2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 35 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 14 total reports mention: suspension.
3 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251205
I WAS ALREADY 90% IN PARKING LINE WHICH IS HANDICAP'S.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200908
2 of 14 total reports mention: structure.
2 of 14 total reports mention: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251205
The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch off, the driver suddenly discovered flames were coming from the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211014
1 of 14 total reports mentions: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080013.
Campaign 18V539000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V058000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V365000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V539000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V058000 (communication, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V365000 (communication, electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.