2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has 145 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag high and unpredictable repair costs: very frequent mentions of expensive repairs for electronic modules, steering column locks, suspension components, and emissions systems, often exceeding $1,000 usd per incident.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

145
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2013 a good year for the GLK?

Across the 4 GLK model years we track, complaint volume runs from 133 (2011) to 241 (2010). With 145 complaints, the 2013 GLK sits belowthe model's median of 171.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
102
steering
8
electrical system
7
service brakes
7
power train
6

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, engine choice, and maintenance history. The GLK is praised by a loyal owner base for its distinctive, boxy styling, comfortable and quiet ride quality, solid build quality from the…

  • High and unpredictable repair costs: very frequent mentions of expensive repairs for electronic modules, steering column locks, suspension components, and emissions systems, often exceeding $1,000 USD per incident.
  • Transmission problems: shuddering, fluid mixing with coolant due to radiator failure, CAN bus communication faults, loud thumping during shifts. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the GLK. See the full GLK owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used GLK listings typically run $9,000–$13,245 across 2010 to 2015 model years.

Other GLK model years

Compare every GLK year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the GLK against its rivals