2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

Routine

Owners filed 24 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other6
000
Power Train3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling3
010
Engine3
000
Service Brakes2
000
Air Bags2
102
Tires1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body › Hood1
000
Structure › Body1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Wiring24V207000
Filed Mar 15, 2024116,020 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

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.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 202656,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4Matic. The contact stated that vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service, and it was discovered that the U-joint on front driveshaft was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 2026CA

The vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic engine failure while being driven on the freeway at about 60mph. The engine seized and the vehicle lost propulsion creating a serious safety concern

Structure › Body › Hood
Filed Jun 22, 2026NJ

The front vehicle hood keep saying it open but is lock keep getting a message saying is open I am afraid is might come out lock and cause me to an accident

Engine
Filed May 22, 2026NJ

I am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. My vehicle experienced low oil pressure warnings and engine warning lights, which were diagnosed as a faulty oil pump solenoid valve. The repair required removing major engine components, resulting in a cost of $5,000 that I paid personally. It is important to note that Mercedes-Benz updated the valve design in the following model year, indicating that the company was aware of a defect in the original design. This demonstrates that the failure is recurring and not isolated, creating a serious safety risk—low oil pressure can lead to catastrophic engine failure while driving, endangering the driver and passengers. I request that NHTSA: Document this as a potential safety defect. Investigate the prevalence of this issue. Consider initiating a recall or safety notice for affected GLS450 vehicles.

Power Train
Filed Feb 16, 2026CA

When I attempt to shift from park to to drive or reverse or even neutral the car wont respond. this has happened a couple of times in the last two months. I press on the brake in order to shift and it wont respond to any commands . I then have no choice but to turn off the car and then turn it back on. that usually works. this is unsafe if i was at an open parking lot or even on the street doing a U-turn and I don't turn right then having to reverse and the car doesn't respond. very scary stuff.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 14, 2025IA

The panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road. The glass blew out from the inside out. There didn't appear to be any issues with the sunroof before this. As far as safety, just the noise of the explosion was enough to surprise the driver causing a jerking of the steering wheel into the opposite lane of traffic which could have caused a head on collision. If the sunroof shade would have been open, the glass would have came down the drivers and passengers as they were going down the road. Saying this was distracting is an understatement. I called the local Mercedes dealership and was completely dismissed by them. They said it would have to be repaired by a glass company which is incorrect. The glass was replaced by the local collision center.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2025FL

Shows an error on the dashboard: 3rd Row, Right Malfunction Consult Workshop

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 6, 202491,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had become consistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump valve and the camshaft adjuster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 8, 2024VA

I have been showing an error "Active Curve System Malfunction" intermittently since I bought this vehicle from Mercedes dealership, and I've started seeing oil leak from reservoir. I've seen this is a recall from 2013 to 2017 model, but I'm unable to see this as a recall on 2019 model.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 26, 202438,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the oil pump and check valve were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2024FL

9/9/24 after 5pm I'm driving my car and the check engine light came one. I have a small autel handy scanner always in my car. I checked it right away and gives me the code P06DA (OIL PUM SOLENOID OPEN CIRCUIT - ELECTRICAL ISSUE). I stop on the side for a quick check, no knocking noise from the engine and runs good. I checked on the website (Mercedes forums) and a lot of people had the same problem (lemon???). Most of them talking that thanks God the solenoid stuck on full open (higher pressure oil) so there's no damage to the engine. Repair cost around $5000!!!!! That problem must be taken seriously from Mercedes! Thank you

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 28, 2024FL

Vehicle triggered into limp mode while driving, Braking Assist Disabled, Traction Control Disable, Sound System Disabled. Sent to dealership for repairs. Dealer found water pooled in the passenger side footwell. Estimation 10-20k to fix vehicle. Matching the exact details of the recall issued against 2020-2021 Mercredes Benze GLS450. Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing water to leak inside the cabin through the front passenger footwell. The component involved in this recall is the A/C drain hose with part number A1678323600. Recall risks Water entering the passenger compartment presents many risks to both the vehicle and the occupants. Rust could form from within the vehicle and the water can also potentially short out the electrical system. Apart from presenting an increased risk of fire, this can also cause the car’s electronic features to malfunction, which could affect the ability to unlock doors and call emergency services. The leak can also accidentally trigger the engine’s limp-home feature while driving, upping the probability of a crash. Warning signs Users may notice that the front footwell carpets have become wet under normal use, as well as misting on the windows.

