2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is a high-performance SUV known for its iconic design, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. It comes standard with a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its off-road capabilities, distinctive styling, and powerful performance. However, some common criticisms include its high price tag, poor fuel economy, and less-than-ideal handling on paved roads due to its body-on-frame construction.

Engine

AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Some owners have reported premature turbocharger failure.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level warnings. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • 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

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears. Can be more pronounced when cold.
  • Solution: Software update. If that doesn’t fix it, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update- $250-$500, Valve body replacement- $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush. Potentially valve body replacement if the flush does not fix the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Transmission fluid flush: $400 - $700, Valve body replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, vehicle sagging on one side, air compressor running constantly, error messages on the dashboard related to the air suspension system.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking air struts or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut, Air compressor replacement: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system freezes, lags, or crashes intermittently. Sometimes requires a restart to restore functionality.
  • Solution: Software update. If that doesn’t work, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update: $200 - $500, Head Unit Replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty readings from various sensors, such as parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or rain sensors. Can trigger false alarms or prevent the systems from functioning correctly.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per sensor, depending on the type and location.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof gets stuck, won’t open or close properly, or makes excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Sunroof motor replacement or track repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electric seat adjustment motors fail, preventing the seat from moving in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Seat motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per motor
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, is not without its potential issues. Common complaints revolve around the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. Turbocharger failures and oil leaks on the engine can be expensive to address. Transmission issues like rough shifting can be resolved with software, but may require a valve body replacement. Suspension problems with the air suspension system are also a common occurrence. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and various sensors, can also be problematic. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair costs, so comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and awareness of potential issues are crucial.