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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical GLB 250 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
69/100
Owner complaints
30
Recalls
11
Service bulletins
2253 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26mpg

The worst 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Transmission
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 11

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: lockReported July 24, 2026 · 310,667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning July 31, 2026.

Recall number 26V481000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC): control moduleReported September 12, 2022 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB250 vehicles. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit may be damaged, which can result in disabled anti-lock brakes (ABS), disabled electronic stability control (ESC), and an electrical short circuit.
Risk
Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ESP unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090009.

Recall number 22V679000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
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.
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 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Recall number 22V365000 · Recall details

Suspension: rearReported May 9, 2022 · 88 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Risk
Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 22V314000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: display functionReported April 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 22V232000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported February 11, 2022 · 50 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.
Risk
An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 22V078000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported November 5, 2021 · 46 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 vehicles. The driver-side window air bag may not have been mounted correctly to the lower area of the A-pillar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk
The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the mounting of the driver-side window air bag and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.

Recall number 21V860000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Recall number 21V354000 · Recall details

Structure: body: tailgateReported April 1, 2021 · 5,215 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB35 AMG, and 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The side spoilers on the tailgate might not have been installed correctly, allowing them to detach.
Risk
Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the side spoilers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050009.

Recall number 21V231000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported April 1, 2021 · 2,362 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The wheel arch covers on the front fenders might not have been installed correctly, allow them to detach.
Risk
Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the installation of the front wheel arch covers and correct them as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040015.

Recall number 21V232000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported February 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
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.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑877‑762‑8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Recall number 21V058000 · Recall details

See all 11 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 225

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 225 bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD233126
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD233026

What 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Locks · 40,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V481000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to unlock automatically and had to be unlocked manually. The dealer and a second dealer, Mercedes-Benz of South Bay (3311 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505), were made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Body · 63,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that the front stationary roof panel detached from the vehicle and shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware of a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included, and the model year was not included in a recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · LA

Family and I were driving on the interstate and heard a loud bang (like a shotgun) followed by immediate glass everywhere. The panoramic sunroof exploded. We had to drive 4 hours like this - lucky we didn’t jerk the wheel on the interstate with the noise. Absolutely sickening that this is so prevalent and Mercedes won’t do anything about it.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · GA

When my car sits in the rain for long periods of time, while driving, it will automatically switch into neutral and give me a "transmission malfunction stop" & "service required do not shift gears visit dealer" sign on the dash. This has happened at least 7 times in 2 years since March 2024. The latest time it happened was last week. I will get into my car after a day at work, when it has been raining, drive a few miles and the car will switch into neutral and display those signs. This is incredibly dangerous for my safety as the driver, any passengers and any other cars on the road. While going 55+ miles an hour, my car, without any warning shifts into neutral. I have taken it to my local dealership for inspection every time that it happens and they have repeatedly told me they cannot find a fix for it and do not know why it is happening besides a electrical problem due to water. They advised me to file a claim with corporate Mercedes but that was denied. I have photos and documentation from the dealership of when I have brought it in for inspection and they have confirmed the issue. They will not help with a solution for this problem. They have told me to pull over, turn the car on and back off to get it to go away but it continues to do the same repeated problem.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · PR

The component that appears to have malfunctioned is the front axle integral carrier (front subframe) and the related front suspension geometry, as the vehicle now exhibits a persistent pull to the left and degraded steering stability after the dealer replaced the front lower control arms, engine mounts, and performed alignments; this area of the vehicle is fully available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle requires constant steering correction to avoid drifting left, creating a danger of unintended lane departure and loss of control, which aligns with the steering‑related risks described in the federal safety agency Recall 21V990 / MBUSA 2022070009, where failure of the integral carrier can impair steering and increase crash risk. The problem has been reproduced by me on every drive, though the dealer stated they “did not find anything,” despite alignment printouts showing front camber imbalance and lack of caster correction. The vehicle has been inspected twice by the authorized Mercedes‑Benz dealer, but they did not inspect or address the front axle integral carrier even though the recall documentation shows that corrosion or structural issues in this part can affect steering performance and connection to other components. There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts; the symptoms began immediately after the dealer’s suspension and mount repairs, and the steering pull and unstable handling have continued ever since.

