U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

2 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 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.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 2 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	1	50.0%

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.

Engine

Electrical System

Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine: 2; Electrical System: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 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: 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. 2 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.

2026

2026: 2

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting 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.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11742901 · 2026-06-09 (June 9, 2026)

While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11753817 · 2026-07-30 (July 30, 2026)

As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU was needed but not available at this time. See attached report. Returned home to PA called Mercedes main office Customer service to check warranty and…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

26V481000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock

Reported: 2026-07-24 (July 24, 2026)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 2 records

100.0%Valid incident date2 / 2 records

100.0%Valid filing date2 / 2 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates2 / 2 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	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Engine	350.0% ODI 11717145 The vehicle was operating normally the previous night. We drove it and parked it in the driveway that evening, and it was not used again after that. The following morning, we started the vehicle to allow it to warm up and then returned inside the house. Approximately 10 minutes later, we discovered the vehicle was on fire, with flames coming from under the hood. We immediately called 911. The fire department responded and was able to extinguish the fire; however, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and part of our home sustained fire damage. … Look up ODI 11717145 at NHTSA ↗	2100.0% ODI 11742901 While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi… Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11759570 From: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] SUBJECT: Vehicle: New Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 39,660 Total Purchase Price: $48,450.00 To Mercedes-Benz USA Corporate Management and Dealership Service Director, This letter serves as a formal written statement regarding an ongoing, unremedied mechanical failure that has now escalated into a severe, life-threatening safety hazard. I am officially rejecting the dealership's requests to appraise or trade in this vehicle, and I am demanding a full manufacturer repurchase (buyback) … Look up ODI 11759570 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	233.3% ODI 11735064 I have a passenger malfunction with airbags warning coming. I also just experienced getting gas. My milage counted down to zero which it never has before and my engine light came on. I went and got gas 3 times spending around $70 and my gas mileage still says 0 and my engine light is on. Look up ODI 11735064 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11753817 As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU was needed but not available at this time. See attached report. Returned home to PA called Mercedes main office Customer service to check warranty and… Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11759570 From: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] SUBJECT: Vehicle: New Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 39,660 Total Purchase Price: $48,450.00 To Mercedes-Benz USA Corporate Management and Dealership Service Director, This letter serves as a formal written statement regarding an ongoing, unremedied mechanical failure that has now escalated into a severe, life-threatening safety hazard. I am officially rejecting the dealership's requests to appraise or trade in this vehicle, and I am demanding a full manufacturer repurchase (buyback) … Look up ODI 11759570 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	233.3% ODI 11757113 Complete engine failure mid driving on highway. NO engine light prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle has been towed to two different Mercedes Benz auto dealerships. Both service directors concur that this should not have occurred with zero warning and low mileage of 64,856 with an impeccable service record at Mercedes Benz Came on suddenly Julie 2026 and no engine warning lights Look up ODI 11757113 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11742901 While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi… Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	233.3% ODI 11734342 my car has only 24533 miles and Air bag malfunction message is showing up Look up ODI 11734342 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	116.7% ODI 11717145 The vehicle was operating normally the previous night. We drove it and parked it in the driveway that evening, and it was not used again after that. The following morning, we started the vehicle to allow it to warm up and then returned inside the house. Approximately 10 minutes later, we discovered the vehicle was on fire, with flames coming from under the hood. We immediately called 911. The fire department responded and was able to extinguish the fire; however, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and part of our home sustained fire damage. … Look up ODI 11717145 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11745229 The panoramic sunroof glass on my 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB suddenly shattered while I was driving on Interstate 20. The failure occurred without any observed impact from another vehicle, object, or roadway debris. The damaged sunroof and vehicle are available for inspection upon request.The failure occurred unexpectedly while traveling at highway speed and was accompanied by a loud explosion-like sound that resembled a gunshot. The sudden noise startled me and could have caused a loss of vehicle control. Additionally, shattered glass posed a pote… Look up ODI 11745229 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	116.7% ODI 11744345 EXTENDED WARRENTY INFORMATION MERCEDEZ BENZ HAS ISSUED WARRENTY TO THAT APPLIE TO CONDISTIONS AS LISTED ABOVE (EXHAUST VALVE, CYLINER HEAD ) BACK 08/04/2023 THE CAR HAS IN MERCEDEZ BENZ AND HAVE FAILED TO PICK ON THE EXTENDED WARRRENTY REPAIRS AND WE NOW FIND OUT THIS CASED MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND NEEDS TO REPLACE CAMSHAT AND , CONTROL VALVE, ROLLER ROCKER ARM, AND ENGINE CAMSHAFT FOLLOWER . IT'S ALL BECAUSE DEALERSHIP FAILED AND NOTFIY US OF NEEDED REPAIRS . THEY ARE WILL COVER THE REPAIS ON EXHAUST VALVE SYSTEM BUT NOT CAMSHAT AND , C… Look up ODI 11744345 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	116.7% ODI 11744345 EXTENDED WARRENTY INFORMATION MERCEDEZ BENZ HAS ISSUED WARRENTY TO THAT APPLIE TO CONDISTIONS AS LISTED ABOVE (EXHAUST VALVE, CYLINER HEAD ) BACK 08/04/2023 THE CAR HAS IN MERCEDEZ BENZ AND HAVE FAILED TO PICK ON THE EXTENDED WARRRENTY REPAIRS AND WE NOW FIND OUT THIS CASED MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND NEEDS TO REPLACE CAMSHAT AND , CONTROL VALVE, ROLLER ROCKER ARM, AND ENGINE CAMSHAFT FOLLOWER . IT'S ALL BECAUSE DEALERSHIP FAILED AND NOTFIY US OF NEEDED REPAIRS . THEY ARE WILL COVER THE REPAIS ON EXHAUST VALVE SYSTEM BUT NOT CAMSHAT AND , C… Look up ODI 11744345 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Visibility/Wiper	116.7% ODI 11764044 My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB has a serious, unresolved safety issue involving the hood-latch warning and windshield wipers. While I am driving, the hood-open warning appears and the windshield wipers cut in and out or shut off unexpectedly. This problem was already occurring by March 2026. The vehicle currently has approximately 85,000 miles. During the recent heavy rain in New Jersey, these interruptions have compromised my visibility while the vehicle was moving. When the wipers stop clearing rain, my ability to see traffic, pedestrians, lane m… Look up ODI 11764044 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

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
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.

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	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	1	None	ODI 11742901 While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi… Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗
2026-07	1	26V481000	ODI 11753817 As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU was needed but not available at this time. See attached report. Returned home to PA called Mercedes main office Customer service to check warranty and… Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗
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

2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	0	0
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	1	0	0
2023	0	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	Engine	Electrical System	Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine	—	1 ODI 11742901 While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi… Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11753817 As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU was needed but not available at this time. See attached report. Returned home to PA called Mercedes main office Customer service to check warranty and… Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	1 ODI 11742901 While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address thi… Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	1 ODI 11753817 As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU was needed but not available at this time. See attached report. Returned home to PA called Mercedes main office Customer service to check warranty and… Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗	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

1 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 100.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11742901

Look up ODI 11742901 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11753817

Look up ODI 11753817 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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