repaired · 2026 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 37 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 22 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-118 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 12, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 has problems
37 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
10Engine1 crash/fire/injury
8Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
7Forward collision avoidance2 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
2Air bags
2Back over prevention
2Service brakes
2Structure
65 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 19 | 2 |
| Engine | 10 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 2 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 6 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
22 recalls
2020 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Control module: software
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system
Risk. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 18 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q3
Structure: body
Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
repaired · 2024 Q2
Wiring: interior/under dash
Risk. An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Seats
Risk. Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Appliance: air conditioner
Risk. Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Control module: software
Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
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.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Interior panels: dashboard
Risk. In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…
repaired · 2022 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Front: shock absorber
Risk. Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Structure: frame and members
Risk. If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Door: hinge and attachments
Risk. The detached trim can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Appliance: air conditioner
Risk. If a significant volume of water enters the driver and passenger side foot wells, it might cause corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components…
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
2020 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On November 12, 2026, my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 (approximately 60,000 miles) experienced a complete electrical shutdown while I was driving on California Highway 1 near Montara. The vehicle became completely inoperable in an active traffic lane. I could not restart it, shift it into Neutral, or…
AMENDMENT TO ACTIVE CASE 11723015. CRITICAL AIRBAG & SAFETY DEFECTS. This files a safety defect amendment to open case 11723015. Diagnostic scans confirm central data bus network collapse on VIN [XXX] has migrated into safety-critical occupant restraint and visibility modules, violating 49 U.S.C. §…
The engine wiring harness insulation near the ignition coil connectors prematurely deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to engine heat in the turbocharger/exhaust area. Multiple wiring connectors exhibited brittle, cracked insulation with exposed conductors. The degraded wiring began shorting…
Own a 2020 GLS450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.