2021 Mercedes-Benz G500

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G500 is a luxury off-road SUV known for its iconic boxy design, powerful engine, and opulent interior. The G500 is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. What people love about the G500 is its distinctive style, off-road capability, and luxurious features. Some common dislikes include its high price tag, relatively poor fuel economy, and limited cargo space compared to other SUVs in its class.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Can originate from valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. Delayed engagement when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Software update or transmission valve body replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine RPM increases without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, hesitation during acceleration, “limp mode” activation.
  • Solution: Complete transmission replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000-$10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, suspension malfunction warning light, inability to adjust ride height.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air strut(s) or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per corner.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Suspension Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, rattling, or clunking noises coming from the suspension, especially when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings, ball joints, or sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the specific component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard, inaccurate readings from sensors (e.g., tire pressure, temperature), erratic behavior of electronic systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or slow response times of the infotainment system; connectivity problems with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment system module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Faulty Door Locks/Actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, remote key not working, loud clicking noise from the door lock mechanism.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing smoothly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G500, while a highly desirable vehicle, can be prone to a range of issues that can be costly to repair. Engine issues such as turbocharger failures and oil leaks can be expensive. Transmission problems like rough shifting and slipping can require major repairs or even complete replacement. Suspension issues, particularly related to the air suspension, can also be quite costly. Electrical glitches involving sensors and the infotainment system are also common. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures.