2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a compact luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful V6 engine. The GLK350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the GLK350’s luxurious feel and build quality. Common complaints include higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury brands and some quirks with the infotainment system.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Camshaft Magnet) Oil Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoid (also known as a camshaft magnet). This can cause a burning oil smell and, if left unattended, can contaminate other components.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking camshaft adjuster solenoid and clean any surrounding areas affected by the oil leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Check Engine Light with Camshaft Position Sensor Fault Codes
  • Description/Symptoms: The check engine light illuminates with codes related to camshaft position sensors (e.g., P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019). These codes can indicate a faulty sensor or a problem with the camshaft timing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor(s). In some cases, the camshaft adjuster may also need to be inspected.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission exhibits rough or delayed shifts, particularly between certain gears. Some owners report this being more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and filter change may improve the condition. In some cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ for fluid flush, $1500 - $4000+ for valve body or rebuild
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can cause shaking/vibrating when accelerating at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear and cracking of the front lower control arm bushings. This results in clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, and can affect alignment.
  • Solution: Replace the lower control arms or, if possible, just the bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle experiences a parasitic battery drain, leading to a dead battery, especially if the car sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain. This often involves testing individual circuits to identify the faulty component. Common culprits include the COMAND system, door modules, or seat control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (Diagnosis) + cost of replacing the faulty component
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system exhibits various issues, including freezing, rebooting, screen going blank, or inability to connect to Bluetooth.
  • Solution: Software updates or a hard reset may temporarily resolve the problem. However, in some cases, the COMAND unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (Software updates/Diagnosis) $1000 - $2000+ (COMAND Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Panoramic sunroof malfunctions, including getting stuck, making excessive noise during operation, or water leaks.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks and seals. If the motor or mechanism is damaged, replacement may be necessary. Proper diagnosis is crucial for water leaks to find the source.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (Lubrication/Seals) $500 - $1500+ (Motor/Mechanism Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system blows warm air, or one side blows cold while the other blows warm.
  • Solution: Recharge the AC system and check for leaks. In some cases, the AC compressor needs to be replaced. For dual-zone systems, the blend door actuator may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (Recharge) $500 - $1200+ (Compressor Replacement) $200 - $500+ (Blend Door Actuator)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 presents some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine and transmission problems, while not universal, can be costly to repair, as can electrical system malfunctions. Suspension issues and panoramic sunroof problems are also reported. Overall, the GLK350 offers a luxurious driving experience, but diligent maintenance and inspection are important to mitigate potential problems. The severity and cost of repairs can vary, but being informed allows for better decision-making during purchase and ownership.