2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class holds 38 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 4 per year. That is more complaints per year than most GLS-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 3. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
38
4
0
7
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (18 of 38), then Engine (9) and Fuel and propulsion system (8). Those filings include 3 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 2 that report an injury.
The 2019 GLS-Class has 28 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2021 has 37 complaints, 8 per year. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (38 total)
Show 6 more Show less
3
1
2
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
-
"AMENDMENT TO ACTIVE CASE 11723015. CRITICAL AIRBAG & SAFETY DEFECTS. This files a safety defect amendment to open case 11723015. Diagnostic scans confirm central data bus network collapse on VIN [XXX] has migrated into…"
-
"Window trim on the passenger rear window fell off while driving- it put others at risk by flying off the vehicle on the interstate- Mercedes Benz of Omaha quoted replacement of the window trim parts- no warning messages…"
-
"The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the rear door window trim bars on the passenger side detached from the window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where…"
-
"The engine wiring harness insulation near the ignition coil connectors prematurely deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to engine heat in the turbocharger/exhaust area. Multiple wiring connectors exhibited brittle,…"
-
"On a sunny afternoon without zero clouds in the sky, 75 degrees I was driving at 35 mph on a two-lane road with no cars in front of me, behind me, or coming in the other direction, the brakes were urgently and…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
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.
Compare
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class holds 38 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 4 per year. That is more complaints per year than most GLS-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 3. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (18 of 38), then Engine (9) and Fuel and propulsion system (8). Those filings include 3 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, and 2 that report an injury.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 GLS-Class has 28 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2021 has 37 complaints, 8 per year. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with NHTSA.
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).