GLS 450 of this model year were recalled for failing Steering Coupling Locking Screws. While my car was not recalled it is exhibiting similar symptoms involving creaking sounds at low speeds when the engine has warmed up. The recall should be expanded.
The worst 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical14
- Driver assistance4
- Engine3
- Seats2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
Recalls 12
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V207000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V118000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Recall number 23V445000 · Recall details
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 23V177000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V732000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V680000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- 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
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V231000 · Recall details
Visibility: glass, side/rear
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
- Risk
- Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 21V832000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- 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
Electrical system: software
- 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
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
Recall number 20V089000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 273
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- Fuel/propulsion system
- In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling
- Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar)...
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Slight creaking noises when steering
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Red coolant warning in instrument cluster
- Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 20 | 24 | 21 |
What 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Both rear wheels on this vehicle have developed cracks which leads to tire pressure loss. Apparently, this is a common issue with Mercedes' heavier vehicles like the GLS and S series sedans. To be clear, I did not hit anything. I did not do any unusual driving. Both rear tires are fine. While you expect that certain components on a vehicle will have problems, it is also reasonable to expect that wheels will not crack prematuraly. Mercedes is aware of the problems. They were named in a class action lawsuit that was dismissed because cars were out of warranty. Warranty or no warranty, this is a major safety issue as a loss in tire pressure can be catastrophic.
On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. Safely, i reached the side of the interstate and exited the vehicle. As I stood from afar watching my vehicle burn; the reality sat it that a few minutes earlier that could have been me trapped burning inside, injured or even death because something had failed in my vehicle. Later, when I finally arrived home, I started researching on the internet to see if anyone else had experienced problems with their MB 450 GLS catching fire. Surprisingly, I found that recalls had been issued in April 2022 and March 2024 for a possible fire risk from a 48volt loose ground wire issue under the passenger seat. At that time supposedly there were no reported injuries or crashes related to this issue until now. If I am the first to witness this issue, then so be it because I saw the fire burning from inside under my passenger seat before it FULLY torched my vehicle I reported this issue first to Progressive Insurance and Mercedes-Benz Corporate. Progressive has provided my transportation according to policy for my first 30 days. As I approached the end of my rental period, I spoke with MB Corporate to see if there was anything that they could do as far as providing me transportation. I was told that there was nothing that they could do because they were not a dealership with cars to loan. The joint vehicle fire investigation was schelduled for 29 April 2025. On 25 April 2025, Progressive informed me that MB Corporate had moved the fire investigation date to 29 May 2025. NOW, what am I suppose to do? It has been almost two months that I have been without a vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
System malfunctioned detail: 48v battery malfunction, 12v battery malfunction. Safety concern: I was driving on [XXX] , the battery malfunction warning suddenly pop up, and I couldn't accelerate my car beyond 30 MPH, my whole family were on the car during that time. it's life threatening issue needs to be addressed. Luckily we managed to pull over to a safe border way. It's first time I encountered this issue, but on [XXX] , seems like many people encountered it. Dealer is inspecting the issue currently. orange warning msg pop up first says "48v battery malfunction", few minutes later become red warning msg, while I pulled my car to the sideway, it became red "12v battery malfunction". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle has just over 31k miles. ON multiple occasions, the vehicle randomly shuts off and displays a 48 volt battery error on the screen followed by a check engine light. This has happened in the middle of a busy intersection and at 75mph on the interstate. Each time it does this, I have taken it to a Mercedes dealer for repair/troubleshooting. THey perform the Mercedes required steps to repair the known issue and each time the issue persists. The car has been at a dealership for almost a combined 30 days now with no end in sight. I do not feel safe knowing that Mercedes cant seem to solve the problem and instead puts me back on the road knowing the car is not right and risks injury to my family as the issue has happened at low speed and high speed resulting in extremely dangerous situations for my family. I have 2 open PTSS cases with Mercedes USA (246121906 and 246113294). Researching this issue has revealed this is a known issue with their "mild hybrid" SUVS and many consumers have the same or similar experience to mine.
I was driving only 30mph through my suburban neighborhood bringing my kids to school in the morning when a loud shotgun sound hit my car causing me to be distracted and distraught. My entire sunroof had exploded on me for no reason. Mercedes is currently undergoing a class action lawsuit for this. But since it is not completely yet, I’m being told I need to pay $3700 out of pocket for the default damages and servals days without a vehicle.
Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own. This presents a clear and obvious security and safety issue. I am not prepared to drive to *another* dealership and ask *again* to get this done. I own the car and the previous owner can do whatever they like with it. Unacceptable.
Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own. This presents a clear and obvious security and safety issue. I am not prepared to drive to *another* dealership and ask *again* to get this done. I own the car and the previous owner can do whatever they like with it. Unacceptable.
1. Unknown, smoke started coming from under the passenger side seat, car is a complete loss. 2. Smoke damaged my lungs, there was a large amount of exploding glass, and it could have led to a structure fire. 3. Not applicable 4. In process, but it was recalled for this issue 5. No
Cluster Information Display Black out on and off. Cannot see speedometer and headup display also turns off. Problem occured 5/13/22, 6/17/22, and 6/13/23. Problem is still not fixed after going to mechanic 3 times. 7/16/24 went in to mechanic again for the same problem but mechanic concluded that there are no further solution possible to fix this problem. When the problem occurs, the cluster information display is blacked out for about 3 to 4 hours, and only fixed when 1 or 2 days are fixed. It is dangerous to drive without the cluster display which includes speedometer, remaining gas, engine warning light, and many more important information that is needed and required to drive safely without crash.
Compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
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Questions about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, close to a typical GLS 450 model year.
What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 year score?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: 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 GLS 450?
Electrical system, with 14 complaints. Next is driver assistance (4).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have?
12 recalls, covering electrical system, power train and fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 electrical?
Yes, 5 recalls: 24V207000, 22V365000, 22V231000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2020 (18 complaints) and 2021 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl hybrid, 4WD) gets 20 city and 24 highway.
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