repaired · 2026 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-832 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 20, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
3Lane departure
3Engine
2Seats2 crash/fire/injury
2Forward collision avoidance
1Seat belts
1Power train
1Steering
1Structure
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 14 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2021 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 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase 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.
Show 8 more recalls
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.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Structure: body
Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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 Q1
Visibility: glass, side/rear
Risk. Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 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 · 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.
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 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 [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to…
System malfunctioned detail: 48v battery malfunction, 12v battery malfunction. Safety concern: I was driving on [XXX], the battery malfunction warning suddenly pop up, and I couldn't accelerate my car beyond 30 MPH, my whole family were on the car during that time. it's life threatening issue needs…
Vehicle has just over 31k miles. ON multiple occasions, the vehicle randomly shuts off and displays a 48 volt battery error on the screen followed by a check engine light. This has happened in the middle of a busy intersection and at 75mph on the interstate. Each time it does this, I have taken it…
Own a 2021 GLS450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.