Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (37 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 28 complaints), 2023 at 3 (from 10 complaints), and 2018 at 3 (from 22 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, 10 of 37 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2019
2023
2018
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 → Fewest | 3 | 10 | 0 | Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance | — |
| 2022 → | 3 | 16 | 0 | Electrical system, Unknown or other | — |
| 2021 → Most | 8 | 37 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2020 → | 4 | 38 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 28 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2018 → Fewest | 3 | 22 | 0 | Suspension | — |
| 2017 → | 6 | 42 | 0 | Exterior lighting | — |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (GLS 450; verify MB sheet) · 7.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/55R19, 275/50R20 (common GLS450)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 17V-241 covers certain 2016-2017 GLE and GLS vehicles (and related models) where the electric power-steering connector may be insufficiently sealed against water; moisture can deactivate power assist. The campaign lists 58,323 vehicles across those platforms; dealers replace the connector and inspect the steering rack. Recall 18V-272 also includes certain 2017 GLS350d, GLS450, GLS550, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles for power-steering reservoir oil-foam leakage among a larger ML/GL population (9,725 vehicles).
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-40 or 5W-40 (GLS 450; verify MB sheet on the container) · 9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/50R20; optional staggered 275/45R21–285/40R23 front front / 275/50R20; optional staggered 315/40R21–325/35R23 rear rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 24V-118 covers certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles: the transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall. The campaign lists 105,071 vehicles across those models; dealers update the transmission control-unit software. Recall 23V-178 covers certain 2022-2023 GLS450, GLS580, Maybach GLS600, and related GLE/AMG models: rear door window trim bars may detach (70,225 vehicles). Dealers inspect and secure the trim bars.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 28 complaints), 2023 at 3 (from 10 complaints), and 2018 at 3 (from 22 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (37 complaints). On the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, 10 of 37 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class take?
X166 GLS 450 lists 0W-30/0W-40/5W-30/5W-40 (~7.4 qt); X167 GLS 450 lists 0W-40 or 5W-40 (~9 qt). Verify the MB sheet on the container.
What does recall 24V-118 cover on the GLS?
Certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles: the transmission may not fully downshift in certain situations—see the NHTSA campaign for the remedy.
Which GLS generations does this site track?
X166 (2016-2019) and X167 (2020-on).