2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Routine

Owners filed 29 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 11 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine7
000
Unknown or Other6
000
Suspension2
000
Steering2
000
Electrical System2
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Visibility1
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars1
000
Structure › Body1
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock26V481000
Filed Jul 24, 2026310,667 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

Risk. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.

Electronic Stability Control (esc) › Control Module22V679000
Filed Sep 12, 20224 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB250 vehicles. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit may be damaged, which can result in disabled anti-lock brakes (ABS), disabled electronic stability control (ESC), and an electrical short circuit.

Risk. Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the ESP unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090009.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Suspension › Rear22V314000
Filed May 9, 202288 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.

Risk. Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Back Over Prevention › Display Function22V232000
Filed Apr 8, 2022126,443 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

Air Bags › Frontal22V078000
Filed Feb 11, 202250 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.

Risk. An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags › Side/Window21V860000
Filed Nov 5, 202146 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 vehicles. The driver-side window air bag may not have been mounted correctly to the lower area of the A-pillar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk. The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the mounting of the driver-side window air bag and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera21V354000
Filed May 14, 2021343,191 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Structure › Body21V232000
Filed Apr 1, 20212,362 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The wheel arch covers on the front fenders might not have been installed correctly, allow them to detach.

Risk. Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the installation of the front wheel arch covers and correct them as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040015.

Structure › Body › Tailgate21V231000
Filed Apr 1, 20215,215 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB35 AMG, and 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The side spoilers on the tailgate might not have been installed correctly, allowing them to detach.

Risk. Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the side spoilers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050009.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed Aug 12, 202663,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that the front stationary roof panel detached from the vehicle and shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware of a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included, and the model year was not included in a recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 29, 2026LA

Family and I were driving on the interstate and heard a loud bang (like a shotgun) followed by immediate glass everywhere. The panoramic sunroof exploded. We had to drive 4 hours like this - lucky we didn’t jerk the wheel on the interstate with the noise. Absolutely sickening that this is so prevalent and Mercedes won’t do anything about it.

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2026GA

When my car sits in the rain for long periods of time, while driving, it will automatically switch into neutral and give me a "transmission malfunction stop" & "service required do not shift gears visit dealer" sign on the dash. This has happened at least 7 times in 2 years since March 2024. The latest time it happened was last week. I will get into my car after a day at work, when it has been raining, drive a few miles and the car will switch into neutral and display those signs. This is incredibly dangerous for my safety as the driver, any passengers and any other cars on the road. While going 55+ miles an hour, my car, without any warning shifts into neutral. I have taken it to my local dealership for inspection every time that it happens and they have repeatedly told me they cannot find a fix for it and do not know why it is happening besides a electrical problem due to water. They advised me to file a claim with corporate Mercedes but that was denied. I have photos and documentation from the dealership of when I have brought it in for inspection and they have confirmed the issue. They will not help with a solution for this problem. They have told me to pull over, turn the car on and back off to get it to go away but it continues to do the same repeated problem.

Steering
Filed Feb 20, 2026PR

The component that appears to have malfunctioned is the front axle integral carrier (front subframe) and the related front suspension geometry, as the vehicle now exhibits a persistent pull to the left and degraded steering stability after the dealer replaced the front lower control arms, engine mounts, and performed alignments; this area of the vehicle is fully available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle requires constant steering correction to avoid drifting left, creating a danger of unintended lane departure and loss of control, which aligns with the steering‑related risks described in NHTSA Recall 21V990 / MBUSA 2022070009, where failure of the integral carrier can impair steering and increase crash risk. The problem has been reproduced by me on every drive, though the dealer stated they “did not find anything,” despite alignment printouts showing front camber imbalance and lack of caster correction. The vehicle has been inspected twice by the authorized Mercedes‑Benz dealer, but they did not inspect or address the front axle integral carrier even though the recall documentation shows that corrosion or structural issues in this part can affect steering performance and connection to other components. There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts; the symptoms began immediately after the dealer’s suspension and mount repairs, and the steering pull and unstable handling have continued ever since.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2026GA

I purchased this vehicle in May 28 2025. I certified car. I took in for oil change Nov 17-2025. Found out they had lot of issues., left front bushing arm leaking. Rt engine mount leaking. Bad brakes battery low. Bad tire rt back passage side.front wheel axle and rear wheel axle is bad and screw on the engine mount is missing. Screw and leaking..?and the vehicle needed a alignment.

