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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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
- 22owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 3fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
22 complaints, against an average of 25 for the other 8 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The components named most often in the 22 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 22 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 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 2018 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 DVSASRPC2405 - Bolting of 48V ground connectionBolting of 48V ground connection
Risk: On affected vehicles the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat might have come loose.
Fix: Check the bolting of the ground connection and correct it if necessary.
UK DVSASRPC 2402 - Downshift operation transmission software
Risk: On certain vehicles the software of the transmission control unit might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the transmission control unit software on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAInstallation of A/C drain hoses
Risk: On certain vehicles the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle.
Fix: Check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation if necessary.
UK DVSAThe bolting of the 48v ground connection under the passenger seat might be fastened with an insufficient torque
Risk: The bolting of the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat might be fastened with an insufficient torque.
Fix: Check the bolting of the ground connection on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.
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 air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle
Risk: The air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle.
Fix: Conduct a check of the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation if necessary.
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 DVSAThe high voltage wiring harness shield may not permanently withstand the electrical loads that are induced under certain driving profiles
Risk: The shield for the high-voltage wiring harness may not permanently withstand the electrical loads that are induced under certain driving profiles
Fix: Replace the high-voltage wiring harness on the affected vehicles
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 DVSAThe fixation of the rear door windows trim bar may not meet specification
Risk: The fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specification.
Fix: Check the fixation of the trim bars on the rear door windows and rework them if necessary.
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 DVSARear axle brake caliper may not have been manufactured according to specification
Risk: Hydrogen may be embedded in the piston material of rear brake calipers.
Fix: Bleed the hydraulic brake system of the rear axle of affected vehicles.
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 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 air conditioner may be faulty, which can lead to short circuits and/or fire.The automatic emergency call (eCall) may fail and the vehicle may not unlock and/or start. The emergency engine operation mode can be activated while driving. These errors create risks of injury.
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 bolt for the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat may have been secured with insufficient torque.As a result, the electrical resistance of the connection could increase and the temperature may therefore rise in this area, posing a 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 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 GateIn certain GLE/GLS (BR 167) and C-class vehicles, the seats might be constructed incomplete or with unintended trim, increasing the risk…In certain GLE/GLS (BR 167) and C-class vehicles, the seats might be constructed incomplete or with unintended trim, increasing 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 condensed water drainage hose of the air-conditioning system may not be properly fitted and could spontaneously detach.Consequently, condensation water could enter the passenger compartment and corrode electrical components, which could lead to short-circuits increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, this corrosion might cause different electrical systems to malfunction, increasing the risk of 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 surface of the instrument panel might not be adequately bonded to the base support.As a result, the opening behaviour of the passenger airbag could be impaired, increasing 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 windscreen may be incorrectly bonded and could become detached from the body of the car in the event of a crash.A passenger airbag being deployed in this case could not be supported by the windscreen as intended. As a result, the restraining effect of the passenger airbag could be impaired, increasing the risk of injury to 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 GateThe ESP control unit software does not comply with the specifications and may not be able to adapt to the type of brakes installed.This can cause the ESP system to be unable to respond as intended to a possible drift of the yaw rate sensor or to a failure of the brake vacuum supply. As a result, the ESP intervention may be inappropriate to the driving situation, increasing the 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 garnish moulding to the window stay bar of the rear doors may not be installed correctly.As a result, the garnish moulding could become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.
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 pistons on the rear axle brake callipers are inadequate.This may lead to reduced braking performance or failure of the rear brake circuit.
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 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners report?
12 of the 22 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.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound when making a right turn, and an abnormal ticking sound at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. Another driver informed the contact that the front passenger-side wheel was loose and followed the contact to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sway bar needed to be replaced; however, the sway bar was only adjusted. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The dealer was notified and…
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired. April 2025: Second brake failure. Brakes failed again. Repaired. The mechanic stated the line was too close to the wheelbase, resulting in a pinpoint-sized hole. No warning lights. July 2025: Engine failure - the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown while driving with no warning lights. Vehicle in shop for 6-8 weeks for engine replacement by certified Mercedes…
Brake brakes are terrible. They have other years that they’ve acknowledge that the break are spongy and at times does not break the GLS has that defect. Also smell of gas fumes inside the vehicle. Please direct me the right way and help me with this issue. The brake issue almost have caused me two major accidents car doesn’t stop mechanic says this is a Mercedes issue You may contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When attempting to rise/lower the automatic suspension, the compressor cooling notification pops up, followed by a malfunction. After this occurs, the vehicle is incredibly bumpy, to the point of it being unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been repaired twice already by the dealership under extended warranty and the condition has occurred a third time in less than three weeks. This is our family vehicle, and we cannot drive it due to the risk of shaken baby syndrome for our infant because of how much it bumps. Videos are available to show just how bad it is.
While driving our 2018 Mercedes GLS 450 down Highway 80 just outside Sacramento, CA, the stationary glass panel of our panoramic sunroof spontaneously explpoded. There was no impact by any outside force, it just shattered with the sound similar to a gunshot. Fortunately I did not lose control of the vehicle, and thankfully the sun shade was closed otherwise broken glass would have showered down into my vehicle. this happened in early evening (around 7:00PM and the ambient temperature was 66 degrees outside, so this had nothing to do with temperature either. Mercedes Benz told me that since I…
The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch off, the driver suddenly discovered flames were coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 15,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS550. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed there was an abnormal noise detected. The brake warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pad on one side of the disc was completely worn, and the other side of the disc was like new with a full thick pad. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the brake rotor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was…
PART OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT. THERE WERE NO CARS OR TREES AROUND AT THE TIME. NOTHING TOUCHED THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED.
I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE 3 TIMES IN 4 MONTHS. THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THAT THE LEFT REAR SHOCK WAS LEAKING WHICH MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. THERE WAS ALSO AN ODOR PROBLEM WITH THE CAR THAT WAS COMING FROM THE VENTILATIONS. THESE TWO PROBLEMS WERE FIXED. I TOOK THE CAR ANOTHER TIME. THERE WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE ECO START/STOP FUNCTION AND A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR TRUNK ONLY CLOSING HALFWAY. THE ECO START/STOP FUNCTION WAS FIXED BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T DETECT A PROBLEM WITH THE TRUNK. THE THIRD TIME I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE I PROVIDED…
SEATBELT HAD TIGHTENED AND NOT RELEASED WHEN MY BODY MOVES. BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED. TYPICALLY DURING DRIVING I'M SMALL ENOUGH TO MANEUVER MY HAND DOWN TO RELEASE RED SEAT BELT BUTTON. *TR I'VE HAD TO STOP MY VEHICLE 5-10 TIMES TO RELEASE BELT. I HAVE 2 SMALL KIDS 7/ 11 BOTH ARE 60 POUNDS THEY ARE 4 FEET TALL AND 4'6' 7 YEAR OLD STILL USES BOOSTER I''VE CHECKED BELTS TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY BUT I'M 110 LBS 5'2' AND HAVE NO MECHANICAL TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE OR CERTIFICATIONS THIS HAS BEEN NOTED TO MERCEDES AND THE PROBLEM IS NEVER REALLY DISCUSSED. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UNDER ALL…
I FOUND OUT THAT ONLY ON 2018 MERCEDES GLS MODELS, THE CAR LETS YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITHOUT A WARNING AND PUTS THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY. IT DOES NOT PUT THE CAR TO 'P' OR GIVES YOU A WARNING SAYING YOU NEED TO PUT THE GEAR TO 'P' TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN ANY CAR. BASICALLY YOU BRAKE AND STOP THEN TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITH THE BUTTON. THE CAR SHIFTS TO 'N' INSTEAD OF 'P' AND IF YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR SLIDES SINCE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. EVEN OLDER CARS DO NOT LET YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE BEFORE SHIFTING TO P AR NEVER CARS JUST AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS TO…
WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, CAR SHIFTED ITSELF FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ANY DRIVER INPUT. ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH TURNED ON. DRIVER UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM NEUTRAL BACK TO DRIVE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DRIVER COULD ONLY SHIFT TO PARK. DRIVER SHIFTED VEHICLE TO PARK AND TRIED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. DRIVER TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED CAR, AT WHICH POINT DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. DRIVER REPORTS NO USER ERROR (I.E. DID NOT ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE SHIFTER, DID NOT HIT ENGINE ON/OFF BUTTON) AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS…
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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class; the most common categories were service brakes (5, 22.7%), suspension (4, 18.2%), electrical system (3, 13.6%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 3 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Across 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (22.7% of complaints), suspension (18.2% of complaints), electrical system (13.6% of complaints), engine (9.1% of complaints), power train (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
3 of the 22 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (13.6%) describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. One owner wrote: "This 2018 gls 450 has issues with suspension system. Bought this car in 2023 and using since Jna 2023 and suspension system failed like 3 -4 times. Mechanic changed the air compressor , valves and others and still the car has same issue." (NHTSA complaint 11654511, April 2025). 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 2018 only.