2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 35 owner complaints about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, most often about the engine. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-787 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 has problems

35 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
Engine87
Electrical system84
Exterior lighting60
Fuel/propulsion system54
Steering40
Seats20
Power train20
Structure20
Suspension20
6 other systems61

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

8 recalls

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 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.

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 →

82%repaired · 2023 Q3

Communication

Recall 21V-072 · Feb 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles · 55 repaired

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

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 →

78%repaired · 2021 Q1

Communication

Recall 19V-787 · Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles · 18,993 repaired

Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 4 more recalls
94%repaired · 2019 Q4

Suspension: front

Recall 18V-272 · Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles · 9,138 repaired

Risk. The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2019 Q2

Doors: latch

Recall 17V-816 · Dec 18, 2017 · 8,700 vehicles · 8,057 repaired

Risk. If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

79%repaired · 2019 Q2

Passenger side: inflator module

Recall 17V-655 · Oct 17, 2017 · 3,620 vehicles · 2,870 repaired

Risk. If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

84%repaired · 2018 Q2

Latches/locks/linkages

Recall 17V-077 · Feb 8, 2017 · 5,882 vehicles · 4,930 repaired

Risk. In the event of a crash, if objects are not secured within the center console, they may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.

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

2017 vs. every other GLS450 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 GLS450 median. How we score

'16'17'18'19'20'21
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GLS450 owners report

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

On 8/20/2026 I had a vacuum leak from the intake manifold and crankcase hoses repaired at a Vic's Bimmer Shop in the city of Lancaster California. This included the replacement of the oil separator breather on the engine. I drove my Mercedes Benz 2017 GLS450 less than 100 miles and the engine lost…
Complaint 11760731 · Aug 30, 2026
On July 23, 2025, I drove my Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 to a medical appointment. After arriving, I parked near the valet station, turned off the car, and went inside to check in at LabCorp. Within two minutes, witnesses reported black smoke from the hood — followed by a violent explosion that shook the…
Complaint 11693202 · Oct 13, 2025
Car destroyed by fire on March 19, 2023 while at a quick stop near Chickasaw, OK. Car was last serviced by Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City in December 2022. No personal injuries just a total loss of the vehicle. Cause of the fire at present is unknown. Pictures are available.
Complaint 11513006 · Mar 21, 2023

Own a 2017 GLS450?

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