2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD, Glk 350 5dr SUV RWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,977–4,277 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 39 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 GLK-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 GLK-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glk 350 4matic 5dr SUV 4WD | 178.3 in | 72.4 in | 66.9 in | 108.7 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 4,277 lb | 50/50 |
| Glk 350 5dr SUV RWD | 178.3 in | 72.4 in | 66.9 in | 108.7 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,977 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLK350 4matic | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
| GLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -14% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Land Rover Range Rover | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Volvo XC60 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLK-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 GLK-Class | 27 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 GLK-Class | 27 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 GLK-Class | 27 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 GLK-Class | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 GLK-Class | 18 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →