2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 6 GLB 250 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst among 6 model years, with 53 complaints, 20 recalls, 3 crashes, and 3 injuries. NHTSA ranks it worst first, and it is rated Avoid relative to other GLB 250 years.
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body14 (26%)
- Other12 (23%)
- Electrical System9 (17%)
- Engine9 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (11%)
- Fuel System5 (9%)
- Airbags4 (8%)
- Steering4 (8%)
- Brakes2 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the front axle integral carrier can fracture and detach while driving, in one case causing loss of steering control and a crash at around 45 mph.
- Side and curtain airbags reportedly fail to deploy or trigger malfunction warnings, in one case failing to protect a driver during a left-turn collision at around 35 mph.
- Some owners describe a dashboard that suddenly goes blank, losing speed and fuel gauge readouts while driving.
- The front fender flare trim has been reported to partially detach at highway speeds around 75-80 mph.
- Owners report the air conditioning control module failing very early, in one case at 1,200 miles.
- Multiple owners describe delays getting the structure and body recall (campaign 20V480000) repaired due to unavailable parts.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 recalls
20 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Structure & Body310,667 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
- NHTSA 23V732000Nov 1, 2023Brakes42,742 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other GLB 250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 reliable?
- Among the 6 model years with data, the 2020 GLB 250 has the highest Complaint Index (100) and ranks worst first, with 53 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other GLB 250 years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2020 GLB 250?
- Structure & Body issues account for 26% of complaints (14 complaints, median mileage 35,000), followed by Electrical System and Engine, each at 17% (9 complaints each).
- Does the 2020 GLB 250 have airbag recalls?
- Yes. Recall 21V639000 covers airbag control unit software that may not properly activate front seat belts and the front passenger airbag in a crash.
- How many recalls does the 2020 GLB 250 have?
- NHTSA lists 20 recalls for the 2020 GLB 250, covering areas including Structure & Body, Brakes, Electrical System, Suspension, Fuel System, and Airbags.
- How does the 2020 GLB 250 compare to other years?
- The 2020 model's Complaint Index of 100 is higher than the 2021 (60), 2022 (80), 2023 (40), 2024 (0), and 2025 (20), making it the worst-ranked year for reported problems.