Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 64 owner complaints and 21 recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 (2018–2020). The 2020 GLS 450 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
64
Recalls
21
Model years
3
Worst year
2020

Complaints by model year

102018192019352020
NHTSA complaints per Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 — 35 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (19 complaints).

Every Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2020 GLS 4503531220Electrical System
2019 GLS 450190102Engine
2018 GLS 450101203Suspension

Most common Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    21 complaints
  • Engine
    16 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    11 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    7 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Suspension
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints
  • Airbags
    3 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212025
Complaints about the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 received by NHTSA each month.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 recalls

  • Recall 24V207000Mar 15, 2024116,020 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 24V118000Feb 16, 2024105,071 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V177000Mar 17, 202361,450 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V732000Sep 30, 202259,574 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 22V680000Sep 12, 2022161,000 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 22V466000Jul 1, 202281 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 22V365000May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020

    Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V231000Apr 8, 202221,306 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 22V232000Apr 8, 2022126,443 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V961000Dec 13, 2021139 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 21V818000Oct 18, 202127 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V354000May 14, 2021343,191 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 21V288000Apr 23, 20216,331 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V071000Feb 12, 202141,838 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V058000Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020

    Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

  • Recall 21V057000Feb 5, 20218 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V626000Oct 9, 202012,799 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V329000Jun 5, 202038 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V172000Mar 20, 2020224 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V587000Aug 12, 201918,392 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If a significant volume of water enters the driver and passenger side foot wells, it might cause corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components in the area, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled; the vehicle may not be able to be unlocked and/or started; and the engine limp-home mode might be activated during driving. These features increase the risk of an injury or crash.

  • Recall 18V539000Aug 16, 20189,044 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology