Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GL Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ GL Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ GL Class vs FORD F 150: The GL Class averaged 62.8 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related complaints versus 29 for the GL Class. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GL Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GL Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL Class is a large luxury SUV that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 628 complaints, averaging about 63 per year, with no recalls on record. The most common trouble spots are air bags, electrical system, engine, suspension, and brakes. Many air bag complaints involve the Takata recall, where parts were unavailable for months, leaving owners waiting.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that is widely used for work and family duty. In 10 years, it generated 11,621 complaints, averaging about 1,162 per year, and 151 recalls. The biggest complaint areas are power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners report serious issues like transmissions stuck in limp mode and rear windows shattering.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GL Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 628 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ GL Class
- 01AIR BAGS154
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM74
- 03ENGINE74
- 04SUSPENSION70
- 05SERVICE BRAKES70
Owners of 2009 GL models report waiting months for Takata air bag inflator recalls (NHTSA campaign 16V081000) because parts were not available. This matters because the air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash, and the fix can take a long time.
Complaints include the instrument cluster and odometer failing while driving, sometimes repeatedly after replacement. A nonworking odometer can hide true mileage and leave you without speed or warning information.
Owners describe noises on start-up, shuddering, and check engine lights, often leading to dealer visits. These symptoms can point to costly engine or sensor repairs that may not be covered after warranty.
Reports mention failed struts and warning lights for ABS and check engine. Worn suspension can affect handling and braking, and repairs on a luxury SUV are often expensive.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) IN MID OCTOBER OF 2017 AND WAS WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THE PART. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES, 14199…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report the transmission suddenly going into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift. Some describe a 'lead frame' issue that has persisted for years and can cause near-collisions.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. These faults can strand you or create a safety hazard.
This category includes the rear window shattering after using the defroster, with no impact. Owners report glass exploding outward, which is a serious safety concern.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint area. Failed lights can reduce visibility and may lead to tickets or accidents.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ GL Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GL Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GL Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 63) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the GL Class has zero recalls while the F-150 has 151. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume means you are more likely to encounter recurring problems, especially with the transmission, but the GL Class still has notable air bag and electrical issues that can be expensive.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Mercedes-Benz GL Class has 0 recalls and 628 complaints.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; GL Class owners report Takata air bag delays and odometer failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the GL Class has 29 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- The GL Class has no recalls on record, but its air bag complaints often involve waiting for recall parts, which is a different kind of ownership burden.
- Check if the Takata air bag recall (16V081000) was completed; if not, confirm parts availability before buying.
- Test the instrument cluster and odometer for proper function, and listen for suspension noises or warning lights on a test drive.
- Ask for proof that transmission recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V23700) was performed, and test for limp mode or rough shifting.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or prior replacement, and test the defroster for any signs of shorting or overheating.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission (F-150) or air bag system and suspension (GL Class).
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode, shuddering, or warning lights.
- Verify odometer accuracy and check for electrical gremlins like flickering lights or dead gauges.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes or air bag recall work.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ GL Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class total complaints
- 628
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class avg complaints/year
- 62.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN