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Mercedes-Benz · Midsize / large SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Hybrid
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
4 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls3 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA37
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA21 mpg
2026202520242023202220212020201920182017

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid midsize or large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLS450 4matic, is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 37 complaints, most often about the electrical system.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLS450 4maticHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion202421$3,700
GLS580 4maticHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion162118$4,300
AMG GLS63 4matic PlusHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion141816$4,850
GLS600 4matic MaybachHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion151916$4,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43170, 43555, 42980, 43553.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 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 (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Electrical System

2024040002
116,020 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskAn overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V207000reported Mar 15, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Power Train

105,071 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 24V118000reported Feb 16, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign 23V445000reported Jun 26, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Visibility

2023030014 & 15
61,450 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.RiskWater intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.
NHTSA campaign 23V177000reported Mar 17, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2022100011
59,574 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.RiskA seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.
NHTSA campaign 22V732000reported Sep 30, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

2022090010
161,000 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.RiskDetached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.
NHTSA campaign 22V680000reported Sep 12, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskA 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.FixThe 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2022040017
21,306 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.RiskAn overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.
NHTSA campaign 22V231000reported Apr 8, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Visibility

2021110007
23 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.RiskDetached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V832000reported Oct 22, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021050012
343,191 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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."RiskA backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixThe 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V354000reported May 14, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

2020030019
2,101 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."RiskIf the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
NHTSA campaign 20V089000reported Feb 14, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
37complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 3 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 4 · 2022: 11 · 2023: 8 · 2024: 8 · 2025: 4 · 2026: 2

Most-cited components

Electrical System17
Unspecified8
Engine5
Lane Departure4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Seats2

What owners describe

“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 emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin compl…”Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“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 shut off while I'm driving. I tested by 48V battery which only has below 60% health. with 4 error cod…”Apr 10, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“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. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who referred the contact to the local dealer for ass…”Nov 24, 2025 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA owner report

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 NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other GLS-Class model years

B

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

2 recalls · 2 complaints

A

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

1 recalls · 10 complaints

A

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

0 recalls · 19 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

5 recalls · 10 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

10 recalls · 15 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

24 recalls · 38 complaints

C

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

3 recalls · 28 complaints

B

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

4 recalls · 22 complaints

F

2017 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.

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