Mercedes BENZ GLS Class Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mercedes BENZ GLS Class options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class has 189 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mercedes BENZ
- Model
- GLS Class
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 189
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Fire-related complaints
- 14
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (41 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (10 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mercedes BENZ GLS Class: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MERCEDES BENZ GLS CLASS has 189 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 10 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 189 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 10 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
0 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
No NHTSA recalls were found in our database for this model. Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 189 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
189 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
AT 0730 on 16 March, 2026 I was traveling northbound on XXX in [XXX] . Temp was 55 degress Farenheight and the wind was in excess of 20 knots. I was going 60 MPH. Suddenly a large "gun shot" sound echoed through the car startling me excessively. I thought the engine had blown up or all the vehicle tires exploded. I was able to gain control of the car and pull into the emergency lane where I quickly deteremined the Panoranmic Sun Roof had exploded and shards of glass where everywhere. There was no warning and this event was tramatic. Could have caused a serious accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car recently underwent a software update at the dealership for a backup camera issue. When I was driving home on the highway, the car suddenly braked and the seat belts automatically tightened up. This happened 3 additional times on the highway about 5 days later. I had turned off the automatic braking system and it seemed to go away. Then, with the system off, we experienced this again yesterday while on the highway at 70mph. The braking lasts for 1-3 seconds. There is no audible alert or dashboard display. IT renders the car quite unstable as it feels as though the rear brakes are being activated before the front. I reported this to the dealership and they want to inspect the car.
Rear door window trim on driver's side detached from vehicle while traveling at highway speed.
There have been 3 incidents where the car responded to unknown stimuli by braking hard. 3 months ago it happened while making a left turn through an intersection, driving about 10 mph the brakes unexpectedly locked up, luckily the person behind me took evasive action and didn't hit me; 2 weeks later it happened again, I was driving on I-45 attempting to pass slower drivers, the brakes dramatically engaged while I was driving over a slight hill, today it happened again when it mistook a vehicle in a different lane of traffic, and performed a hard brake evasive measure even though there was no chance of collision and nothing in front of the vehicle.
when coming to a stop and applying the break, the transmission stalled. a warning was issued around lane keeping assist and a second warning. Then the transmission light was on. It was not at risk in the moment because no one was behind me and I was coming to a stop sign. If it prevented me from stopping I might have gone through the stop sign It is at the dealership today to service. no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V880000 (Fuel System Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an unknown warning was illuminated; however, when the vehicle was restarted, the warning light was off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after receiving the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Read 14 more owner reports
Car just stopped abruptly on highway. We tried to shut off and restart. Nothing worked. All emergency signs showed up on dashboard. Highway road assistance guy tried to put it in neutral..it did nit work. We were scared to death siting on i 278 with trucks,buses coming behind us. Car just abruptly stopped
Twice the vehicle has stalled while driving. I see that there is a recall on my model for a faulty fuel pump which causes this problem, but my dealer claims my vehicle is not part of the recall even though it is having the same issue.
I have a new GLS450 and on two separate occasions the car has shut down at a stop with no warning. First time was approximately mid July of 2023 with about 1,700miles. While at a stop the instrument panel displayed a text box with the words “Malfunction” across the screen, and proceeded to shut down. After a minute we were able to restart the car. Took it back to the dealership and they were not able to get any codes or reason why it happened. Now 3 weeks later it happened again, and back at the same dealership from where I purchased it. Again, same story that they are not able to get any codes as to what malfunctioned.
This is [XXX], a Mercedes customer who purchased a brand new 2023 GLS 450 (VIN:[XXX] ) in April 2023 from the Mercedes dealer in White Plains NY. I am contacting you about the Mercedes rusting claim. On May 22, 2023, less than a month after the purchase, a sheer of orange powdery rust was discovered (video available) on all steel frames of the four wheels. I contacted the sales person ([XXX]) , who referred to a manager ([XXX]) who told me that it was “normal because every car in our parking lot has the same thing.” I was very unhappy and disappointed with the response. The rusting obviously is a defect which is not normal. It is potentially dangerous and deadly for customers. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound when making a right turn, and an abnormal ticking sound at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. Another driver informed the contact that the front passenger-side wheel was loose and followed the contact to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sway bar needed to be replaced; however, the sway bar was only adjusted. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that any additional repairs would be at the owner's expense. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,045.