Steering
Filed Dec 22, 2023NC

Failure of driver side front axle CV assembly. Part #166-330-33-00 with 36,000 miles on the vehicle Noise was heard when driving, pulled over heard noise as moved car forward and made left turn. Car was towed to Highway Tire and Auto near our house on a Saturday morning. Car test driven on their lot and immediately identified as CV axle. Part was only available from Mercedes dealership, yet all the other axles ( non driver side) were available from several parts distributors. Seemed odd maybe indicating a lot of these were being replaced?? This axle failure while driving at highway speeds could have resulted in wheel lock up causing serious accident and injury. When contacting Mercedes they seemed more interested in telling me it wasn’t covered under warranty, and there was nothing they could do about it since I didn’t have the repair done at their shops…. I asked them if they thought it was normal for an axle to go out at 36,000 miles and they said no. I asked them if they thought it was concerning and potential safety issue. And they never gave me an answer. After about 20 phone calls and 4 emails was finally able to escalate it to Mercedes Corporate office and a lady there Andrea, indicated she was executive referral manager and she would check with their engineers. She called back next day and said since I didn’t get it repaired at Mercedes, and since last time it was in a Mercedes shop was 15 months earlier there was nothing they could do about it. She said they might ha

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2023NY

At first, the parking brake assist would appear when vehicle was put into park or when starting. We would have to release the parking brake each time. Then, the parking brake assist light would not go on, but the parking brake assist would engage and or be sticking while driving causing a burning smell and damage to the rear braking system including brake pads and calipers. The independent repair professional described this as being a very premature issue for this vehicle considering the age and mileage. The electronic parking brake actuators electric motors malfunctioned and failed causing resistance on the calipers. The car was undrivable and required us to obtain a rental car for several days.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 23, 2023OH

Vehicle was damaged by a school bus hitting the rear passenger corner. It damaged the rear tail light, brake light, turn signal and backup warning sensors. Parts to repair the vehicle are not available for the past 4 months. I called multiple times and the dealer cannot provide a date when the parts will be available. The total cost of repairs is $3200.00. To avoid paying rental car fees that the school would have to pay, I’m driving a unrepaired car. The cost to rent a car would exceed the cost to repair the vehicle by 3-4 times the total repair cost. It is a law that car manufacturers have parts available to repair vehicles damaged by accidents. I would like NHTSA enforce the law.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 13, 2022TX

Update Communication Module SIM Card Software - MBUSA ID: [XXX], NHTSA Recall ID: 22V365. I received the recall letter from MBUSA in July 2022. I took my car to a local dealership on 8 Aug 22 and they told me after approximately two hours they couldn't update/do OTA. They told me I would need to park my car outside to receive the update. Once I got home I checked the MBUSA & NHTSA recall sites and noticed this recall for my vehicle shows it as updated, but I knew the dealer hadn't accomplished it, because they said they didn't. I'm not sure who submitted it as updated on both websites. We have the MercedesMe Connect applications on our iPhones and it shows the status of our vehicle, allows remote starting, has anti-theft tracking as well as valet tracking and remote disabling capabilities. It also show the Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. It shows our vehicles LAST OTA as being 14 Oct 2021. I believe this software application shows current status of the OTA software and that this recall update on your website and MBUSA is incorrect. How do I go about getting this recall resolved. I can send you a screenshot of our MercedesMe Connect showing the current status of our vehicles OTA software. I've attached the screenshots of my MercedesMe Connect's OTA information. Hopefully nothing happens accident wise and the OTA not work...this would be a major liability for both MBUSA and NHTSA having faulty information in your database concerning this recall as being updated/corrected. If I don'

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Oct 18, 202231,415 milesFL

The contact's client owns a 2019 Mercedes Ben GLS450. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle began to smoke and caught fire. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. There were no injuries or air bag deployment. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,415.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 10, 2022WI

Factory equiped jack lift failed, bearing and ring ejected and vehicle fall on the ground, contacted manufactory, and Mercedes indicated they probably can replace a new jack but no more action they will take, the vehicle has a gross weight about 6400lbs, and with air suspension, the vehicle will need to be lift higher than normal in order to replace tire, the jack lift is obviously not hold the pressue that make it a serious safety concern, Mercedes should look into it not just drop the ball.

Tires
Filed Apr 19, 202234,000 milesNV

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: Scorpion Verde, Tire Size: 275/50/R20, DOT Number: UNFJN542. The contact stated that the driver's side front and rear tires were leaking air from the inner sidewall. The driver's side front and rear tires were replaced at a tire dealer but the failure recurred with the passenger's side rear tire and the tread separated. The tire dealer replaced the passenger's side rear tire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000. Vin was not available. Consumer stated all 3 tire blew while driving on the highway, tires were bought Jan. 2022.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 29, 202115,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY SHOP. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS.

20 of 24 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2021301220Routine
2020362210Routine
2019 — this page24310Routine
201814330Routine
201735860Routine
20160100Routine

Compare every GLS450 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: Mar 15, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.