Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC
SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Aug 22, 2026 to Sep 9, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year21,135 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2026 suv
Severity index50.02026 suvs average 10.9
First 24 monthsOpenWindow has not closed yet
Components
50% of complaints about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
2 recall campaigns cover the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-353 | May 29, 2026 | Bolts for the rear seat belts may not be tightened properly | Seat belts | 203 | Part replacement |
| 26V-199 | Mar 27, 2026 | Passenger air bag fabric may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended | Airbags | 932 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 6, 20262,000 milesWoodland Hills, CATv/radio/speakers1 injured
The contact owns a 2026 Mercedes GLS 450 4MATIC. The contact stated that while his daughter was sitting in the rear driver's side seat and attempting to exit the vehicle, the speaker on the rear driver's door scraped her right elbow. The contact stated that the screw holes for the speaker had jaggedly sharp edges, and the holes on the speakers looked like perforations on a grater. The contact stated that the other shiny metal door speakers on each door were also sharp and posed a potential injury risk. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The dealer did not believe that the screw holes on the speaker were sharp. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint 11763023 - Filed Aug 22, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026Selden, NYEngine, Unknown or other
On Thursday, August 20th at approxmately 5:30PM my 2026 Mercedes Benz suffered a catastrophic transfer case failure and driveshhaft failure at highways speeds, causing a complete loss of propulsion. Putting me in immediate danger of on coming traffic. After the got to the shoulder I waited about 3 plus hours in pouring rain waiting for Mercedes Benz roadside assistance. The safety of this vehicle put me, my wife and family in immediate danger if this happens again. I do have a video I cannot upload as is is too large, but have loaded an image of the car in service showing transfer case. Please let me know how i can share the video.
NHTSA complaint 11758717
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
44 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- LI35.31-P-080353 Sep 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghorn‑like) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the above‑mentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi), noises can occur from the rear axle differ… - LI54.71-P-079104 Sep 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("‑ ‑"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit… - LI83.30-P-077763 Sep 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. *NOTE ‑ Use of tracer DYE for leak checks is not approved. Only approved leak check procedures as per WIS are approved. Cause Possible refrigerant leak. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Imp… - LI54.21-P-080326 Sep 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivabili… - LI42.10-P-080253 Sep 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint When coming to a stop or at slow speeds, brakes produce light squealing noise. Cause Optimized brake pads may produce some noise and is normal at low speeds and light pressure. If the noise begins when the weather is colder, brake noise during thi… - LI83.55-P-080937 Sep 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Cause Internal failure of the scroll wheel within the AC compressor. Remedy Check the compressor's index and part number Figure 1 against Table 1. If listed please perform the following: 1. Replace the compressor, drier, and expansion valve using the applic… - LI46.35-P-067339 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not imp… - LI46.00-P-079786 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Noise from front end thought to be from steering gear. Cause During diagnostics of a front end noise, workshop is under the impression the noise is coming from the steering gear. Remedy If the root cause of the noise cannot be found and is seeming… - LI54.71-P-079104 Aug 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("‑ ‑"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit… - LI72.20-P-075746 Aug 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so… - LI54.65-P-080132 Aug 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached di… - LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis wor… - LI54.21-P-080326 Jul 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivabili… - LI46.00-P-079786 Jul 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Noise from front end attributable to steering gear. Cause During diagnostics of a front end noise, workshop is under the impression the noise is coming from the steering gear. Remedy Workshop diagnostics point to the steering gear as the root caus… - LI54.71-P-079104 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit… - LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by exp… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 7/3 Jul 3, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 23rd, 2026. After July … - LI82.60-P-080383 Jul 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head U… - LI32.34-P-080645 Jun 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Rattle or clunking noise from underneath the vehicle when driving over uneven/bumpy surfaces. Cause Internal tolerances of the electric rollbar. Remedy 1. Confirm front or rear roll bar. 2. Remove the affected sway bar links and carefully drive ve… - LI82.60-P-080702 Jun 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. Maybach Night Series image not being displayed in Head Unit, Instrument Cluster, CCR and RSU displays 2. Car line picture mismatch between Instrument Cluster and Head Unit display 3. Menu icons missing in Head Unit, Instrument Cluster, CCR and … - LI00.20-P-080703 Jun 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the… - LI00.20-P-077615 Jun 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. "Perform vehicle handover" in the workshop menu to start the maintenance computer for service A/B cannot be carried out. 2. Service confirmation is not possible because "Perform vehicle handover" is displayed. This cannot be carried out. 3. The… - LI82.85-P-080507 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N1… - LI00.20-P-077615 May 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. "Perform vehicle handover" in the workshop menu to start the maintenance computer for service A/B cannot be carried out. 2. Service confirmation is not possible because "Perform vehicle handover" is displayed. This cannot be carried out. 3. The… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/29 May 30, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 18, 2026. After June 18… - LI46.15-P-070510 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Noises from the area of the steering column. - Creaking - Squeaking - Chattering - Humming - Grinding Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible n… - LI82.30-P-078932 May 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Approx. A 5–10 cm wide unwiped strip remains in the area of the wiper blade attachment during the downward movement of the wiper on the driver's side or front passenger side (see Figure 1). Cause During replacement of worn wiper blades, the wrong … - LI82.10-P-080467 May 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Despite the IC message shown in these complaints, the primary low-beam function is not restricted. Complaint No. 1: Sporadic "Headlamp Inoperative" message in the instrument cluster (IC), fault code in control unit N10/6 FSAM: • U118A02 communicat… - LI54.65-P-080132 May 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI33.20-P-078406 May 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp… - LI46.15-P-070510 May 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible noises. • Instrument panel support • Steering column switch module If noise only occurs when adjusting the steeri… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/08 May 8, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, May 28, 2026. After May 28th… - LI54.30-P-080421 May 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Head-up display flickering in BR167. Cause Software A 40/12 - Head-up display and N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC). Remedy Please do not replace any parts The following steps need to be performed in the order shown below: 1. Xentry > Special funct… - LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm… - LI42.10-P-080253 Apr 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint When coming to a stop or at slow speeds, brakes produce light squealing noise. Cause Optimized brake pads may produce some noise. Remedy NOTE: Exchanging brake discs for noise is not a permanent measure for noise mitigation and cannot be claimed u… - LI00.01-P-078887 Apr 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster q… - LI54.30-P-080421 Apr 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Head-up display flickers Cause Software A 40/12 - Head-up display and N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC). Remedy Please do not replace any parts. Step1: Please add SA code 2O8 to the vehicle. Step2: Update the HUD177 to the latest SW Step3: Update t… - LI88.70-P-079818 Apr 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint There may be a cosmetic fault in the projection of the logo projector of the outside mirror (left/right). Cause Delamination of film on carrier plate. Remedy Additional replacement part numbers have been approved for the affected model series V/C/… - LI33.20-P-078406 Apr 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp… - LI54.30-P-080421 Apr 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Head-up display flickers Cause Software A 40/12 - Head-up display and N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC). Remedy Please do not replace any parts. Step1: Please add SA code 2O8 to the vehicle. Step2: Update the HUD177 to the latest SW Step3: Update t… - LI72.20-P-075746 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so… - LI54.71-P-079104 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit… - LI82.30-P-078932 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Approx. A 5–10 cm wide unwiped strip remains in the area of the wiper blade attachment during the downward movement of the wiper on the driver's side or front passenger side (see Figure 1). Cause During replacement of worn wiper blades, the wrong … - LI82.60-P-080383 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head U…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.