The 2017 AMG GT is a hand-built performance machine with Mercedes' M178 twin-turbo V8. While thrilling to drive, early examples suffer from catastrophic engine failures due to piston ring issues, plus driveshaft coupling problems and transmission mount failures that plague high-performance driving.
M178 Engine Catastrophic Failure - Piston Ring / Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of oil pressure warning, Knocking or ticking noise from lower engine, White or blue smoke from exhaust on cold start, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement required. Piston rings fail prematurely allowing oil consumption and bearing contamination. Mercedes issued internal TSB but no official recall. 60-80 labor hours for engine removal, disassembly, machining, and reassembly with upgraded parts. Some cases covered under goodwill by MBUSA if caught early.
Estimated cost: $25,000-45,000
Driveshaft Flex Disc / Guibo Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise during acceleration or deceleration, Vibration through drivetrain at highway speeds, Clicking sound when shifting from Park to Drive, Complete loss of power to rear wheels if disc separates
Fix: Replace both forward and rear driveshaft flex discs (rubber couplings). These fail prematurely under hard launches and track use. Two NHTSA recalls issued (17V-587 and 18V-666). 4-6 labor hours on lift. Critical safety item - can leave you stranded or cause loss of control.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Dual-Clutch Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive drivetrain movement during hard acceleration, Clunking from transmission tunnel on throttle lift, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly, Visible transmission sag when inspecting from below
Fix: Replace transmission mount assembly. The OE hydraulic mount fails under stress from 503 lb-ft torque and aggressive shifting. Aftermarket polyurethane mounts available but increase NVH. 3-4 labor hours with transmission supported.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh shifting or slipping when hot, Low transmission fluid warnings on dash
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler lines and fittings. O-rings deteriorate from heat cycles. Requires partial undertray removal and fluid refill with expensive DCT fluid. 2-3 labor hours plus 6 quarts of MB-approved DCT fluid.
Estimated cost: $900-1,500
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Performance Fuel System)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumbling under full throttle, Reduced power above 5,000 RPM, Fuel pump whining noise from rear, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel filter assembly. Mercedes specs 87 octane minimum but these engines are sensitive to fuel quality. Requires fuel tank drop or access through rear seat. 4-5 labor hours. Use only OE or high-flow performance filters.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Occupant Classification Sensor Failure (Airbag System)
Rare · medium severitySymptoms: Passenger airbag warning light illuminated constantly, Airbag system fault message on startup, Passenger airbag shows 'OFF' with adult occupant
Fix: Replace passenger seat occupant sensor mat. Covered under recall 19V-027. Sensor matrix fails causing airbag system disable. 1.5-2 labor hours for seat removal and sensor replacement. Should be free at dealer if recall not completed.
Estimated cost: $0-800
Buy only if you can afford a $30k+ engine replacement or find a 2019+ model year with factory engine updates - otherwise this is a financial time bomb wrapped in gorgeous aluminum bodywork.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.