U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

30 owner complaints analyzed

12 distinct recall campaigns

11,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 30 complaints (43.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	12	40.0%
Steering behavior	2	6.7%
Engine operation	1	3.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Unknown Or Other

Engine

Seats

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software

Fuel System, Gasoline

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	13
Unknown Or Other	8
Engine	3
Seats	2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control	1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

Electrical System: 13; Unknown Or Other: 8; Engine: 3; Seats: 2; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 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 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 27 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.

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2021: 2; 2022: 10; 2023: 8; 2024: 7; 2025: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

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.

Owner report 11442482 · 2021-12-02 (December 2, 2021)

The 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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11442482 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11469328 · 2022-06-15 (June 15, 2022)

2021 MERCEDES BENZ GLS450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO48-VOLT BATTERY SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HAS FAILED TWICE, A YEAR APART. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "48-VOLT BATTERY FAILURE" AND "CHECK ENGINE". THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER HAD DETERMINED A FIX FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11469328 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11465737 · 2022-05-23 (May 23, 2022)

2021 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…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11584224 · 2024-04-20 (April 20, 2024)

I was driving and all of a sudden. The car felt like it was swirling left and right and I was trying my best to straighten the steering wheel, but it felt like I had no control of the car. I eventually hit the median on the road and while all this was happen my dashboard was flashing with all the lights, but my eyes were on the road trying to fix the steering wheel so I don’t know exactly what light was on. When I hit the median, I was finally able to regain full control of the car. It kind of felt like my car was accelerating and swerving at…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11584224 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11500946 · 2023-01-09 (January 9, 2023)

On four occasions my car has stalled while in traffic very early in my ownership and then it happened again today with my family in the car and nearly caused an accident. The entire dash lights up with every warning when it happens. Sometimes the check engine light comes on after I shut the car off and restart it. My Mercedes dealer has had it in multiple times for this reason. The last time it was in for this (May of 2022) they "reprogrammed" the entire car. It happening again today has really made me lose a lot of faith in the vehicle, e…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11500946 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

30 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

10.0%Usable mileage3 / 30 records

100.0%Valid incident date30 / 30 records

100.0%Valid filing date30 / 30 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates30 / 30 records

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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2016	2017	2019	2020	2021
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	822.9% ODI 10934831 · 1,000 mi VEHICLE 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. Look up ODI 10934831 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1343.3% ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	720.0% ODI 10969872 · 1,750 mi WHILE 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… Look up ODI 10969872 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11322877 · 4,500 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. Look up ODI 11322877 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	826.7% ODI 11442482 The 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. Look up ODI 11442482 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	822.9% ODI 10934831 · 1,000 mi VEHICLE 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. Look up ODI 10934831 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11288497 · 13,000 mi DRIVING 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 Look up ODI 11288497 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	310.0% ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	617.1% ODI 11045036 THE 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. Look up ODI 11045036 at NHTSA ↗	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	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	514.3% ODI 11452172 Our 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… Look up ODI 11452172 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11299513 · 1,000 mi TL* 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… Look up ODI 11299513 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	25.7% ODI 10865047 HEADRESTS 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. Look up ODI 10865047 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.7% ODI 11610699 1. 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 Look up ODI 11610699 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	411.4% ODI 10969872 · 1,750 mi WHILE 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… Look up ODI 10969872 at NHTSA ↗	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	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	12.9% ODI 11196350 2017 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 Look up ODI 11196350 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11390663 · 15,000 mi TL* 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… Look up ODI 11390663 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.3% ODI 11548412 The 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. Look up ODI 11548412 at NHTSA ↗

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 failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	11,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	11,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software	Too few reports for a range	3,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11426426 · 3,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated while driving 75 mph with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph than to 15 mph. On another occasion, while driving 80 mph, the vehicle independently decelerated to 45 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the cruise control and speed assistance feature provided erroneous information. … Look up ODI 11426426 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

