2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 carries a complaint index of 80, the second-worst of six model years, and an Avoid verdict. It has 29 NHTSA complaints, 11 recall campaigns, and engine problems as the top complaint category at 24% of reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #2 of 6 GLB 250 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 29
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other10 (34%)
- Engine7 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (21%)
- Electrical System4 (14%)
- Structure & Body3 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine jerking with loud noises and rough, diesel-like idling after accelerating from a stop, sometimes with camshaft position faults and metal particles found in the oil filter.
- Some describe a cylinder head failure that led to complete engine seizure, even after a dealer attempted a repair.
- Others report loud clunking, thumping, and cracking noises from the front axle area at low speeds.
- At 30,600 miles, one owner reported vibration and a flapping sound from the tires while driving 70 mph.
- Owners describe the entire electrical system shutting off while driving, disabling the dashboard and triggering the check engine light.
- Some report the horn randomly honking on its own while driving.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 recalls
11 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 22V679000Sep 12, 2022Brakes4 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB250 vehicles. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit may be damaged, which can result in disabled anti-lock brakes (ABS), disabled electronic stability control (ESC), and an electrical short circuit.
Risk: Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ESP unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090009.
- 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.
2021 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.
2021 compared with other GLB 250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 GLB 250 ranks second-worst among six model years, with a complaint index of 80 and an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GLB 250?
- Engine issues make up 24% of complaints, followed by suspension, wheels and tires at 21% and electrical system problems at 14%, according to NHTSA data.
- How many recalls does the 2021 GLB 250 have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2021 GLB 250, covering areas including airbags, electrical system, brakes, collision avoidance cameras, and structure and body.
- Which GLB 250 model years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data shows 2020 as the worst year with a complaint index of 100 and 20 recalls, followed by 2021 with a complaint index of 80. The 2023 model year has the lowest complaint index at 40 among years with a verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 GLB 250?
- EPA rates the 2021 GLB 250 at 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050.