Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

○ Not enough data

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:26.235Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 12
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2021: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2016	0
2017	35
2019	4
2020	1
2021	31

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

45% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

1. Unknown, smoke started coming from under the passenger side seat, car is a complete loss. 2. Smoke damaged my lungs, there was a large amount of exploding glass, and it could have led to a structure fire. 3. Not applicable 4.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-25

Also filed under Seats

Lane departure

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing warning and steering assist.

Engine

10% · 3 reports

Seats

6% · 2 reports

FIRE

Forward collision avoidance

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing software and adaptive cruise control.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated while driving 75 mph with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph than to 15 mph.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-26

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2020-03-31Electrical system20V089000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-12Communication, electrical system21V058000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-06-28Back over prevention, electrical system21V354000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-12-08Visibility21V832000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-07-08Communication, electrical system22V365000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-07-08Electrical system22V231000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-11-01Structure22V680000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-11-18Seats22V732000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-04-28Visibility23V177000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-09-29Fuel system, gasoline23V445000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-29Power train24V118000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-05-03Electrical system24V207000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Lane departure: 4 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 20V089000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V058000 · Communication, electrical system
Recall 21V354000 · Back over prevention, electrical system
Recall 21V832000 · Visibility
Recall 22V365000 · Communication, electrical system
Recall 22V231000 · Electrical system
Recall 22V680000 · Structure
Recall 22V732000 · Seats
Recall 23V177000 · Visibility
Recall 23V445000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 24V118000 · Power train
Recall 24V207000 · Electrical system

FAQ

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 have?: 12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.