What year Mercedes-Benz Gls450 should I avoid?

Avoid the 2020 and 2021 model years. The 2020 has a complaint index of 100 with 36 complaints and 22 recall campaigns, and the 2021 has an index of 80 with 30 complaints and 12 recalls.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Gls450?

The 2018 Gls450 is rated Best, with only 14 complaints, a complaint index of 20, and 3 recall campaigns, the lowest complaint volume among the covered years.

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 reliable?

The 2017 Gls450 is rated Caution, with 35 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and 8 recall campaigns, with Electrical System issues as the top problem area.

What is the most common problem with the Mercedes-Benz Gls450?

Across all covered years, Electrical System issues are the top problem area, accounting for 51 of 139 total complaints (37%), followed by Engine problems at 22%.

Does the Mercedes-Benz Gls450 have a lot of recalls?

Yes. Across the 2016-2021 years, NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns total, with 2020 alone accounting for 22 recalls and 2021 for 12.

Mercedes-Benz Gls450 Best and Worst Years (2016–2021)

Avoid the 2020 and 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gls450: 2020 has the highest complaint index (100) with 36 complaints and 22 recall campaigns, and 2021 follows with an index of 80, 30 complaints, and 12 recalls. The 2018 model year is the best, with only 14 complaints and an index of 20.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2020 Avoid 2021 Best 2018

Model years: 6; 2016–2021
NHTSA complaints: 139
Recall campaigns: 32
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 13
Top problem area: Electrical System

Gls450 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz Gls450 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2016	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2017	Caution	60	35	1	6	8	Electrical System	19	—
2018	Best	20	14	1	3	3	Brakes	19	—
2019	Good	40	24	1	1	3	Engine	18	—
2020	Avoid	100	36	3	1	22	Electrical System	21	—
2021	Avoid	80	30	1	2	12	Electrical System	21	—

Gls450 years to avoid: what went wrong

2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 Index 100 · 36 complaints · 22 recalls

The 2020 Gls450 has the worst complaint index (100) among all years, with 36 complaints and 22 recall campaigns. Electrical System problems dominate, making up half of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 6,550 miles. Engine issues account for 28% of complaints with an even lower median mileage of 4,200 miles. Owners describe wiring harness insulation deteriorating near the ignition coil connectors, causing misfires and short circuits, plus 48-volt ground connection faults tied to a 2024 recall. Fuel System complaints reached a median mileage of just 2,600 miles. Three crashes and one fire were reported for this year.

2020 electrical system problems →

2021 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 Index 80 · 30 complaints · 12 recalls

The 2021 Gls450 carries a complaint index of 80, the second-highest of any year, with 30 complaints and 12 recall campaigns. Electrical System issues make up 47% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,000 miles, including a reported 48-volt battery failure that recurred a year apart and triggered dashboard warnings. Engine complaints show a median mileage of 7,000 miles. Owners also reported unexpected deceleration while cruise control was engaged and lane departure features jerking the steering. One crash and two fires were reported.

Most common Mercedes-Benz Gls450 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System51 (37%)
Engine31 (22%)
Other26 (19%)
Fuel System16 (12%)
Structure & Body15 (11%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain11 (8%)
Brakes9 (6%)
Steering7 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz Gls450 should I avoid?: Avoid the 2020 and 2021 model years. The 2020 has a complaint index of 100 with 36 complaints and 22 recall campaigns, and the 2021 has an index of 80 with 30 complaints and 12 recalls.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Gls450?: The 2018 Gls450 is rated Best, with only 14 complaints, a complaint index of 20, and 3 recall campaigns, the lowest complaint volume among the covered years.
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 reliable?: The 2017 Gls450 is rated Caution, with 35 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and 8 recall campaigns, with Electrical System issues as the top problem area.
What is the most common problem with the Mercedes-Benz Gls450?: Across all covered years, Electrical System issues are the top problem area, accounting for 51 of 139 total complaints (37%), followed by Engine problems at 22%.
Does the Mercedes-Benz Gls450 have a lot of recalls?: Yes. Across the 2016-2021 years, NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns total, with 2020 alone accounting for 22 recalls and 2021 for 12.