⌘K
Your vehicleHome›Mercedes-Benz›GL-Class› 2016
Mercedes-Benz · Large SUV

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
D
Safety Signal
66 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 7
Complaints1 crash · 1 fire reported 20
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 19 mpg
2016

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GL450 4matic, is EPA-rated at 19 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 20 complaints, most often about the seats.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GL450 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172119$4,350
GL550 4maticGas4WD4.7L 8-cyl turbo131815$5,500
AMG GL63Gas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo131714$5,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36783, 36707, 36708.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
AMG GL63, GL450 4matic, GL550 4matic5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleTrailer
Doors5
GVWR classClass 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower250 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelDiesel

Transmission

DrivetrainAWD/All-Wheel Drive

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: GL350-4M, GL450-4M, GL550-4M, GL63 AMG). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length201.6–202.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)76.0 in
Height72.4 in
Wheelbase121.3 in
Track, front66.1 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight5,390–5,688 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear50/50

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: GL350 Bluetec/Gl450/Gl550 4Matic 4-door SUV, Gl 63 AMG 4-door SUV AWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Advertisement

Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (7)

Source: NHTSA recall database
○minor

Communication

2019120008
24,226 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Jan 20, 2012 – Oct 6, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf Risk An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
NHTSA campaign 19V787000 reported Nov 1, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

2018070015
9,725 vehicles 94% reported repaired built Dec 23, 2010 – Jun 1, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap. Risk The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V272000 reported Apr 27, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

2017050013
58,323 vehicles 87% reported repaired built Aug 5, 2015 – Jun 7, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit. Risk If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V241000 reported Apr 11, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

51 vehicles 86% reported repaired built Jan 1, 2008 – Jan 1, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the co Risk If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V177000 reported Mar 14, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

37 vehicles 81% reported repaired built Jan 6, 2016 – Jan 6, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened. Risk The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V081000 reported Feb 8, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

2016120004
47,799 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Apr 23, 2014 – May 10, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag. Risk If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 16V903000 reported Dec 15, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

48 vehicles 73% reported repaired built Sep 29, 2014 – Mar 27, 2015
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 GL350 4Matic Blutec, GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic, ML250 Blutec, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic and 2015-2016 GL63 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 through March 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have axle bolts on the front and/or rear drive axle carriers that may not have been assembled correctly. As a result, the remaining bolts may fracture. Risk If any of the remaining front or rear axle bolts fracture, the vehicle may be unstable, reducing the handling capability and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the axle carrier bolts, free of charge. The recall is began February 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V900000 reported Dec 14, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific GL-Class

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Mercedes-Benz publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

Advertisement

Parts & accessories for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this GL-Class →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
20complaints filed

1 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

11 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 17,707 GL-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2015: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2019: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 1

Most-cited components

Unspecified 5
Seats 3
Engine 2
Steering 2
Visibility/Wiper 2
Electrical System 2

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

water intrusion into the spare tire well compartment and the battery compartment affecting the battery and starter
Electrical System Sep 9, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11686071
Spontaneously exploding panoramic sunroof: I was driving northbound on I-5 in Everett, WA, on 27 January 2023 around 7pm. It was clear, the road was dry, it was around 45 degrees, and there was medium traffic. We were going about 65mph. Just myself and my 4 year old daughter were in the car.
Visibility/Wiper Feb 24, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11508928
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz gl63w4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v241000 (steering); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Steering Aug 14, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11015217
Tailgate sometimes opens while driving. It sometimes takes many attempts to reclose it from the outside of car. It will not reclose using the electronic button on the door. The alert comes on on the dashboard and its extremely dangerous as luggage can fall out. This happened while highway driving last week, scary.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Mar 7, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11646977
Spontaneous shattering of anterior sunroof at highway speeds with no cars around and not near overpasses. Shattered glass rained all throughout the vehicle and passengers. Sounded like a gunshot and the glass appeared to be bowed out
Structure Apr 13, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11582794
The contact owned a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated when he parked the vehicle and went into a business, he returned within 5 minutes and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was already notified and arrived on the scene, then extinguished the fire with water.
Engine at 5,000 miles Aug 2, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11477187

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Mercedes-Benz itself: 7 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 12 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 40 per 100,000 built. Every GL-Class model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 3 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Mercedes-Benz warranty extension (9) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 278
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-22
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 255 service bulletins, 12 warranty extensions, 7 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Engine, Equipment, Suspension.

  • LI42.10-P-078779 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document i
  • LI46.35-P-067339 Service bulletin
    2026-08-28 · Steering
  • Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to:
  • 11036999 Warranty extension
    2026-08-15 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whicheve
  • LI82.85-P-079087 Service bulletin
    2026-08-06 · Electrical System
  • Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 H
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-08-06 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this doc
  • LI35.30-P-058566 Service bulletin
    2026-07-14 · Power Train
  • Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race
  • LI33.20-P-078406 Service bulletin
    2026-07-08 · Suspension
  • Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steer

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class failed the emissions check on 3.9% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.32% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 3.9%

failed emissions

620 initial inspections of 599 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 GL-ClassEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check3.9%4.2%617
Failed the safety inspection0.32%2.2%620
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.32%0.27%620
Miles driven a year9,91610,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer101,696103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Compare the 2016 GL-Class with

Any vehicle, your weights →
Head-to-headVerdict
2016 Toyota 4Runner · Large SUV · grade FGL-Class +7.2
2016 Honda Pilot · Large SUV · grade FGL-Class +3

Common questions about the 2016 GL-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 7 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The most serious on file is 18V272000, covering Suspension. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it D (66/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Across the 3 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 19 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 201.6–202.4 in long, 76.0 in wide (body, without mirrors), 72.4 in tall, on a 121.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 5,390–5,688 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, most often about unspecified, seats, engine. Of those, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 5, LEV-II ULEV — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 278 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, most often covering electrical system, exterior lighting, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-22. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class failed the emissions check on 3.9% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.32% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class better than the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class wins clearly, 82.9 to 75.7, on safety. The Toyota 4Runner is ahead on fuel & range and performance. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class against the 2016 Toyota 4Runner — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations3 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates3 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls7NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints20NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratingsnoneNHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe.
Service bulletins278NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA9 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

JSON for this page · API