2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
0 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Pattern summary
There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2016 | 2017 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 822.9%ODI 10934831 · 1,000 miVEHICLE IS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. A FAULTY ENGINE WIRE HARNESS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CEASE OPERATING IN TRAFFIC AND PUT MY FAMILY IN A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. MERCEDES DID NOT REPLACE BUT ONLY "REPAIRED" THE WIRE, WHICH WE WERE TOLD WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY AND WAS PINCHED IN A BRACKET AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFED, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY STILL CAUSE A LIFE THREATENING ENGINE MALFUNCTION DURING NORMAL OPERATION. MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HARNESS WIRE, NOR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1343.3%ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi2021 GLS 450 VIN # [VIN removed] Purch: Nov 26, 2022 UAG Fairfield Auto Group CM, LLC,DBA MERCEDES BENZ OF FAIRFIELD Odometer Date of Purchase 10,084 Odometer Currently *13,700 (onboard notification) TIMELINE: Total vehicle system fails while driving on highway lost engine, steering, power suddenly - stranded. November 27, 2021 Loud interference noise coming from MBUX screen, faulty graphics flashing, app not functioning. Extreme Loud “blower” noise coming from heater. Vehicle start would not work as the vehicle did not recognize key was in… |
| Unknown Or Other | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 720.0%ODI 10969872 · 1,750 miWHILE DRIVING DOWN THE TURNER TURNPIKE (BETWEEN TULSA AND OKC, AROUND 70-75MPH)THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING HAS SWERVED LEFT AND RIGHT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE ACTION FELT AS IF THE HAND OF GOD WAS THROWING US LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. THE CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. THEN THE LAST TIME THAT I DROVE THE CAR IT SUDDENLY YANKED ME OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING, LITERALLY TRYING TO KILL US. THIS LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR HAD AROUND 1,750 MILES ON IT. THE THING IS DANGEROUS! I NOW OWN A CAR THAT I CAN'T PUT MY FAMILY IN AND SHOULD… | 125.0%ODI 11322877 · 4,500 miI WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 826.7%ODI 11442482The car would not start and could not be jumped. I'm told it's the 48V battery has to be replaced. I have seen on the internet numerous people have the same problem and that a large batch of these 48V batteries are the problem. Error message displays stop the vehicle and more details advises battery is malfunctioning and do not continue driving. |
| Engine | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 822.9%ODI 10934831 · 1,000 miVEHICLE IS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. A FAULTY ENGINE WIRE HARNESS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CEASE OPERATING IN TRAFFIC AND PUT MY FAMILY IN A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. MERCEDES DID NOT REPLACE BUT ONLY "REPAIRED" THE WIRE, WHICH WE WERE TOLD WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY AND WAS PINCHED IN A BRACKET AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFED, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY STILL CAUSE A LIFE THREATENING ENGINE MALFUNCTION DURING NORMAL OPERATION. MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HARNESS WIRE, NOR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. | 125.0%ODI 11288497 · 13,000 miDRIVING ON FREEWAY AT ̃75MPH TOWARD 202 W ARIZONA FREEWAY, DASHBOARD SHOWED A "ENGINE MALFUNCTION + 48 V BATTERY SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL:. 1 MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ERROR ON SCREEN SAYING, COOLANT OFF TURN ENGINE OFF. THEN THE CAR LOST THE POWER IN THE MIDDLE LANE OFF FREEWAY. LUCKILY NO CARS BEHIND US. CAR IN SERVICE AT MERCEDES DEALER IN CHANDLER AZ | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 310.0%ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi2021 GLS 450 VIN # [VIN removed] Purch: Nov 26, 2022 UAG Fairfield Auto Group CM, LLC,DBA MERCEDES BENZ OF FAIRFIELD Odometer Date of Purchase 10,084 Odometer Currently *13,700 (onboard notification) TIMELINE: Total vehicle system fails while driving on highway lost engine, steering, power suddenly - stranded. November 27, 2021 Loud interference noise coming from MBUX screen, faulty graphics flashing, app not functioning. Extreme Loud “blower” noise coming from heater. Vehicle start would not work as the vehicle did not recognize key was in… |
| Exterior Lighting | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 617.1%ODI 11045036THE STANDARD HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DIM AND UNSUITABLE FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING. THEY HAVE A BRIGHTNESS ROUGHLY EQUIVALENT TO PARKING LIGHTS. THIS IS A PROBLEM KNOWN TO MERCEDES ACCORDING TO MANY ONLINE BOARDS. MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR NIGHT DRIVING AND NEEDS TO BE RETROFITTED WITH SOME USABLE HEADLIGHTS. VISIBILITY IS ONLY ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 514.3%ODI 11452172Our car, Mercedes GLS 450, caught on fire after pulled into the garage from a short drive on local streets, which resulted a total loss on our house. After pulling into the garage, the home link didn't work when tried to use it to close the garage door. Upon coming out of the car, smoke came out from under the hood and soon after it became flame. We attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher as it appeared with hood still closed and fire immediately came back. By the time the firefighters came, there was a full fledged fire. Th… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11299513 · 1,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WINDOWS WERE OPEN. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO BREATHING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER ED HICKS IMPORTS LOCATED AT 3102 S PADRE ISLAND DR, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415 [phone removed], WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE FIRST TIME WITH A MELTING STICKER ON THE CADILLAC AND IT NEEDING TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED ON 12/21/2019, WHI… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seats | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 25.7%ODI 10865047HEADRESTS IN THE 2ND ROW ARE UNSAFE, IN THE UP POSITION IT HAS NO PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN OR ADULTS, IN THE DOWN POSITION IT PUSHES THE NECK AND HEAD OF ALL PASSENGERS FORWARD. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 26.7%ODI 116106991. Unknown, smoke started coming from under the passenger side seat, car is a complete loss. 2. Smoke damaged my lungs, there was a large amount of exploding glass, and it could have led to a structure fire. 3. Not applicable 4. In process, but it was recalled for this issue 5. No |
| Steering | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 411.4%ODI 10969872 · 1,750 miWHILE DRIVING DOWN THE TURNER TURNPIKE (BETWEEN TULSA AND OKC, AROUND 70-75MPH)THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING HAS SWERVED LEFT AND RIGHT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE ACTION FELT AS IF THE HAND OF GOD WAS THROWING US LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. THE CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. THEN THE LAST TIME THAT I DROVE THE CAR IT SUDDENLY YANKED ME OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING, LITERALLY TRYING TO KILL US. THIS LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR HAD AROUND 1,750 MILES ON IT. THE THING IS DANGEROUS! I NOW OWN A CAR THAT I CAN'T PUT MY FAMILY IN AND SHOULD… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 12.9%ODI 111963502017 MERCEDES BENZ GLS450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL. THE INTERIOR DOOR TRIM WAS NOT SECURE. *JS | 125.0%ODI 11390663 · 15,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY SHOP. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEM… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.3%ODI 11548412The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact received notification of 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2020: 0 complaints · 2021: 20 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component |
|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.