Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews
Used GL-Class for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 GL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GL-Class since its last redesign.
6 Years of Maintenance Headaches, but still Own It
Jim A., 09/26/2017
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
Original owner, vehicle serviced 100% by Mercedes repair/maintenance facilities in San Francisco & Monterey CA. After 50,000 miles, the maintenance problems began, and they are common to many other postings I have seen on the web. Engine oil cooler seals go ($4,000), front wheel bearings leak/go ($3,000), AdBlue Heater goes ($3,000), vehicle loses speed and requires multiple repair visits to finally repair fuel system problem ($2,500), plus regular maintenance that has averaged $1,500 per visit. Vehicle has locked me out twice, battery has unexpectedly drained on several occasions requiring jump-starts, "Check Engine" light goes on way too often, requiring dealership visits. Vehicle itself is a pleasure when it's working properly, but those intervals are getting shorter and shorter. Bought the diesel for power, efficiency and reliability but it's not turing out that way.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Our 2nd GL. Won’t be the last
Edgar, 08/16/2018
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
31 of 33 people found this review helpful
Fantastic SUV for a large family. Accommodates our 3 kids, very large dog, great for skiing trips, adventures and family outings. Super safe, comfortable, decent fuel consumption, fairly reliable. At 80k-90k miles, be prepared for a major repair bill of air bags needed to be replaced.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for sale near you
3 of 121 listings
- GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,9997 mi away
- GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,99027 mi away
- GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,500179 mi away
See all 121 listings
New to MB
srpastor1, 03/27/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
55 of 60 people found this review helpful
It's been a month since I traded my Lexus LS430 sedan for a 2011 GL 450 SUV. I researched the luxury SUV segment for more than 6 months. I ordered it with the P2 option, entertainment center and other luxury options. After 1000 miles, I realize that German engineering is very different from Japanese. The GL is very quiet, roomy and an attention getter. The drivetrain is excellent and smooth. It is awkward getting in and out of the cabin. Sitting high is excellent for urban driving. Overall, I like this vehicle but am still acclimating to MB luxury. It meets my needs for additional seating with a luxury nameplate. As I expected, the gas mileage is consistent with this segment.
Continuous Costly Maintenance
Ken, 03/25/2016
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
29 of 31 people found this review helpful
Here is a list of repairs on our GL350, 2011: 1. Fuel system changed, fuel rail, high pressure fuel pump, all 6 fuel injectors $600 each in part, total cost > $5000. 2. AdBlue preheater, $1300 part, total $2100 3. Pending issues, oil cooler seal leak, estimate $2800, part and labor 4. Pending issues, cold start rattling noise; most likely due to timing chain stretch MUST buy extended warranty if you still want this car. Highly recommend to wait until next business management change at corporate level to bring back their quality products. Currently, it's way below acceptable standard of practicing good business.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
My two GLs are the two worst cars we've ever owned
RC, 07/12/2017
updated 01/22/2018
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
59 of 66 people found this review helpful
We have had two purchased-new GLs, a gas 2007 model and a diesel 2012 model. The 2007 started falling apart almost immediately, with the ball joints and two of the air shocks dying at 15,000 miles. The other two shocks gave out within 5k miles. Our 2012 diesel was good for the first three years, but has recently been in the shop five times in four months, each time for multiple days. This has included: two air shocks dying, a replacement shock leaking, power steering pump leaking and dying, adblue heater dying, and some sort of coolant/water leak. The truck is back in again, as it has yet another leak and a clunking sound when it starts moving. Note that the oil change on these is over $1000, and the tires need to be replaced every year for $2000. We are still under warranty, but I am dumping this piece of junk when the extended warranty ends. The 2012 model had supposedly improved the problems of the 2007, but in my experience it is yet another expensive junker. Update: The clunking sound in the 2012 GL was due to a broken motor mount. The vacuum pump was also found to be defective during this monthly repair, and was spewing some sort of oil all over the motor. There is no way I would own this car without a warranty. ***Update 2: Edmunds requested I update this review. We ended up trading in the 2012 GL, after it went into the dealership for the sixth time in 5 months, each for a different, major problem. We traded in the GL and my CLS, and got two Audis instead. I will never buy a MBZ again, and I strongly recommend you run as quickly as you can from the GL.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value