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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 38owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 3injuries reported
38 complaints, against an average of 23 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The components named most often in the 38 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 38 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 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 2021 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 DVSAOn affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Risk: On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Fix: Replace the fuel pump module.
UK DVSAThe springs in the locking mechanism of the seat backrest of the third seat row may not have been installed in accordance with the…THE SPRINGS IN THE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE SEAT BACKREST OF THE THIRD SEAT ROW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS
Risk: The springs in the locking mechanism of the seat backrest of the third seat row may not have been installed in accordance with the specifications.
Fix: Check the springs in the seat backrest of the 3rd seat row on the affected vehicles and replace the seat backrest if necessary.
UK DVSAThe fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specifications
Risk: The fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the fixation of the trim bars on the rear door windows and rework them if necessary.
UK DVSAThe bolting of a 12v power supply line might be fastened with an insufficient torque
Risk: The bolting of a 12V power supply line might be fastened with an insufficient torque.
Fix: Check the bolting of the wiring harness for correct torque and correct it if necessary. Additionally the contact area will be checked for potentially existing damages and if necessary the affected electrical lines and the contact module will be replaced.
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 DVSAThe software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles the software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications.
Fix: Conduct an update the software of the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.
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 seat assembly condition might not meet specifications
Risk: On certain vehicles the seat assembly condition might not meet specifications
Fix: Conduct a check of the seats on the affected vehicles and rework them 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.
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 GateInsufficient fastening of the bolts can cause the steering coupling to come loose from the steering spindle.This affects the steering capacity of the vehicle, creating a 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 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
What do 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owners report?
12 of the 38 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 vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational safety systems, hazard lights, or air conditioning in extreme 100+ degree heat. This roadside isolation created an immediate physical hazard and directly inflicted acute heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, requiring a subsequent emergency…
48V battery has repeated failures where I'm driving. safety concern, When it fail, it will pop up warning1) only drive below 50 miles/hour; then it becomes2) stop vehicle immediately; then ) multi-media system suddenly shut off while I'm driving. I tested by 48V battery which only has below 60% health. with 4 error code all related to V48 battery and management system: B183214; B183216; B183217; B183371; 48V battery is under Emission control component warranty which has 5 years/50000miles in Federal for MediumDutyVehicle and 7 years/80000 in WA state. My car is listed as MediumDutyVehicle in…
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
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 navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. Safely, i reached the side of the interstate and exited the vehicle. As I stood from afar watching my vehicle burn; the reality sat it that a few minutes earlier that could have been me trapped burning…
Delivered an unfinished or car with a broken part,Seat Problem not locking properly, Electrical Problem, Engine Light Came on, ESP warning, Suspension Problem, Battery Problem, Steering Jerking, Mirror Problem which they said Mercedes Benz aware of it, some sort of sound, car getting hot excessively.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact received notification of 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.
Wipers - I have had repeated issues with the windshield wipers on this vehicle. I have taken it to the dealership 3 times and I have not gotten a satisfactory solution to the issue. The wipers skip across the windshield making intermittent wipers distracting. The dealer's service manager said this is a known issue caused by the OEM wiper blades. I've also been told they can't recommend a solution. AC - The AC in my 2021 GLS 450 smells like moldy socks which makes me suspect there is some build up on the coils or in the vent. I had the vehicle serviced 2 times at the dealership for this issue…
Mercedes has launch a Campaign Nr 2022010001 Campaign Desc: 21P0699002 in which will retrofit augmented reality camera in 1147 vehicle model year 2021-2022 . My car came without this camera due to the chip shortage during the COVID . I contacted Mercedes Benc USA and the rep told me to contact NHTSA in order to add my car as a part of this Campaign in order to repair this safety future on my car. This camera affect Lane keeping assistance and Lane Departure warning.
On four occasions my car has stalled while in traffic very early in my ownership and then it happened again today with my family in the car and nearly caused an accident. The entire dash lights up with every warning when it happens. Sometimes the check engine light comes on after I shut the car off and restart it. My Mercedes dealer has had it in multiple times for this reason. The last time it was in for this (May of 2022) they "reprogrammed" the entire car. It happening again today has really made me lose a lot of faith in the vehicle, especially since we purchased it for the safety factors…
Repeated failures of 48 volt battery system has shut vehicle totally off while under highspeed and in traffic
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Lane Departure safety feature independently activated as he attempted to avoid either a person or an object in the lane of traffic. As the contact attempted to steer around the pedestrian or object in the lane of traffic, the safety feature independently jerked the vehicle back into the lane and into the pedestrian or object he attempted to avoid. The contact stated that a RED icon alert would appear on the instrument panel that the vehicle was encroaching the opposite lane of traffic…
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS63. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the collision warning sensor was activated with an audio alarm and warning on the display screen. The contact stated that there were no objects in the roadway or close to the vehicle. The contact stated that she had deactivated the driver assistance functions in the vehicle and the failure still occurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to wash the vehicle. The contact stated that the…
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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (17, 44.7%), engine (5, 13.2%), forward collision avoidance (3, 7.9%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Across 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (44.7% of complaints), engine (13.2% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (7.9% of complaints), lane departure (7.9% of complaints), fuel system (5.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why won't my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class start?
6 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (15.8%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Incident 1: May 2022 Vehicle was sitting in driveway overnight and would not start in the morning. Had a 48V battery warning on. Towed to dealership. Said it was a delay software update." (NHTSA complaint 11492640, November 2022). 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 does the battery keep dying on my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
4 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (10.5%) describe a dead or draining battery. One owner wrote: "We accepted delivery of our brand new vehicle in May 2021 from the dealer. In July 2021, the vehicle became completely disabled due to failure of the 48 volt battery." (NHTSA complaint 11561635, December 2023). 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 is the check engine light on in my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
3 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (7.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Delivered an unfinished or car with a broken part,Seat Problem not locking properly, Electrical Problem, Engine Light Came on, ESP warning, Suspension Problem, Battery Problem, Steering Jerking, Mirror Problem which they said Mercedes Benz aware of it, some…" (NHTSA complaint 11574364, February 2024). 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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.