RecallPlainVehicle recalls, explained in plain English

2021 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class recalls & complaints

37 owner complaints on file. Recall list must be checked by VIN (see below).
0recalls
0high risk
0stop-driving
37complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

Recalls: check by VIN

NHTSA files recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class under individual trim or body names rather than "Gls-Class", so we can't match them automatically. Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive list. The owner complaints below are matched correctly.

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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

37complaints
2crashes
2fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (17), Unknown Or Other (8), Engine (5), Lane Departure (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (3).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.

Read recent complaints (8)

07/29/2026 · Electrical system
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational saf…

04/10/2026 · Electrical system
48V battery has repeated failures where I'm driving. safety concern, When it fail, it will pop up warning1) only drive below 50 miles/hour; then it becomes2) stop vehicle immediately; then ) multi-media system suddenly shut off while I'm driving. I tested by 48V battery which only has below 60% health. with 4 error code all related to V48 battery and man…

11/24/2025 · Wheels / tires
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…

11/24/2025 · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted…

05/16/2025 · Electrical system · fire
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…

01/05/2025 · Electrical system
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 s…

11/13/2024 · Electrical system
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 perfor…

09/25/2024 · Unknown Or Other
I was driving only 30mph through my suburban neighborhood bringing my kids to school in the morning when a loud shotgun sound hit my car causing me to be distracted and distraught. My entire sunroof had exploded on me for no reason. Mercedes is currently undergoing a class action lawsuit for this. But since it is not completely yet, I’m being told I need to…

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