Power Train
Filed Dec 12, 2025NJ

IT APPEARS AS IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IN THIS VEHICLE. WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION HAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE CLUNKING OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS. IT CLUNKS FROM D4 TO D3, THEN D3 TO D2 , AND AGAIN AT D2 TO D1. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE SERVICE MGR WENY FOR S TEST DRIVE WITH ME AND HEARD IT. I WAS THEN TOLD THE CLUNKING WAS " NORMAL" . I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE FROM THE SAME DEALER . THIS HAS BEEN OCCURING SINCE PURCHASE IN MAY 2024

Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2025AL

Engine locked up while driving out of state on the interstate. Vehicle lost all power and engine stopped functioning. Managed to pull over and stop the vehicle on the side of the interstate. Had truck towed to repair shop where they diagnosed connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure, as well as lifter and cylinder misfire/failure on cylinder 7. Metal shavings were discovered in the oil, and engine locked up and cannot be repaired. I am currently in the process of having the engine replaced, but yes currently an inspection can still be performed, and I can provide statements and diagnostics from the mechanic. This failure put myself and my family in a scary situation. The engine was shaking violently before it stopped functioning and this made the truck very difficult to steer, not to mention this was during rush hour and we were in heavy traffic moving at speeds of 70mph+. Luckily we managed to get off the road, and to a safer location, but this left us stranded on the side of the road for 2 hours waiting on a tow. The vehicle was inspected by a GMC dealership initially where they only diagnosed lifter and cylinder misfire/failure. Due to the price of their quote to repair that issue, I took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, and thats when we found there was also connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure prior to repairing the lifter/cylinder misfire. There were no prior warnings to this happening. No check engine lights, no noises, and no noticeable changes in the vehicl

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 10, 2025CT

Driving on north bound of Merritt Parkway between exit 17 and 18. Today 12/10/25 9:28 AM My panoramic sunroof exploded ! all catch on video, driver on the vehicle behind me , came to check on me; and told me the glass went over four feet up in the air and then hit his vehicle windshield, I call Mercedes Benz customer service support to report the incident and open a case, they told me to drive to the closest dealer from the incident (Mercedes Benz of Fairfield) when I arrived and show the vehicle to the technician, he was trying to tell me that was my fault and he never heard such a thing of a sunroof explosion… and was looking for a reason to blame me, I told him I got all on video due to I have a dash camera that records the our side and the inside of the vehicle.. the outside temperature was 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the inside temperature in the vehicle was set to 69 degrees… My speed was 55 to 56 miles per hour. Light to moderate traffic, the explosion sound like a gunshot, that was my first impression, some one shoot at me… The dealer, told me that I should call my insurance or Mercedes Benz and the only think they can do, is to tell me how much will cost to repair the damage.. and that they will park my car on a different building so don’t get rain on it, until I decided what I want to do.

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2025PR

Engine showed signs of loss of power and excess noise. It was taken to dealership via MB roadside assistance. At the dealership, they diagnosed it with engine catastrophic failure due to metal parts found in the oil filter. At no time was the engine disassembled to ensure known defects and still under warranty parts were not the cause. Dealer estimated the repair to cost in excess of $22K. MBUSA was contacted and they made no efforts to make the situation whole. The cost estimated was for the complete engine replacement. An engine that only has 53k miles. Although all routine maintenance have been conducted, engine failure was certainly pre-mature. Issues exhibited were excessive engine vibration, loss of power and excess noise.

