2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid midsize or large SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLS450 4matic, is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for this model year, 6 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 38 complaints, most often about the electrical system.
Specs & fuel economy
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov| Configuration | Powertrain | Drive | Engine / motor | City | Hwy | Comb | Annual fuel* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLS450 4matic | Hybrid | 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,700 |
| GLS580 4matic | Hybrid | 4WD | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,300 |
*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 41788, 42353.
Factory warranty running out?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.
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Recalls (24)
Source: NHTSA recall databasePower Train
Visibility
2023110007Visibility
2023030014 & 15Seats
2022100011Structure
2022090010Air Bags
2022070006Electrical System
See Recall ScheduleElectrical System
2022040017Back Over Prevention
2022060007Fuel System, Gasoline
2022030003Seats
2021110010Air Bags
2021100001Electrical System
2021050012Equipment
2021040024Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
2021030004Electrical System
2021020025Structure
2021030003Electrical System
2020100015/6Suspension
2020090001Structure
2020060013Electrical System
2020030019Structure
2019100011Equipment
2019080005Owner complaints
Source: NHTSA complaint database3 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 3 injuries · 0 deaths reported
Filed per year: 2020: 3 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2024: 8 · 2025: 8 · 2026: 7
Most-cited components
What owners describe
Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.
Crash ratings
Source: NHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.
Other GLS-Class model years
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
2 recalls · 2 complaints
A2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
1 recalls · 10 complaints
A2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
0 recalls · 19 complaints
F2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
5 recalls · 10 complaints
F2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
10 recalls · 15 complaints
F2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
12 recalls · 37 complaints
C2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
3 recalls · 28 complaints
B2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
4 recalls · 22 complaints
F2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
10 recalls · 42 complaints
Sources & method
Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.
EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.