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired. April 2025: Second brake failure. Brakes failed again. Repaired. The mechanic stated the line was too close to the wheelbase, resulting in a pinpoint-sized hole. No warning lights. July 2025: Engine failure - the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown while driving with no warning lights. Vehicle in shop for 6-8 weeks for engine replacement by certified Mercedes mechanic. Post-engine replacement (July - Nov 2025) - Severe oil leaks at left cylinder head, small leaks at right cylinder head. Coolant warnings and overheating despite adequate coolant. Radiator and vent line issues. Active Brake Assist Limited warning appeared. Late November - Vehicle emitted smoke and experienced a small engine fire, observed under hood after stopping. Mercedes dealership deemed car unsafe to drive. During engine replacement wood pieces were found where destroyed motor mounts should have been. Multiple issues with no notice or warning lights.
Brake brakes are terrible. They have other years that they’ve acknowledge that the break are spongy and at times does not break the GLS has that defect. Also smell of gas fumes inside the vehicle. Please direct me the right way and help me with this issue. The brake issue almost have caused me two major accidents car doesn’t stop mechanic says this is a Mercedes issue You may contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When attempting to rise/lower the automatic suspension, the compressor cooling notification pops up, followed by a malfunction. After this occurs, the vehicle is incredibly bumpy, to the point of it being unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been repaired twice already by the dealership under extended warranty and the condition has occurred a third time in less than three weeks. This is our family vehicle, and we cannot drive it due to the risk of shaken baby syndrome for our infant because of how much it bumps. Videos are available to show just how bad it is.
This 2018 gls 450 has issues with suspension system. Bought this car in 2023 and using since Jna 2023 and suspension system failed like 3 -4 times. Mechanic changed the air compressor , valves and others and still the car has same issue. It used to lift the car to adequate height but the compressor keeps on pushing it to cause teh compressor to fail.
Water collects at the front row floor at driver and passenger sides
UNKNOWN
Third row seat will not lock. Warning message came on several months ago. I brought the vehicle in for service in may of 2022 to Mercedes Benz of Westwood MA. They neglected to repair the issue with the seat and returned the car back to me with the safety issue still unresolved. I spoke with the dealer and Mercedes Benz USA and they refuse to repair the vehicle under warranty even though it was still covered under the factory warranty. [XXX], the service manager at the dealership informed me that the third row seat motor needs to be replaced in order for the seat to lock. He said it is a very common problem with my model vehicle and that is the reason why the manufacturer wont cover the cost of repairing this safety issue. The dealer says the cost for this repair is 1750.00. We are worried that if we have a passenger in the third row seat, they may be injured due to seat not locking. I believe this is a widespread safety issue and I believe it should be covered under a voluntary recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
While driving our 2018 Mercedes GLS 450 down Highway 80 just outside Sacramento, CA, the stationary glass panel of our panoramic sunroof spontaneously explpoded. There was no impact by any outside force, it just shattered with the sound similar to a gunshot. Fortunately I did not lose control of the vehicle, and thankfully the sun shade was closed otherwise broken glass would have showered down into my vehicle. this happened in early evening (around 7:00PM and the ambient temperature was 66 degrees outside, so this had nothing to do with temperature either. Mercedes Benz told me that since I am 3 months outside of warranty they would do nothing to help us and I would need to have this repair done on my own. Mercedes Benz of Walnut Creek, CA has inspected the vehicle and we're in the process of having the claim approved through my insurance. Completely unacceptable that this would happen on this (or any other vehicle). There is a class-action lawsuit against Mercedes for this exact same problem across a number of their models, so this is not an isolated incident. Had my wife been driving, she could have been startled to the point of losing control of the vehicle, possibly causing serious injury or death.
Took vechicle for warranty repair of the frozen and suck both front calipers to Rallye mercedes dealer, repair was refused, car was noty drivable since brakes were stuck, still was kicked out of the dealership
Showing 20 of 189 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mercedes BENZ GLS Class
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mercedes BENZ GLS Class, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mercedes BENZ GLS Class has 189 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mercedes BENZ GLS Class has 0 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 10 of the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class's 189 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mercedes BENZ GLS Class vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mercedes BENZ GLS Class vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mercedes BENZ GLS Class has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Mercedes BENZ GLS Class reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class reliable?
Poor. The Mercedes BENZ GLS Class has 189 NHTSA owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mercedes BENZ GLS Class years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (41 complaints), 2020 (38 complaints), 2021 (37 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mercedes BENZ GLS Class problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (38 complaints); ENGINE (35 complaints).
Does the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class have recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are currently on record for the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.