Steering
Filed Nov 23, 2025AZ

Escalating Safety Concern – Loud Clunking, Thumping, and Cracking from Front Axle at Low Speeds We are long-time loyal customers and currently own four identical Mercedes-Benz models. Unfortunately, one of our vehicles, a 2021 mb glb250 has recently developed severe clunking, thumping, and loud cracking noises originating from the front axle area, noticeable especially at low speeds. The problem appeared suddenly and is rapidly worsening. After researching the issue, we’ve discovered that many owners of the exact same model and model year report identical symptoms. This appears to be a widespread and recurring problem that raises serious safety concerns, particularly as it affects the front axle and is uncommon in other modern vehicles of this class and young age. Given the potential safety implications and the growing number of affected owners, we respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue promptly, acknowledge it as a known concern, and provide an appropriate inspection and repair at no cost to us. We love the brand and have always trusted its engineering and safety standards, which makes this experience especially distressing. We would greatly appreciate your immediate attention and a clear response on next steps.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 2, 2025AZ

While driving, the panoramic moonroof on my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (VIN: [XXX] ) suddenly shattered without any visible impact or prior damage. It sounded like an explosion, and glass rained down into the vehicle. This could have caused serious injury to myself or my child. There was no indication that a rock or debris hit the vehicle. No vehicles were in front of me, and I have no history of impact damage. This seems to have happened spontaneously, and after researching the issue, I found it is a common problem across various Mercedes-Benz models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2025FL

In April 2025, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (81,000 miles) suffered repeated engine issues caused by a cylinder head failure. The dealer attempted a cylinder head replacement, but during their own test drive after repairs, the engine completely seized and failed again on their property. This indicates a severe defect in the engine assembly that risks sudden power loss while driving, which could cause an accident. Prior to the failure, there were warning messages about misfires and rough idle. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and the car has been kept at their shop since April, with no resolution. I am concerned this is a recurring safety defect affecting other GLB 250 vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection and remains undriveable due to the failed engine. I request NHTSA to investigate for possible safety-related design or manufacturing defects that could cause sudden engine seizure and loss of power while driving.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 11, 2025FL

Seat belt failure.Driver side…mechanism… it feels unsafe…the retractor is not locking

Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2025TN

Jerking and loud noise from the engine after attempting to accelerate from a red light stop. Vehicle is idling very roughly and almost sounds like a diesel engine. Check engine light came on. Inspection at the dealership found multiple faults for camshaft positions deviating from the specified value. When the oil filter was removed, the shop reported finding some metal particles in the oil. The conclusion was that a mechanical fault caused a metal part in the engine to brake and clog up the engine. The car did not run smoothly after the jerking sound and could have caused an accident if the car was in active motion. The recommendation now is that the engine needs to be replaced.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 6, 202430,600 milesSC

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact GX SSR, Tire Line: 235/55/R18, DOT Number: A33LWXX41220. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate with a flapping sound coming from the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact then drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where three humps were discovered on the front driver’s side tire that had formed due to thread separation on the inside of the tire. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer who then referred the contact to the Continental tire manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the tire should be sent to the headquarters for an inspection. The tire was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 30,600.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 27, 2024TX

Glass that’s in between the windshield and sunroof

Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2024OH

Cylinder Head gone bad at 35,000 miles

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 30, 2023CA

My fuel tank cover would not open. Car was under warranty so MB was able to replace the motor of the fuel cap release. Problem, there is no manual release for the fuel cap so if you are low on fuel and need to fill up, you would be stranded. They need a manual release for the fuel cap for safety.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2023NJ

Entire electrical system went out while driving causing check engine light to come on after the failure of system; there was no dashboard working at all when the system went out; without the dashboard out it was not certain if the vehicle was safe to drive anymore; the dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem; the vehicle has been with the dealer repair system for several weeks and have not been able to determine what happened; they have indicated that the vehicle had some type of water intrusion which short circuited the electrical system; the believes that the water entered into from the windshield area with a possible clogged water drain; there was no prior warning

Visibility
Filed Aug 22, 202313,716 milesCA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage; however, after driving out of the garage, the contact became aware of a crack on the windshield from the rear-view mirror ten inches downward. The contact stated that the crack seemed to be on the inside over the sensors. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,716.

20 of 29 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261100Routine
20251200Routine
20244100Routine
202310100Routine
202211100Routine
2021 — this page291100Routine
2020522000Routine

Compare every GLB 250 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 24, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.