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · GA

I purchased this vehicle in May 28 2025. I certified car. I took in for oil change Nov 17-2025. Found out they had lot of issues., left front bushing arm leaking. Rt engine mount leaking. Bad brakes battery low. Bad tire rt back passage side.front wheel axle and rear wheel axle is bad and screw on the engine mount is missing. Screw and leaking..?and the vehicle needed a alignment.

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

Engine locked up while driving out of state on the interstate. Vehicle lost all power and engine stopped functioning. Managed to pull over and stop the vehicle on the side of the interstate. Had truck towed to repair shop where they diagnosed connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure, as well as lifter and cylinder misfire/failure on cylinder 7. Metal shavings were discovered in the oil, and engine locked up and cannot be repaired. I am currently in the process of having the engine replaced, but yes currently an inspection can still be performed, and I can provide statements and diagnostics from the mechanic. This failure put myself and my family in a scary situation. The engine was shaking violently before it stopped functioning and this made the truck very difficult to steer, not to mention this was during rush hour and we were in heavy traffic moving at speeds of 70mph+. Luckily we managed to get off the road, and to a safer location, but this left us stranded on the side of the road for 2 hours waiting on a tow. The vehicle was inspected by a GMC dealership initially where they only diagnosed lifter and cylinder misfire/failure. Due to the price of their quote to repair that issue, I took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, and thats when we found there was also connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure prior to repairing the lifter/cylinder misfire. There were no prior warnings to this happening. No check engine lights, no noises, and no noticeable changes in the vehicle. Everything seemed to be operating normally.

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Transmission · NJ

It appears as if there is an issue with the transmission. In this vehicle. When you come to a stop the transmission has a loud clunking noise coming from left side of vehicle. The clunking occurs when the vehicle downshifts. It clunks from d4 to d3, then d3 to d2 , and again at d2 to d1. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times to have it checked. The service mgr weny for s test drive with me and heard it. I was then told the clunking was " normal" . I purchased the vehicle as a certified used vehicle from the same dealer . This has been occuring since purchase in may 2024

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Visibility · CT

Driving on north bound of Merritt Parkway between exit 17 and 18. Today 12/10/25 9:28 AM My panoramic sunroof exploded ! all catch on video, driver on the vehicle behind me , came to check on me; and told me the glass went over four feet up in the air and then hit his vehicle windshield, I call Mercedes Benz customer service support to report the incident and open a case, they told me to drive to the closest dealer from the incident (Mercedes Benz of Fairfield) when I arrived and show the vehicle to the technician, he was trying to tell me that was my fault and he never heard such a thing of a sunroof explosion… and was looking for a reason to blame me, I told him I got all on video due to I have a dash camera that records the our side and the inside of the vehicle.. the outside temperature was 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the inside temperature in the vehicle was set to 69 degrees… My speed was 55 to 56 miles per hour. Light to moderate traffic, the explosion sound like a gunshot, that was my first impression, some one shoot at me… The dealer, told me that I should call my insurance or Mercedes Benz and the only think they can do, is to tell me how much will cost to repair the damage.. and that they will park my car on a different building so don’t get rain on it, until I decided what I want to do.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Engine · PR

Engine showed signs of loss of power and excess noise. It was taken to dealership via MB roadside assistance. At the dealership, they diagnosed it with engine catastrophic failure due to metal parts found in the oil filter. At no time was the engine disassembled to ensure known defects and still under warranty parts were not the cause. Dealer estimated the repair to cost in excess of $22K. MBUSA was contacted and they made no efforts to make the situation whole. The cost estimated was for the complete engine replacement. An engine that only has 53k miles. Although all routine maintenance have been conducted, engine failure was certainly pre-mature. Issues exhibited were excessive engine vibration, loss of power and excess noise.

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Questions about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 reliable?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, close to a typical GLB 250 model year.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 year score?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (4).

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 have?

11 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, electronic stability control (esc) and electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 range from 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23 city and 31 highway.

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