YearToAvoid

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

40/100

#4 most-complained of 6 GLB 250 years

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 has 11 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 40, and 1 recall, ranking 4th worst out of 6 model years with a 'Good' verdict relative to other GLB 250 years. Engine issues are the top problem area at 36% of complaints.

Complaints
11
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26
23 city / 31 hwy

Top 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine4 (36%)
  2. Other3 (27%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain2 (18%)
  4. Visibility & Wipers2 (18%)
  5. Brakes1 (9%)
  6. Fuel System1 (9%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (9%)

What owners report

  • Some owners report the transmission losing motive power while driving, with the warning light illuminated and abnormal shuddering, at a median mileage of 18,000 miles.
  • The windshield washer stopped dispensing water, leaving owners unable to clean the windshield.
  • One owner reported the panoramic sunroof shattering suddenly while driving on the highway.
  • Multiple owners describe engine misfires tied to a cylinder head defect, with fault codes pointing to irregular fuel mixture in a cylinder.
  • One owner reported a complete engine rebuild after repeated engine problems within under two years of ownership.
  • An owner reported the vehicle failing to accelerate on demand, creating a near-collision situation.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 complaints: complaints filed per month4Jan 2025Jun 2025Sep 2025Feb 2026May 2026
14 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2025 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2026 (4).

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23 MPG
Highway
31 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,075
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.

2023 compared with other GLB 250 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021Caution60291126
2022Avoid8011126
2023Good4011126
2024No verdict04127.5
2025No verdict201227.5

All Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 reliable?
Compared to other GLB 250 model years, the 2023 has a 'Good' verdict, with 11 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 40, which is lower than the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years.
What problems does the 2023 GLB 250 have?
NHTSA complaints show Engine as the top problem area, making up 36% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain and Visibility & Wipers, each at 18%.
Does the 2023 GLB 250 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 GLB 250, covering a driver's door lock micro-switch that can corrode and prevent the electronic parking brake from engaging automatically.
How does the 2023 GLB 250 compare to other years?
The 2023 GLB 250 ranks 4th worst out of 6 model years with data, with a complaint index of 40, well below the 2020 model year's index of 100.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.