CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

36

Complaints

3

Crashes

1

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have filed 36 safety complaints with NHTSA between January 2020 and June 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 18 of them (50%). The typical failure was reported at 4,200 miles, the median across the 5 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints fell 30% year on year: 7 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 10 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 22 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (22)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

24V207000 · March 15, 2024

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 116,020 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

24V118000 · February 16, 2024

The 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.
The risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 105,071 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

23V177000 · March 17, 2023

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 61,450 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

22V732000 · September 30, 2022

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 59,574 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

22V680000 · September 12, 2022

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 161,000 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

22V466000 · July 1, 2022

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 81 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V365000 · May 20, 2022

The 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 connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 242,722 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

22V232000 · April 8, 2022

The 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 126,443 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

22V231000 · April 8, 2022

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 21,306 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

21V961000 · December 13, 2021

The 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 can cause a fuel leak.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 139 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

21V818000 · October 18, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
The risk
Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 27 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

21V354000 · May 14, 2021

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 343,191 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

21V288000 · April 23, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
The 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.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 6,331 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

21V071000 · February 12, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
The risk
If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 41,838 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V058000 · February 5, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 1,292,258 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

21V057000 · February 5, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.
The 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.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 8 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

20V626000 · October 9, 2020

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo's electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.
The risk
If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020100015/6.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 12,799 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

20V329000 · June 5, 2020

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE450, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The sealing of the piston assembly in the front struts and rear shock absorbers may leak and fail prematurely.
The risk
Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090001.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 38 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

20V172000 · March 20, 2020

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE450 AND GLS450 vehicles. The seams on the rear crossmember may have been insufficiently welded. This may allow cracks to form when towing, possibly causing the rear crossmember to detach from the vehicle.
The risk
If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear crossmember, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060013.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 224 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

20V089000 · February 14, 2020

The defect
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."
The risk
If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 2,101 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

19V709000 · October 4, 2019

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLS580 4MATIC vehicles. The rear door window trim may detach.
The risk
The detached trim can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and fasten the rear door window trim, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100011.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 13,799 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

19V587000 · August 12, 2019

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain from the air conditioner into the passenger compartment.
The 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.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080005.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 18,392 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 36.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 50%
ENGINE 9 25%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 7 19%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7 19%
POWER TRAIN 4 11%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 11%
AIR BAGS 2 6%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 2 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 6%
STRUCTURE 2 6%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 2 6%
SEATS 1 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 8.

2020 2024 2026
2020 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

03/17/2023 driving on US1 coming up to speed after pulling onto highway after cars passed I went 0.2 miles and was looking at my driver side mirror ( no traffic on road ahead of me) when I hit something that pushed my big SUV toward oncoming traffic. I held wheel and muscled car to side of road stopping short of a telephone pole. Car was upright I had trouble loosening seat belt while my wife was hanging forward into hers. Dog harnessed in back seat was ok Got out of car to see a car hauler 30? Footer sticking about 4 feet into the road and travel lane. Investigation by police revealed truck driver backed out of a company driveway into the road with no people helping. With traffic totaled

NHTSA complaint 11524751, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 injured · 1,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WINDOWS WERE OPEN. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO BREATHING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER ED HICKS IMPORTS LOCATED AT 3102 S PADRE ISLAND DR, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415 (361) 854-1955, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE FIRST TIME WITH A MELTING STICKER ON THE CADILLAC AND IT NEEDING TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED ON 12/21/2019, WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH, WHEN SHE HEARD MULTIPLE LOUD ABNORMAL NOISES (EXPLOSIONS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED

NHTSA complaint 11299513, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

The engine wiring harness insulation near the ignition coil connectors prematurely deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to engine heat in the turbocharger/exhaust area. Multiple wiring connectors exhibited brittle, cracked insulation with exposed conductors. The degraded wiring began shorting within the ignition system, causing engine misfires, ignition circuit faults, and eventual loss of engine operation. While being operated by a rental customer the vehicle developed severe misfires followed by electrical shorting, smoke, localized flames in the engine harness area, and eventual engine shutdown. The flames self-extinguished after the electrical shorting stopped, but portions of the

NHTSA complaint 11736819, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

crash · towed

Today around 6:47pm. I was reversing my car and I noticed another car in my backup camera and tried shift the gear shift to drive but it didn't work and stayed stuck on reverse and would not moved and the brake pedal and emergency brake wouldn't work.

NHTSA complaint 11587350. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash

AMENDMENT TO ACTIVE CASE 11723015. CRITICAL AIRBAG & SAFETY DEFECTS. This files a safety defect amendment to open case 11723015. Diagnostic scans confirm central data bus network collapse on VIN [XXX] has migrated into safety-critical occupant restraint and visibility modules, violating 49 U.S.C. § 30118. I. AIRBAG & RESTRAINT HAZARDS Scans from [XXX], document active faults: DTC U042782: "Implausible data received from Electronic Ignition Lock." The SRS module receives corrupted data from the failed ignition gateway, creating risk of airbag non-deployment. DTC B007A13: Passenger seatbelt pre-tensioner open circuit; occupants are unprotected against crash displacement. DTC B11FA4B: Active

NHTSA complaint 11741714, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Window trim on the passenger rear window fell off while driving- it put others at risk by flying off the vehicle on the interstate- Mercedes Benz of Omaha quoted replacement of the window trim parts- no warning messages on dash

NHTSA complaint 11738164. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

65,000 miles

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the rear door window trim bars on the passenger side detached from the window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed as a rear door window trim detachment however the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 65,000.

NHTSA complaint 11738177. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On a sunny afternoon without zero clouds in the sky, 75 degrees I was driving at 35 mph on a two-lane road with no cars in front of me, behind me, or coming in the other direction, the brakes were urgently and automatically applied and the seat belts dramatically tightened. The system showed a large red X on the screen. It was obvious the automated safety system mistakenly thought we were about to crash into something but there wasn't anything but smooth asphalt.

NHTSA complaint 11726166. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle (2020 GLS 450) suffers from terminal infrastructure "Electronic Rot," resulting in a consistent Breach of FMVSS 111 (Rearview Visibility) and dangerous Automatic Emergency Braking hallucinations. On 03/08/2026, a routine car wash triggered multiple system failures, including "Camera View Restricted" and "Adaptive Highbeam Assist Currently Unavailable," proving the electrical architecture is compromised by minor moisture. This is a multi-dealer failure: the vehicle was sold as "Certified Pre-Owned" by Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg with undisclosed active "Special Procurement" status; a 200-day attempted EIS remediation at i.g. Burton failed to resolve the hazards; and the

NHTSA complaint 11723015, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2021 30 12
2019 22 4
2018 14 3
2017 34 8

Other 2020 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst