CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 6 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (8 reports).
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 recalls
Emergency call system may fail to connect in a crash
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can cause a mobile network connection failure.
Emergency call system may be disabled, delaying crash help
Some 2017 to 2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have had their communication module inadvertently deactivated during a service visit.
Crash Alert May Send Responders to Wrong Location
Certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a software problem in the communication module that runs the automatic crash notification (eCall) system.
Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location
A software fault in the emergency call system (eCall) can cause the date and time recorded for the system to differ from the actual date and time.
Oil Leak Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire Risk
The Active Curve System (ACS) reservoir in certain vehicles can lose oil when the oil level drops below the minimum.
Rear Door May Appear Locked When It Is Not
On certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles, the left rear passenger door may show that it is locked when it actually may not be locked.
Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in Crash
Excess insulation in the bulkhead area may extend into the lower windshield zone, which could affect how the windshield is bonded and how fully the front passenger airbag protects the seat occupant.
Center console may unlatch in crash, sending objects flying
On certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS models, the center console may unlatch during some types of crashes.
Most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems
Problem areas named in the 35 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Steering | 4 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
What owners report
On 8/20/2026 I had a vacuum leak from the intake manifold and crankcase hoses repaired at a Vic's Bimmer Shop in the city of Lancaster California. This included the replacement of the oil separator breather on the engine. I drove my Mercedes Benz 2017 GLS450 less than 100 miles and the engine lost power and suddenly turned off. I was able to pull off onto the side of the freeway and then I saw smoke coming from under the hood and my wife and I exited the vehicle, called the fire department and the car burned completed on the side of the freeway and is a total loss. I believe the oil separator leaked oil onto the exhaust pipe and engine turbo which then started the fire.
Car did not brake when going about 5-7mph and crashed into another car.
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 replac
My 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission behavior related to the valve body and shifting mechanism. The transmission sometimes fails to engage Park, shifts on its own without driver input or attempts to engage Reverse unexpectedly. On multiple occasions the vehicle has moved or rolled after being placed in Park and once it appeared to shift itself toward Reverse. This behavior is a clear safety risk as the vehicle can suddenly lose control or move unexpectedly. It happens intermittently, without any dashboard warnings and often resets temporarily after restarting the car. According to multiple owners posting on Mercedes-Benz forums (including MBW
On July 23, 2025, I drove my Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 to a medical appointment. After arriving, I parked near the valet station, turned off the car, and went inside to check in at LabCorp. Within two minutes, witnesses reported black smoke from the hood â followed by a violent explosion that shook the office building and triggered a multi-unit response from local fire and police departments. When I came downstairs, my vehicle was engulfed in flames. The front end was completely destroyed. Mercedes-Benz USA sent an investigator on September 8, 2025 to examine the wreck. Despite numerous follow-ups, I have received no written report, no findings, and no communication from Mercedes-Benz since t
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 questions
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: Emergency call system may fail to connect in a crash; Emergency call system may be disabled, delaying crash help; Crash Alert May Send Responders to Wrong Location; Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location; Oil Leak Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (8), Engine (8), Unknown Or Other (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.