2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
26
Recalls
4
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Median mileage
105,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion is the most-reported problem area, named in 10 of 26 complaints (38%).
  • Suspension (4) and airbags (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 105,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 4th of 7 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 10% fewer complaints than the 2011 model year (29).

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 problems by category

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    10 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    5 complaints
  • Suspension
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Engine
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Fuel/propulsion system9
Unknown or other5
Suspension4
Electrical system3
Service brakes3
Steering3
Air bags3
Power train2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 complaints that list mileage.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 recalls (4)

  • Recall 19V010000Jan 9, 2019288,779 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • Recall 17V017000Jan 10, 2017104,119 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691

  • Recall 16V081000Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

  • Recall 12V557000Dec 3, 20125,800 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

    Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

    Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

Recent 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jan 18, 2026RICrashTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
    On August 17, 2025 I rearended a vehicle in front of me who jammed on their brakes for no apparent reason. We were the only two vehicles in the area. Upon impact, the following airbags deployed....steering wheel, driver knee airbag. I sustained injuries to my lower extremities from the exploded knee airbag which contained metal components that impaled my skin. I continue to receive treatment for multiple injuries and the wounds that have not healed. My safety was at risk due…
    NHTSA complaint #11711759 · source
  2. Filed Nov 26, 2025CTSuspension
    I brought my car in to my local mechanic and was told my rear suspension was corroded. He said it would cost around five thousand dollars to repair. I researched online and found mercedes did not have a recall but has extended the warranty and will cover the repair to the rear suspension. The mercedes dealer called me and told me my brake lines were rusted out and needed replacement and that it was not covered by the extended warranty and would cost thirty five hundred…
    NHTSA complaint #11701710 · source
  3. Filed Oct 28, 2025NC1 injuredSeats & Seat Belts
    My passenger got 2 degree burns to his right buttocks and seat is melted ...he is a paralyzed patient i took him to the er and the burn center i have pictures and documentation....my guess the seat got to hot melted and burned him this what doctors concluded the is very scary for a seat to burn the skin off your butt
    NHTSA complaint #11696034 · source
  4. Filed Jun 5, 2025CAOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts
    The seats on both the passenger and driver size has split at the seams. They began to appear in 2012. The battery failed and the car would not start. Periodically the car starts up slow. The car bucks in a hard motion when trying to accelerate. The car makes a grinding noise, with a dragging feeling, while driving. Mechanics cannot figure out what or where the sound and feeling is coming from.
    NHTSA complaint #11665203 · source
  5. Filed Sep 22, 2024PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I smelled gasoline in my car didn’t think of anything . Till today when i pumped gas it smelled very strong got home parked my car i notice a leak i look closer under and it’s leaking gas .just got this car 2 months ago There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate
    NHTSA complaint #11615868 · source
  6. Filed Sep 5, 2024NHBrakes
    Rupture of left rear and left front brake lines 1/26/24,8/30/24. Both times the failure was unannounced while driving the car and put my life in danger.
    NHTSA complaint #11612830 · source
  7. Filed Aug 10, 2024MABrakesSuspension
    My rear subframe is rotted out but won't be replaced under warranty because there are no rust holes in the metal. The rust is very extensive, and the car isn't safe to drive. The rear metal brake lines are also rotten and need to be replaced. I've owned many cars older than this one with more miles, and I've never had rusted-out brake lines. This is a safety issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11607686 · source
  8. Filed Jan 30, 2024NVFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I smell gasoline every time I fill up the gas tank and don't smell it when not quite full. I haven't check yet but I think that the fuel pump flange has deteriorated. My co-worker has the same exact issue and he found out that it was the fuel pump flange. There was a safety recall about this issue back in 2013 and I was not sure if this issue was corrected before on my vehicle and think this needs to be recalled again. Please investigate. Thank you. Sincerely,
    NHTSA complaint #11568914 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology