side rear outside door handle stuck in the open position. Door would not open from either inside or outside. Fixed at dealer under warranty. Driver's side rear outside door handle stuck in the open position. Door would not open from either inside or outside. Fixed at dealer under warranty. 
Nov 2008

16000 mi
Driver's side exterior rearview mirror cracked spontaneously. Replaced in 30 min. under warranty. Driver's side exterior rearview mirror cracked spontaneously. Replaced in 30 min. under warranty. 
Dec 2008

19000 mi
Driver's side front outside door handle stuck in the open position. Door would not open from either inside or outside. Fixed at dealer under warranty. Successful repair. Speaker in the door sounded like it was "blown", 1 day after repair work on same door. Returned to dealer, was told that speaker had short-circuited, but that it was an "unfortunate coincidence" rather than damage from previous door work. Fixed - warranty Driver's side front outside door handle stuck in the open position. Door would not open from either inside or outside. Fixed at dealer under warranty. Successful repair. Speaker in the door sounded like it was "blown", 1 day after repair work on same door. Returned to dealer, was told that speaker had short-circuited, but that it was an "unfortunate coincidence" rather than damage from previous door wo 
May 2009

23000 mi
Keyless Go functions inop on driver's door handle. Door handle replaced under warranty; 2.5 hours. Keyless Go functions inop on driver's door handle. Door handle replaced under warranty; 2.5 hours. 
Aug 2009

26000 mi
Driver's side pre-catalytic converter O2 sensor short caused "Check Engine" light to illuminate. Replaced by dealer under warranty at no cost. Driver's side pre-catalytic converter O2 sensor short caused "Check Engine" light to illuminate. Replaced by dealer under warranty at no cost. 
Dec 2009

30000 mi
Brought SUV in for tire replacement. Asked dealer to replace left front parking lamp as well. Replacing the bulb did not fix the problem, and after diagnosis, headlamp assembly was removed to access and repair wiring harness. Repaired under warranty, Brought SUV in for tire replacement. While vehicle was up on lift, mechanic noticed fluid leakage from left rear strut. Part ordered, replaced when it arrived next day. Repaired under warranty, no cost. SUV wouldn't start while out running errands. Roadside assistance first jump started SUV, then later replaced battery. Brought SUV to dealer for testing, who found bad alternator cable. Part ordered. Right rear exterior door handle will not function with KeylessGo. All other functions intact. Part ordered. Brought SUV in for tire replacement. Asked dealer to replace left front parking lamp as well. Replacing the bulb did not fix the problem, and after diagnosis, headlamp assembly was removed to access and repair wiring harness. Repaired under warranty, Brought SUV in for tire replacement. While vehicle was up on lift, mechanic noticed fluid leakage from left rear strut. Part ordered, replaced when it arrived next day. Repaired under warranty, no cost. SUV wouldn't start while out running errands. Roadside assistance first jump started SUV, then later replaced battery. Brought SUV to dealer for testing, who found bad alternator cable. Part ordered. Right rear exterior door handle will not function with KeylessGo. All other functions intact. Part ordered. 
Feb 2010

31500 mi
SUV wouldn't start while out running errands. Roadside assistance first jump started SUV, then later replaced battery. Brought SUV to dealer for testing, who found bad alternator cable. Part ordered. Right rear exterior door handle will not function with KeylessGo. All other functions intact. Part ordered. 
Mar 2010

31000 mi
Alternator cable replaced under warranty. Right rear exterior door handle replaced under warranty. Right rear exterior door handle replaced under warranty. SUV wouldn't start while out running errands. Roadside assistance first jump started SUV, then later replaced battery. Brought SUV to dealer for testing, who found bad alternator cable. Part replaced. 
Jun 2011

46000 mi
Underbody water leak allowed water into frame, which would flow under deceleration or nose-down parking, into well where computers were located. Multiple control units, wiring harnesses, and underbody panels replaced, welds sealed, Underbody water leak allowed water into frame, which would flow under deceleration or nose-down parking, into well where computers were located. Multiple control units, wiring harnesses, and underbody panels replaced, welds sealed,  
Jul 2011

46 mi
Felt strip on sunroof wind deflector came off. Dealer replaced entire deflector at no cost under warranty.. Felt strip on sunroof wind deflector came off. Dealer replaced entire deflector at no cost under warranty. 
Oct 2011

50000 mi

US $100
Keyless Go functions not working with Driver's side rear door. Door handle assembly replaced. 
Jan 2012

55000 mi

US $360
Cam magnets needed replacing, which illuminated the "Check Engine" light. Replaced in 3 hours. 
Mar 2012

57000 mi

US $1350
Airmatic compressor housing cracked. Replaced. Both exterior door handles would not operate with KeylessGo. Replaced. Second time for both handles. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Dec 2014 - Feb 2018
Dec 2014

59000 mi

US $750
Camshaft sensors replaced 
Jan 2015

US $1750
Steering rack failed, replaced. It had been leaking for a while before it failed. 
Sep 2015

66000 mi

US $1700
Replaced rear air struts for the second time. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2007 - Mar 2018
Apr 2008

2480 mi
Folding Mirror drivers side stopped functioning. 
Jun 2008

3100 mi
Satellite radio stopped functioning. Shop suspects antennae, but could not fix. 
Dec 2008

6820 mi
Satellite radio stopped functioning. Dealer replaced electronic part - now works. Rear auto tailgate stopped functioning. Also replaced trim under rear window that had gap caused during manufacturing. 
Jan 2010

9300 mi
Radio control unit stopped functioning. No SAT, no AM/FM, no bluetooth. 
May 2011

13020 mi

C $500
No audio on radio or satellite radio - control unit blown 
Jun 2011

13640 mi
Shop replaced Audio control unit. (Second time this has been replaced since vehicle was new). Found some frayed wiring was the cause of the control unit blowing. 
Jul 2011

14880 mi
Audio system wiring was replaced. All appears normal now. 
May 2013

22720 mi

C $950
Power steering hose blew 
Aug 2013

23560 mi
Camshaft solenoid needed replacement 
Sep 2013

23560 mi
Camshaft Solenoid Problem recurred on other side of engine (according to Dealer). 
Mar 2016

34100 mi

C $4000
Power steering seal 
Dec 2016

36580 mi

C $2000
Radiator was replaced. Cooling system between power steering and engine coolant failed and fluids passed from one system to the other. Ongoing cross-contamination.. still talking to dealer. 
Mar 2017

37820 mi

C $400
Coolant system filler tank ruptured and needed replacement. 
Jul 2017

39060 mi

C $1800
Replace power steering pump and steering fluid filler reservoir. 
Dec 2017

40920 mi

C $600
Replace battery. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2018
Oct 2009

19000 mi
Recall for some faulty sensors that caused check engine light to come on. 
Feb 2012

35000 mi
Oil plugs had a slight leak, replaced them. 
Nov 2012

40300 mi

US $700
Black trim pieces below the side windows were peeling a plastic coating layer and looked bad. Replaced with new parts. 
Jul 2014

50300 mi

US $1700
2 camshaft sensors replaced Replaced some bolts in front suspension and applied a special wax to fix noisy suspension 
May 2015

55900 mi
Air suspension pump failed, replaced under extended warranty 
Sep 2016

67000 mi

US $2900
Check engine light was on. Camshaft sensors needed to be replaced. Air suspension was low in front on driver side. Needed to replace front air shock. Replaced both front air shocks as dealer said they often go out in pairs. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Georgia, United States
Dec 2013 - Jan 2022
Jan 2014

95700 mi

US $1200
4matics rear air shocks replaced, and compressor. 
Oct 2016

109200 mi

US $150
Airmatic compressor failure. AC seemed a little weak, so while it was in the shop I asked them to check it out. Needed a little freon but otherwise fine. 
Mar 2017

110000 mi

US $1200
Power steering rack bushings had worn and needed to be replaced. While it was in, I had all major services performed. 
Jan 2018

116000 mi

US $200
Suspension air compressor failed. Replaced under warranty. Also replaced a relay. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4dr SUV

335-horsepower 4.7L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Nov 2007 - Aug 2010
Jan 2008

3000 mi
Driver door handle broken. 
Mar 2008

4000 mi
Broken driver door handle. 
Apr 2008

6000 mi
2nd trip for drivers window noise, parts ordered Squeaking driver's door seal. 3rd repair to drivers door, parts replaced this time. 
Nov 2008

15000 mi
Air compressor. 
Dec 2008

16000 mi
Rear liftgate will not close. 
Jun 2009

24000 mi
air pump 
Jul 2009

24000 mi
Another Air pump installed 
Aug 2010

41000 mi
TPMS broken when traded. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Oregon, United States
Jul 2014 - Jun 2015
Aug 2014

88200 mi

US $20
Drivers window would not roll down. Dismantled door panel and pulled power to window controller. This reset the window function. Works good now. 
Sep 2014

89000 mi
The onboard air compressor runs continuously and the ride height adjustment doesn't function. Air leaks in the suspension cause the compressor to run too much. Eventually the compressor fails. I can't afford to take it to the dealer yet. 
Oct 2014

89000 mi

US $800
Compressor for suspension was bad 
Jun 2015

92000 mi

US $25
Liftgate hydraulic pump needed fluid. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

25000 mi
Squeaky passenger seat. Replaced faulty control module (third row windows and rear hatch control). Also replaced battery for second time. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2018
Mar 2011

38000 mi

US $300
Speaker jamming window regulator causing noise. Faulty install by previous body shop. Suspension bushing noise. Bushings replaced. Broken vanity mirror cover. 
Jul 2011

44000 mi
Automatic lock for auto tailgate failed. new lock repaired the problem. 
Apr 2012

53800 mi

US $700
Leaking steering rack. Car out of warranty so purchased remanufactured unit and replaced myself. 
Dec 2012

66000 mi

US $170
right rear window moulding peeling. replaced part with new replaced camshaft position sensor 
Mar 2013

69000 mi

US $380
Air leak at airmatic pump. Replaced pump and relay. 
Dec 2014

95000 mi

US $200
Rear center seat belt jammed. Replace with new oem 
Mar 2015

98000 mi

US $250
Worn power steering pump causing low boost at low engine speeds. Also replaced reservoir during repair. 
Jun 2015

101000 mi

US $400
Replace leaking rear airbag. Replaced in pairs. Replace bushings/end links to eliminate clunk noise. 
Dec 2015

110000 mi

US $400
Replaced rear shock that was leaking. Replaced in pairs 
Sep 2016

123000 mi

US $20
Broken seat lever 
Nov 2017

140000 mi

US $200
Master window switch replaced due to broken button. 
Mercedes-Benz GL in Oklahoma, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2012
Aug 2009

23000 mi
Air suspension screaming! Cannot raise the truck. 
Jul 2010

31000 mi
Air suspension 
Dec 2011

39000 mi

US $800
air bag sensor 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz GL in Virginia, United States
May 2008 - Dec 2011
Mar 2011

40000 mi
3 fuel injectors failed. 
Dec 2011

50000 mi
Engine developed ticking noise. Dealer confirmed the noise, replaced all injectors, problem not solved. Dealer then claimed noise is normal. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 4-door

6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

Mercedes-Benz GL in New Jersey, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

20000 mi
Automatic trunk door not properly closing. 

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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.