CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (14 reports).
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 recalls
Loose Ground Wire Can Overheat and Cause Fire
A 48-volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, so the connection can overheat over time.
Transmission May Not Downshift, Causing Engine Stall
Certain 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles may have a transmission that does not fully downshift under some conditions.
Fuel Pump May Shut Off, Causing Loss of Power
The fuel pump in these vehicles may shut down while driving.
Water Can Leak Into the Cabin, Risking Fire and Lost Safety Functions
Air conditioner drain hoses on these vehicles may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water to drain into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle.
Third-Row Seatback Lock May Fail in a Crash
The locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail, so the seatback may not stay locked in place during a crash.
Rear Window Trim Bars May Detach, Creating Crash Risk
Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars on certain vehicles may detach.
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.
Loose Ground Bolt Can Overheat Wiring, Causing Fire Risk
A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly.
Rear Window May Detach From Tailgate, Creating Crash Risk
The rear window on certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz SUVs may not be adequately bonded to the tailgate.
Rearview camera may show a blank screen, raising crash risk
The multimedia system software in these vehicles can cause the infotainment display to stay black or reboot after startup.
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.
Dashboard switches may not light up in the dark
Certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles from model years 2020 and 2021 may have an instrument cluster software issue.
Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems
Problem areas named in the 31 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Lane Departure | 4 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
What owners report
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.
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
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"
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 f
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 questions
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: Loose Ground Wire Can Overheat and Cause Fire; Transmission May Not Downshift, Causing Engine Stall; Fuel Pump May Shut Off, Causing Loss of Power; Water Can Leak Into the Cabin, Risking Fire and Lost Safety Functions; Third-Row Seatback Lock May Fail in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (14), Unknown Or Other (8), Lane Departure (4).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 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.