2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 30 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, most often about the engine. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-354 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 has problems

30 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine70
Electrical system40
Suspension40
Structure30
Power train30
Wheels20
Back over prevention20
Fuel/propulsion system20
Steering20
7 other systems70

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

11 recalls

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

100%repaired · 2024 Q3

Electronic stability control (ESC): control module

Recall 22V-679 · Sep 12, 2022 · 4 vehicles · 4 repaired

Risk. Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2026 Q2

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles · 219,931 repaired

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2024 Q1

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 22V-314 · May 9, 2022 · 88 vehicles · 83 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 7 more recalls
89%repaired · 2024 Q2

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 22V-232 · Apr 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles · 112,211 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q4

Air bags: frontal

Recall 22V-078 · Feb 11, 2022 · 50 vehicles · 48 repaired

Risk. An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2023 Q3

Air bags: side/window

Recall 21V-860 · Nov 5, 2021 · 46 vehicles · 43 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2023 Q4

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-354 · May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles · 279,011 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q1

Structure: body

Recall 21V-232 · Apr 1, 2021 · 2,362 vehicles · 2,270 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q2

Body: tailgate

Recall 21V-231 · Apr 1, 2021 · 5,215 vehicles · 5,029 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2023 Q4

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles · 1,231,020 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other GLB 250 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GLB 250 median. How we score

'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GLB 250 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11721700 · Mar 3, 2026
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…
Complaint 11704669 · Dec 12, 2025
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…
Complaint 11702151 · Nov 30, 2025

Own a 2021 GLB 250?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.