2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#3 most-complained of 6 Gls450 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 has a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 3rd worst among 6 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 35 complaints, 8 recalls, 6 fires, and 1 crash, with Electrical System issues topping complaints at 37% share.
- Complaints
- 35
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 6
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 22 hwy
Top 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System13 (37%)
- Engine8 (23%)
- Other7 (20%)
- Fuel System6 (17%)
- Steering4 (11%)
- Structure & Body4 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
What owners report
- Vehicles have caught fire while parked or shortly after being turned off, with owners noticing heat or burning odors from the console area before flames appeared.
- Fires have also started in the engine bay, in one case consuming the vehicle within minutes and in another triggering an explosion described by witnesses.
- A faulty engine wire harness caused sudden loss of power while driving in traffic, with owners reporting the wire was pinched and chafed from incorrect assembly.
- The vehicle has swerved unexpectedly at highway speed without driver input, described as feeling like it had a mind of its own.
- Rear differential axle seals were reported as distorted at low mileage, causing fluid to leak from incorrectly installed seals.
- The passenger seat has failed to move forward and backward properly, raising concern that it would not function correctly in a crash.
2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 21V072000Feb 12, 2021Other67 vehicles
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
- NHTSA 21V058000Feb 5, 2021Other1,292,258 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Communication: auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 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.
2017 compared with other Gls450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls450 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 Gls450 has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 3rd worst among 6 model years covered, earning a Caution verdict relative to other Gls450 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 Gls450?
- Electrical System complaints lead with 13 complaints, making up 37% of all reported issues, including 4 fires linked to this system.
- Does the 2017 Gls450 have fire risk?
- NHTSA data shows 6 fires reported for the 2017 Gls450, with fires occurring in both the Electrical System and Engine problem areas.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Gls450 have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2017 Gls450, covering areas such as Electrical System, Structure & Body, Airbags, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, none of them do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 Gls450 compare to the 2020 and 2021 models?
- The 2020 model year has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and the 2021 at 80, both rated Avoid, while the 2017 model sits lower at 60 with a Caution verdict.