Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system14
- Unknown or other8
- Engine3
- Lane departure3
- Seats2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Steering1
- Seat belts1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Power train1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010970 | Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY21-25 C-Class, CLA, EQB, EQE, EQS, G-Class, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, GT, S-Class, and SL (206, 118, 243, 294, 296, 465, 247, 254, 167, 192, 223, and 232 platform) vehicles, the MBUX multimedia system does not correspond with the latest series production configuration. The MBUX multimedia system control unit will receive an OTA software update. MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customers vehicle free of charge and do n |
| 11010818 | Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established |
| 11010755 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11010744 | Complaint Engine cooling fan running for an extended time after switching off vehicle. Cause Optimized thermal management in latest PTCU software. Remedy This is a normal function in the latest PTCU software. Engine fan will operate for up to 20 minutes after ignition is switched off. Note: Repair work should only be performed if a clear malfunction is identified |
| 11010494 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 11010455 | Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. 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 Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present, process them as per the guided test |
| 11010450 | Complaint When using the offroad display in the MBUX, the "Transparent hood" function cannot be activated using the camera symbol. Cause MBUX FUP5 software: E504.3 (A 297 904 97 00) E504.4 (A 297 904 03 01) Remedy Update of head unit A26/17 to the new software: E504.5 (A 297 904 09 01) |
| 11010438 | Complaint Customer complains about anti-theft alarm system triggering without obvious cause when the vehicle is parked and/or when entering the vehicle. All MFA2 and 167 derivates with code 882 may be affected. Cause This is caused by a sporadic loss of communication to the anti-theft alarm system [N26/6]. In many instances there are one or more FCs U110D87, U001988, U016787 stored in the control units anti-theft alarm system [N26/6] and/or signal acquisition and actuation module [N10] / [N10/6]. The alarm system memory may contain several alarm sources. Remedy Please process all following poi |
| 11010437 | Complaint Automatic window raising function of side window inoperative. Cause Denormalization of the window lifter system. Remedy Update the software in the affected door control unit (N69/x). This requires the door control unit (N69/x) to be commissioned. (Path: XENTRY -> Control units view -> DCU-XX (N69/x) -> Adaptations -> Commissioning) SW item numbers of the repair software: A1679023716 for the door control units on the front doors (N69/1 and N69/2) A1679023816 for the door control units on the rear doors (N69/3 and N69/4) |
| 11009550 | Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. Cause Possible refrigerant leak at the evaporator. Remedy Perform the following measures : Remedy 1 (Only applies to vehicles produced during or prior to June 2023) 1. Picture of the forming gas check being performed with RO that shows the VIN clearly in view. 2. Clear picture of VIN on B-pillar. 3. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks before condemning the evaporator. Remedy 2 (Applies to all 167's produced after June 2023) 1. Do NOT remove the expansion valve from the evaporator prior to being |
| 11009549 | Complaint Customer complains about anti-theft alarm system triggering without obvious cause when the vehicle is parked and/or when entering the vehicle. All MFA2 and 167 derivates with code 882 may be affected. Cause This is caused by a sporadic loss of communication to the anti-theft alarm system [N26/6]. In many instances there are one or more FCs U110D87, U001988, U016787 stored in the control units anti-theft alarm system [N26/6] and/or signal acquisition and actuation module [N10] / [N10/6]. The alarm system memory may contain several alarm sources. Remedy Please process all following poi |
| 11009122 | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer l |
| 11008882 | Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. Cause Possible refrigerant leak at the evaporator. Remedy Perform the following measures : Remedy 1 (Only applies to vehicles produced during or prior to June 2023) 1. Picture of the forming gas check being performed with RO that shows the VIN clearly in view. 2. Clear picture of VIN on B-pillar. 3. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks before condemning the evaporator. Remedy 2 (Applies to all 167's produced after June 2023) 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures vi |
| 11008880 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11008093 | Complaint After clicking on the "Radio" selection function, the radio does not start and instead a permanent loading wheel is displayed. See attached picture for example. Cause Software version Remedy A26/17 - MBUX multimedia system (Head unit) unit must be replaced. When the head unit is in this condition, a software update will not remedy the situation. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools a |
| 11008091 | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protrudin |
| 11007974 | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for cor |
| 11007972 | Complaint After clicking on the "Radio" selection function, the radio does not start and instead a permanent loading wheel is displayed. See attached picture for example. Cause Software version Remedy A26/17 - MBUX multimedia system (Head unit) unit must be replaced. When the head unit is in this condition, a software update will not remedy the situation. |
| 11007969 | Complaint When using the offroad display in the MBUX, the "Transparent hood" function cannot be activated using the camera symbol. Cause MBUX FUP5 software: E504.3 (A 297 904 97 00) E504.4 (A 297 904 03 01) Remedy The remedy is currently being developed. |
| 11007857 | Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. Note: For vehicles produced during or prior to June 2023, a TIPS case is not necessary. However, parts from repairs on such vehicles may be requested back for analysis at the QEC. Therefore, please follow parts disposition in NetStar. Repairs where parts are not returned per parts disposition instructions, or parts found to be NTF (no trouble found) are subject to debit. ALL steps, with the exception of videos, should be documented and uploaded with the claim submission. Cause Possible refrigerant leak at the evaporator. Remedy Perfor |
| 11007796 | Complaint Individual functions such as sliding sunroof or roller sunblind can no longer be operated using the gesture recognition system. Cause Gesture recognition system control unit software N168 Remedy For vehicles before modification year 23/2: A remedy is currently being developed. Replacing parts will have no effect. For vehicles as of modification year 23/2: Considered to be a series production configuration. A change will not be possible in future. |
| 11007753 | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an eng |
| 11007728 | Complaint To insure vehicle down time is kept at a minimum and all required information is available when case is escalated, as well as assist technicians with checks that may help lead in resolving issue without case creation. THIS LI IS NOT TO BE USED AS A REASON FOR CASE CREATION BUT AS A GUIDE IF A CASE IS NEEDED Cause There are, at times, additional steps workshops can do to help diagnose and rectify transmission complaints. Remedy When opening a case for transmissions a EEPROM, Quick Test, and VGS CUL are absolutely necessary Please also check for any relevant LIs before opening case. Al |
| 11007673 | Complaint Damage or discoloration to paint protection films on vehicle. Cause Chip protection films are a wear item that may need to be replaced over the life of the vehicle. They are typically not covered by vehicle warranty. Remedy To properly install a paint/chip protection film, please follow the below guidelines: #1 - Utilize a solution that is 0.2% soap solution (1,000ml of water + 2ml of liquid soap). #2 - Clean the paint surface and ensure it is dust-free. #2a - When cleaning, you can utilize isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) to assist with cleaning. #2b - We recommend a lint-free ra |
| 11006678 | Complaint Head-up display permanently or sporadically unavailable - with warning message in driver display Head-up display permanently or sporadically unavailable - without warning message in driver display Display permanently or sporadically discolored and out of focus Cause Previous N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC) control unit software. Remedy Update the N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC) software. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)