Recalls: Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class: child restraint anchor point not accessible
In October 2013, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class vehicles that were available for sale prior to 31 July 2013. In these vehicles, the rear seat centre child restraint anchor point was not accessible due to an incorrect seat backrest trim that was fitted during production. This backrest trim restricts the number of child seats that can be correctly fitted to the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant (PRA 2013/13809).
2015 Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class: lower mount for right rear seatbelt
In July 2016, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class vehicles that were available for sale from 1 May 2015 to 31 July 2015. In these vehicles, the lower mount for the right rear seatbelt may not have been fitted according to specification. In the event of a high impact collision, the seatbelt mounting could fail and increase the risk of injury to passengers (PRA 2016/15555).
2015 Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class: loss of power steering assistance
In August 2017, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X166 GL vehicles that were available for sale after 1 October 2015. Due to an insufficiently sealed connector, moisture could enter the electric power steering control unit and interfere with signal transmission – this could cause a loss of power steering assistance and increase the risk of a collision. To fix, the connector was to be replaced (PRA 2017/16263).
2013-15 Mercedes-Benz X166 GL: fire hazard from oil contacting exhaust system
In September 2018, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X166 GL vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 February 2012 to 31 August 2016. Under ‘dynamic operating conditions’, oil foam could develop in the system’s oil reservoir if oil was below the minimum level. This could cause oil to escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir and escaping oil could spray onto hot components parts of the exhaust system and cause a fire. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16986.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz X166 GL-Class
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mercedes-Benz X166 GL 500: engine rattle noise after start-up
In December 2015, Mercedes-Benz issued Service Bulletin LI05.10-P-056435 Version 10 for Mercedes-Benz X166 GL 500 vehicles that had M278 engines with engine numbers up to 2789xx 30 191843.
According to the Service Bulletin, the driver may hear a rattling noise after start-up – from the engine compartment – that lasts for several seconds. This noise was attributed to a lack of oil pressure in the secondary chain tensioners, though Mercedes-Benz claimed that no consequential damage was to be expected.
To fix, the secondary chain tensioners (left and right) were to be replaced and a check valve was to be installed in the oil supply bore of each secondary chain tensioner in the cylinder head (left and right).
