Mercedes-Benz GLK X204
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
252–435 PS
3.0-3.5L V6 Benzin
V6 in the Compact SUV — Solid Power Without Drama
Decent190–265 PS
3.0L V6 Diesel Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLK X204 is available with 10 engine variants — from 120 to 435 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 Diesel (Diesel, 224–231 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 200 CDI (Diesel, 136–143 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI (Diesel, 163–170 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 CDI (Diesel, 204 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 300 CDI (Diesel, 204–211 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM642 (2010–2015, Stay Away!) und OM642 (2010–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the GLK 300 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 CDI (Diesel, 224–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM642 (2010–2012, Stay Away!) und OM642 (2012–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the GLK 350 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz 3.0-3.5L V6 (Benziner, 231 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 200 (Benziner, 184 PS) has the M274 (1.6-2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 (Benziner, 211 PS) has the M274 (1.6-2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 (Benziner, 272–306 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M272 (2008–2012, Stay Away!) und M276 (2012–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GLK 350!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| OM642 Diesel Oil Cooler Leaks at High Mileage OM642 diesel oil cooler tends to develop leaks at high mileage. Oil traces under the gearbox are a warning sign. Repair requires 7 hours of labour through complete disassembly. Symptoms: Oil spots under the engine, oil loss without visible leak on top, engine oil level drops from 150,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLK X204 (2008–2015) — 35 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel), M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel). Typical issues affect Cooling, Electronics, Brakes, Suspension.
GLK (OM651DE22, 2008–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 163–170 PS.
GLK (OM642, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224–231 PS.
GLK (OM651DE22, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 204 PS.
GLK (OM651DE22, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 136–143 PS.
GLK (OM642, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 204–211 PS.
GLK (OM642, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 265 PS.
GLK (M272, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 231 PS.
GLK (M272, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
GLK (M276, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 306 PS.
GLK (M274, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Electric thermostat failure. Power: 184 PS.
GLK (M274, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Faulty or Noisy, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Electric thermostat failure. Power: 211 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLK? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee