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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 42owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 6fire reports
- 12%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class year on file: 42 complaints, against an average of 22 for the other 8 model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The components named most often in the 42 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 42 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSACoolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit
Risk: On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.
Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSASoftware update required to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace NOx sensor if necessary.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSABonding of the windshield may be inadequateYears estimated
Risk: The bonding of the windshield in the lower area may not correspond to the specification. During a collision the bonding may fail and the windscreen may detach. This could have an adverse affect on the effectiveness of the passenger airbag.
Fix: On affected vehicles check bonding and if necessary replace windscreen.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe 48V ground connection under the passenger seat may have become detached in the assembly process.This can increase electrical transition resistance at the point of connection. This can lead to an overheated ground connection and create a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): other; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe locking mechanism of the third row of seats may malfunction, which increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits.This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThere may be superfluous insulation material in the lower area of the windscreen which could damage the adhesion of the windscreen.As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, the passenger airbag would not be supported by the windscreen as intended, undermining the performance of the airbag and increasing the risk of injury for the passenger.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to incorrect functioning of the occupancy sensor system on the passenger's side, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners report?
12 of the 42 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 power and suddenly turned off. I was able to pull off onto the side of the freeway and then I saw smoke coming from under the hood and my wife and I exited the vehicle, called the fire department and the car burned completed on the side of the freeway and is a total loss. I believe the oil separator…
I was driving around and my [XXX] daughter was complaining that the seat was getting super hot . I told her to stop playing with the seat warmer she then replied she was not . I kept driving and then she again told me it was burning her so i pulled over and saw that her leg was super red and i saw the seat was pretty melted . I called mercedes care center and they adviced me to take it to my local mercedes dealer . They are quoting me almost 4000 dollars and also replied with this message, “Good afternoon [XXX] we heard back from Mercedes Benz CAC and they have advised us they are not offering…
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact heard an abnormal humming sound when the vehicle was started, and the humming sound grew louder over time. The contact believed that the humming sound was coming from the driver's side headlamp. The contact stated that the headlamp was equipped with a small internal fan to dissipate heat. Additionally, other electrical failures were occurring, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the blower motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the…
My 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission behavior related to the valve body and shifting mechanism. The transmission sometimes fails to engage Park, shifts on its own without driver input or attempts to engage Reverse unexpectedly. On multiple occasions the vehicle has moved or rolled after being placed in Park and once it appeared to shift itself toward Reverse. This behavior is a clear safety risk as the vehicle can suddenly lose control or move unexpectedly. It happens intermittently, without any dashboard warnings and often resets temporarily…
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 office building and triggered a multi-unit response from local fire and police departments. When I came downstairs, my vehicle was engulfed in flames. The front end was completely destroyed. Mercedes-Benz USA sent an investigator on September 8, 2025 to examine the wreck. Despite numerous…
Feel unsafe fuel rails and more where recalled in April 2022 Not all gls550 were recalled at the time due to no reason Drive to Florida with my wife and kids and car gave up on the side of a bridge hwy over the ocean We were stuck car smelt like gas and wouldn’t turn on we had nowhere to get out on a 25ft bridge with no ac no emergency lanes with 5 kids all under age of 6
Vehicle check engine light came on early August 2024. Vehicle was brought in for service and checked for codes. B1F4500 Battery has excessive resistance B21059A The operating conditions of component have not been satisfied. Battery was replaced and rechecked. Po4427A Evap leak detected P04F000 Charcoal canister has a malfunction Smoke tested EVAP system to see if there was any leaks and tested the valves to make sure EVAP system was working correctly. Charcoal canister not actuating correctly so was replaced and checked. Gas cap also replaced Several days later Check engine light returns. Code…
Fire started in the Engine and consumed the entire vehicle in less than 5 minutes
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle after driving in a rainstorm, the power steering malfunction message was displayed. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to the electronic power steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure and the contact was referred to…
Over time, the low beam lights have faded which make it very difficult to see at night.
THE OTHER DAY AFTER A STORM MY SUV WAS PARKED AT THE STREET AND WHEN I OPENED THE LIFT GATE WATER START TO COMING OUT FROM THE INTERIOR I ALSO COULD SEE WATER IN THE INTERIOR LIGTHS .
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT SAFE. FOWARD VISIBILITY IS VERY POOR. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class; the most common categories were engine (9, 21.4%), electrical system (8, 19%), exterior lighting (6, 14.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 6 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Across 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (21.4% of complaints), electrical system (19% of complaints), exterior lighting (14.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14.3% of complaints), steering (9.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (9.5%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11760731, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
3 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (7.1%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Headlights are not safe. foward visibility is very poor. this vehicle should not be driven at night especially in poor weather conditions." (NHTSA complaint 11298065, January 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own GLS-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.