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2014 Mercedes-Benz G550

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz G550 is a luxury SUV known for its iconic boxy design, off-road capabilities, and powerful performance. In 2014, the G550 was equipped with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Some people admire the G550’s ruggedness, luxurious interior, and status symbol, while others dislike its high price tag, poor fuel economy, and somewhat dated driving dynamics compared to modern SUVs. Other engine options in previous years of the G-Wagon have included AMG variants with higher horsepower outputs, but in 2014, the G550 was the standard model offering. The 2014 G550 offered the 7G-Tronic transmission, which is what all information is about below.

Engine

5.5L Naturally Aspirated V8

  • Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible around the valve covers, burning oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Issues (Magnet)
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, reduced engine performance, camshaft position errors.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic 7-Speed Automatic

  • Rough or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, hesitation between gears, transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Software update, valve body repair or replacement, or transmission replacement in severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software) to $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, abnormal noises from the transmission.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, air suspension malfunction warning, inability to adjust ride height.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, especially overnight, hissing sound from suspension, rough ride.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Malfunctioning Window Switches
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating properly, intermittent operation, switch failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty window switch(es).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Frequent dead battery, difficulty starting, parasitic draw on the battery.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the electrical drain source (e.g., faulty module, improperly shut down systems).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Door Hinges and Body Seams
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust formation on door hinges, around body seams, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Rust removal, treatment, and repainting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (depending on severity and location)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing, reduced visibility.
    • Solution: Replacement of the headlight housing or resealing the existing unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on headlight type and if new or resealed)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, unusual noises during operation.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Command System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing, crashing, display issues, navigation problems.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the Command unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software) to $2,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz G550, while a capable and luxurious vehicle, can experience a range of issues, with the suspension, engine, and transmission being the most common areas of concern. Repairs can be costly, especially those involving the air suspension and major powertrain components. Electrical and interior issues, while less frequent, can also contribute to overall ownership costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history before making a purchase.

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