2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 37 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 8 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 9 GLS-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (17 of 37), then Engine (5) and Forward collision avoidance (3). Those filings include 2 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 3 that report an injury.
The 2020 GLS-Class has 38 complaints, 4 per year, and the 2022 has 16 complaints, 3 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.
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 2021 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 (37 total)
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an…"
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"48V battery has repeated failures where I'm driving. safety concern, When it fail, it will pop up warning1) only drive below 50 miles/hour; then it becomes2) stop vehicle immediately; then ) multi-media system suddenly…"
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"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…"
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"The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated.…"
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"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…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 37 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 8 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 9 GLS-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (17 of 37), then Engine (5) and Forward collision avoidance (3). Those filings include 2 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 3 that report an injury.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2020 GLS-Class has 38 complaints, 4 per year, and the 2022 has 16 complaints, 3 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2021 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).