2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · 135,500 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact heard an abnormal humming sound when the vehicle was started, and the humming sound grew louder over time. The contact believed that the humming sound was coming from the driver's side headlamp. The contact stated that the headlamp was equipped with a small internal fan to dissipate heat. Additionally, other electrical failures were occurring, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the blower motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the humming sound returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two more occasions, and the dealer replaced the timing belt and the alternator, however the failure reoccurred. Recently, while touching the door handle, the contact heard a humming sound that was very loud. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and it was determined that the driver's side headlamp assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V626000 (Electrical System, Steering, Exterior Lighting, Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,500.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Lights · GA

Over time, the low beam lights have faded which make it very difficult to see at night.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Lights · 41,097 miles · IL

Headlights are not safe. Foward visibility is very poor. This vehicle should not be driven at night especially in poor weather conditions.

Filed Jun 25, 2018 · Lights · NJ

Road visibility is poor with low beam lighting on normal weather condition during nighttime. It increases danger when it rains and/or foggy weather during nighttime.visited dealership and brought up issues, but mbenz can't fix it since it passes its standard. The federal safety agency, please do more research on this issue proactively for safety. I believe its a serious problem. This big luxury truck mostly use by families. Keep them safe!

Filed Mar 14, 2018 · Lights · 13,000 miles · CT

My 2017 mercedes benz gls 450 has standard halogen lighting from the factory. It has very poor visibility in rainy,fog conditions. Also very poor visibility in urban areas where there is partial street lighting. The low bean headlights are too dim to see infront of vehicle. This is very big SUV and feel it is safety hazard to drive with the standard lighting.

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Lights · NC

The standard headlights are extremely dim and unsuitable for nighttime driving. They have a brightness roughly equivalent to parking lights. This is a problem known to mercedes according to many online boards. My vehicle is unsafe for night driving and needs to be retrofitted with some usable headlights. Visibility is only about 10 feet in front of the car which is unacceptable for highway driving.