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

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	1	None	ODI 11624928 Vehicle has just over 31k miles. ON multiple occasions, the vehicle randomly shuts off and displays a 48 volt battery error on the screen followed by a check engine light. This has happened in the middle of a busy intersection and at 75mph on the interstate. Each time it does this, I have taken it to a Mercedes dealer for repair/troubleshooting. THey perform the Mercedes required steps to repair the known issue and each time the issue persists. The car has been at a dealership for almost a combined 30 days now with no end in sight. I do not fee… Look up ODI 11624928 at NHTSA ↗
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11634240 System malfunctioned detail: 48v battery malfunction, 12v battery malfunction. Safety concern: I was driving on [XXX] , the battery malfunction warning suddenly pop up, and I couldn't accelerate my car beyond 30 MPH, my whole family were on the car during that time. it's life threatening issue needs to be addressed. Luckily we managed to pull over to a safe border way. It's first time I encountered this issue, but on [XXX] , seems like many people encountered it. Dealer is inspecting the issue currently. orange warning msg pop up first s… Look up ODI 11634240 at NHTSA ↗
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	1	None	ODI 11661377 On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. Safely, i reached the side of the interstate and exited the vehicle. As I stood from afar watching my vehicle burn; the reality sat it that a few min… Look up ODI 11661377 at NHTSA ↗
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	1	None	ODI 11701188 Both rear wheels on this vehicle have developed cracks which leads to tire pressure loss. Apparently, this is a common issue with Mercedes' heavier vehicles like the GLS and S series sedans. To be clear, I did not hit anything. I did not do any unusual driving. Both rear tires are fine. While you expect that certain components on a vehicle will have problems, it is also reasonable to expect that wheels will not crack prematuraly. Mercedes is aware of the problems. They were named in a class action lawsuit that was dismissed because ca… Look up ODI 11701188 at NHTSA ↗
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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2020: 0 complaints · 2021: 20 complaints

Equal observation windows
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

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
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 co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Unknown Or Other	Engine	Seats	Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control	Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software	Fuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 11492640 Incident 1: May 2022 Vehicle was sitting in driveway overnight and would not start in the morning. Had a 48V battery warning on. Towed to dealership. Said it was a delay software update. Incident 2: August 2022 Was driving 35mpg down the road where a warning sign comes up. Then shortly after the car slows down to around 15mph and would not speed up anymore. Towed to dealership. Dealership did not find anything "wrong" with vehicle Incident 3: November 2022 Car was parked in parking lot for 2 hours. When trying to start car, there was an e… Look up ODI 11492640 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11500122 Repeated failures of 48 volt battery system has shut vehicle totally off while under highspeed and in traffic Look up ODI 11500122 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11610699 1. 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 Look up ODI 11610699 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11661377 On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. Safely, i reached the side of the interstate and exited the vehicle. As I stood from afar watching my vehicle burn; the reality sat it that a few min… Look up ODI 11661377 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 11492640 Incident 1: May 2022 Vehicle was sitting in driveway overnight and would not start in the morning. Had a 48V battery warning on. Towed to dealership. Said it was a delay software update. Incident 2: August 2022 Was driving 35mpg down the road where a warning sign comes up. Then shortly after the car slows down to around 15mph and would not speed up anymore. Towed to dealership. Dealership did not find anything "wrong" with vehicle Incident 3: November 2022 Car was parked in parking lot for 2 hours. When trying to start car, there was an e… Look up ODI 11492640 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	2 ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi 2021 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… Look up ODI 11465737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11500122 Repeated failures of 48 volt battery system has shut vehicle totally off while under highspeed and in traffic Look up ODI 11500122 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 11500946 On four occasions my car has stalled while in traffic very early in my ownership and then it happened again today with my family in the car and nearly caused an accident. The entire dash lights up with every warning when it happens. Sometimes the check engine light comes on after I shut the car off and restart it. My Mercedes dealer has had it in multiple times for this reason. The last time it was in for this (May of 2022) they "reprogrammed" the entire car. It happening again today has really made me lose a lot of faith in the vehicle, e… Look up ODI 11500946 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Seats	2 ODI 11610699 1. 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 Look up ODI 11610699 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11661377 On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone and avoiding anyone hitting me. Safely, i reached the side of the interstate and exited the vehicle. As I stood from afar watching my vehicle burn; the reality sat it that a few min… Look up ODI 11661377 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control	0	0	1 ODI 11500946 On four occasions my car has stalled while in traffic very early in my ownership and then it happened again today with my family in the car and nearly caused an accident. The entire dash lights up with every warning when it happens. Sometimes the check engine light comes on after I shut the car off and restart it. My Mercedes dealer has had it in multiple times for this reason. The last time it was in for this (May of 2022) they "reprogrammed" the entire car. It happening again today has really made me lose a lot of faith in the vehicle, e… Look up ODI 11500946 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Battery drain and no-start mentions

6 mentions · 20.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 11,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11442482

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ODI 11465737 · 11,000 mi

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ODI 11485772

Vehicle would not start on 3 separate occasions. The instrument panel indicated it was the 48v battery. Had it towed to Mercedes dealership to have 48v battery replaced.

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Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11426426 · 3,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated while driving 75 mph with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph than to 15 mph. On another occasion, while driving 80 mph, the vehicle independently decelerated to 45 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the cruise control and speed assistance feature provided erroneous information. …

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ODI 11469328

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ODI 11500946

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Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11455544

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Lane Departure safety feature independently activated as he attempted to avoid either a person or an object in the lane of traffic. As the contact attempted to steer around the pedestrian or object in the lane of traffic, the safety feature independently jerked the vehicle back into the lane and into the pedestrian or object he attempted to avoid. The contact stated that a RED icon alert would appear on the instrument panel that the vehicl…

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Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11500946

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Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b