KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz

Known faults for the Mercedes-Benz GLK (X204).

2008–2015 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

3 known faults with sources

Engines: GLK 200 / 220 / 250 CDI (OM651) (Diesel)

Chain, injectors and coolant leaksTiming / injection

Engine / equipment: OM651 2.1/2.2 CDI (C 200/220/250 CDI, E 200/220/250, GLK, Vito, Sprinter)
Period mentioned: 2008 onwards
Symptoms: Chain rattle on a cold start; on early units, loud injector knocking; coolant loss from the plastic coolant manifold or the EGR cooler.
Possible cause described: Plastic chain guide and a hydraulic tensioner that loses pressure (the chain is at the rear). Early units used problematic piezo injectors that Mercedes replaced in a campaign.
Check for the garage: Listen to a cold start, check the dealer's injector campaign history and check the coolant level.
Cost cited in the source: Chain: approx. €1,500–3,000 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: GLK 200 / 220 / 250 CDI (OM651) (Diesel) · GLK 320 / 350 CDI (OM642) (Diesel)

Applies if: Only if fitted with 7G-Tronic. Confirm the gearbox type.

7G-Tronic conductor plateGearbox

Engine / equipment: 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox (722.9) in the C, E, S-Class, ML, GL, SLK, Sprinter…
Period mentioned: 2004 onwards (more failures in 2004–2008)
Symptoms: Gearbox stuck in 2nd or 3rd (limp mode), harsh shifts, delay engaging D or R, gearbox warning often without an engine light; turning off and restarting clears it for a while.
Possible cause described: The conductor plate (the control unit with built-in speed sensors) fails from heat and vibration. Oil leaks through the 13-pin connector are also common.
Check for the garage: Diagnose with Xentry/STAR to see the sub-codes (a basic reader only shows P0700). Check for oil in the gearbox connector.
Cost cited in the source: Approx. €1,400–2,800 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: GLK 320 / 350 CDI (OM642) (Diesel)

Oil cooler and injector leaksOil leaks / injectors

Engine / equipment: OM642 3.0 V6 CDI/BlueTEC (280/300/320/350 CDI, ML, GL, R, Sprinter)
Period mentioned: 2005 onwards
Symptoms: Oil pooling in the engine's V, burning oil smell, drips under the engine; or a hiss or chirp next to an injector with an exhaust smell.
Possible cause described: The oil cooler seals (in the engine's V) degrade. Separately, injector washers leak combustion gas and carbon builds up around the injector.
Check for the garage: Visual inspection of the engine's V and the base of the injectors.
Cost cited in the source: Oil cooler seals: labour-heavy, approx. €800–1,800 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.