The Used Car Index

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems

NHTSA lists 36 complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, 3 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 450.

At a glance

Complaints
36
With crash
3
With fire
1
With injury (complaints)
2
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Recalls
22
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,292,258
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
269

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1850.0%
ENGINE925.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE719.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM719.4%
POWER TRAIN411.1%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER411.1%
AIR BAGS25.6%
BACK OVER PREVENTION25.6%
SERVICE BRAKES25.6%
STRUCTURE25.6%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEWARNINGS3
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSENSING SYSTEM1
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
STRUCTUREBODY1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
electrical electronic1952.8%0.85
loss of control616.7%0.78
mechanical failure513.9%0.81
visibility or lighting25.6%0.96
fluid or fuel leak12.8%0.62
noise or comfort12.8%1.00
restraint or airbag12.8%0.52
unclear12.8%0.35
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate2466.7%0.88
low822.2%0.67
high411.1%0.67

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 36 tagged complaints of 36 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

22 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 22.

24V207000

Date: 2024-03-15. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V118000

Date: 2024-02-16. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V177000

Date: 2023-03-17. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V732000

Date: 2022-09-30. Systems: SEATS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V680000

Date: 2022-09-12. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V466000

Date: 2022-07-01. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and GLS 580 vehicles. The front air bag wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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

Remedy: Dealers will correct the wiring harness routing, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022070006.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V365000

Date: 2022-05-20. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connecti (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V232000

Date: 2022-04-08. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req (excerpt)

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V231000

Date: 2022-04-08. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V961000

Date: 2021-12-13. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which c (excerpt)

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

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

269 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
POWER TRAIN28
VISIBILITY/WIPER27
STEERING19
STRUCTURE18
SUSPENSION17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING15
EQUIPMENT14

11038185

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. Cause Directional control valve may stick. Remedy 1a Read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2a Perform ap

11038187

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9Ga TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been develop

11038188

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

11038186

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibra

11038176

Date: 2026-09-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest p

11038174

Date: 2026-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old stationa s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the

11037834

Date: 2026-09-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghorna like) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the abovea mentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi), noises can occur from the rear axle differential. Cause Drivetrain resonance caus

11037987

Date: 2026-09-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil qu

11037806

Date: 2026-09-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: a ? Flashing without a speed limit ("a a "). a ? Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. a ? Flashing between US speed lim

11037732

Date: 2026-09-09. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2a

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
GLS 45036

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mercedes-Benz models

Other Mercedes-Benz models, 2020

Sources

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