2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 is a luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. The GLS550 is equipped with a 4.7L Twin Turbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines for the 2017 GLS lineup include a 3.0L Turbo V6 (GLS450) and a hand-built 5.5L Twin Turbo V8 (GLS63 AMG). All engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the GLS550’s smooth acceleration, luxurious features, and ample cargo space. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of ownership, including maintenance and repairs, as well as occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

4.7L Twin Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks (Turbo Oil Lines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from the turbocharger oil supply lines, leading to oil consumption, burning smell, and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking oil lines with updated parts is the common solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Check Engine Light / Misfires (Ignition Coils/Spark Plugs)
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light can be caused by faulty ignition coils or worn spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected ignition coil(s) and/or spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers. Hesitation during acceleration can also occur.
  • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM) or a transmission fluid flush can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+ (depending on the complexity of the fix)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic System)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can experience issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, and failure to adjust properly. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts, compressor failure, or problems with the valve block.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of the leak or malfunction, followed by replacement of the faulty component (strut, compressor, or valve block).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ (per strut, compressor replacement can be similar)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can occur, often due to parasitic draw from various electronic modules within the vehicle.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the source of the parasitic draw, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty module or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ (depending on complexity of electrical issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Malfunctioning Sensors (Parking Sensors/Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure or erratic behavior of parking sensors or blind-spot monitoring systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per sensor, plus labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues (Motor/Mechanism Failure)
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can experience issues such as failure to open or close properly, jamming, or unusual noises during operation. This is often due to a faulty motor or damaged mechanism.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sunroof motor or repair/replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience freezing, lagging, or spontaneous reboots.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (Software Updates); $1000+ (COMAND Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. The most significant concerns relate to the air suspension, turbo oil lines, and electrical problems, which can lead to costly repairs. Transmission issues can also occur, potentially resulting in significant expenses.