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Model reliability

Mercedes-Benz Gls reliability

The Mercedes-Benz Gls fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 12.6% of 1,082 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
11.3% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 981 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Glss this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 75% more oftenTyre tread depth2.8% vs 1.6%Fix about £90
6 to 10 years old
12.6% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 1,082 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Glss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 37% more oftenTyre condition4.8% vs 3.5%Fix about £90
Safety recalls

38 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Gls

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/2171 Jul 2025Built 2024SRPC2509 – Mounting of Multi-Purpose Camera & Interior Mirror

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain GLE/GLS (167 platform) and GLC (254 platform) vehicles the bonding of the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior mirror on the windscreen might not meet specifications.

Fix: As a precautionary measure Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the windscreen on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLS · 1 vehicles

R/2024/17323 Apr 2024Built 2019–2022SRPC2405 - Bolting of 48V ground connection

On affected vehicles the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat might have come loose.

Fix: Check the bolting of the ground connection and correct it if necessary.

Recalled models: GLS · 218 vehicles

R/2024/13125 Mar 2024Built 2018–2023SRPC 2402 - Downshift operation transmission software

On certain vehicles the software of the transmission control unit might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the transmission control unit software on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 1,708 vehicles

R/2023/22329 Aug 2023Built 2022On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.

On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.

Fix: Replace the fuel pump module.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 808 vehicles

R/2023/09226 Apr 2023Built 2018–2020Installation of A/C drain hoses

On certain vehicles the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle.�

Fix: Check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation if necessary.�

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 243 vehicles

R/2023/09126 Apr 2023Built 2020Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain GLE and GLS vehicles (167 platform) the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle. In this case condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment.

On certain vehicles the air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle.�

Fix: Check the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation if necessary.�

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 6,961 vehicles

R/2023/02320 Feb 2023Built 2011–2017On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.

On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.

Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.

Recalled models: GLS · 51,251 vehicles

R/2022/30911 Nov 2022Built 2019–2022The springs in the locking mechanism of the seat backrest of the third seat row may not have been installed in accordance with the specifications

The springs in the locking mechanism of the seat backrest of the third seat row may not have been installed in accordance with the specifications.

Fix: Check the springs in the seat backrest of the 3rd seat row on the affected vehicles and replace the seat backrest if necessary.

Recalled models: GLS · 1,088 vehicles

R/2022/28324 Oct 2022Built 2019–2023The fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specifications

The fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specifications.

Fix: Check the fixation of the trim bars on the rear door windows and rework them if necessary.

Recalled models: GLS · 14,014 vehicles

R/2022/1795 Jul 2022Built 2020–2021The bolting of a 12v power supply line might be fastened with an insufficient torque

The bolting of a 12V power supply line might be fastened with an insufficient torque.

Fix: Check the bolting of the wiring harness for correct torque and correct it if necessary. Additionally the contact area will be checked for potentially existing damages and if necessary the affected electrical lines and the contact module will be replaced.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 1,424 vehicles

R/2022/13324 May 2022Built 2018–2021The bolting of the 48v ground connection under the passenger seat might be fastened with an insufficient torque

The bolting of the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat might be fastened with an insufficient torque.

Fix: Check the bolting of the ground connection on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 523 vehicles

R/2022/01910 Feb 2022Built 2020–2021The software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications

On certain vehicles the software of the engine control unit might not meet specifications.

Fix: Conduct an update the software of the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 51 vehicles

R/2021/43821 Jan 2022Built 2017–2021Coolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit

On certain vehicles with a Diesel engine the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit.

Fix: Update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 35,624 vehicles

R/2021/1061 Dec 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: M/GLE/GL/GLS-CLASS · 23 vehicles

R/2021/1081 Dec 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 7 vehicles

R/2021/1301 Dec 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: M/GLE/GL/GLS-CLASS · 21 vehicles

R/2021/37629 Nov 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: M/GLE/GL/GLS-CLASS · 50,390 vehicles

R/2021/39426 Nov 2021Built 2020The seat assembly condition might not meet specifications

On certain vehicles the seat assembly condition might not meet specifications

Fix: Conduct a check of the seats on the affected vehicles and rework them if necessary

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 1 vehicles

R/2021/16521 Jun 2021Built 2018–2020The air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle

The air conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly fitted in the vehicle.

Fix: Conduct a check of the air conditioning drain hoses and correct their installation if necessary.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 1,258 vehicles

R/2021/11013 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 108,971 vehicles

R/2021/12011 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: M/GLE/GL/GLS-CLASS · 86,604 vehicles

R/2021/11110 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 90,716 vehicles

R/2021/1335 May 2021Built 2016–2021The emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: M/GLE/GL/GLS-CLASS · 106,665 vehicles

R/2021/1325 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 10,410 vehicles

R/2021/1345 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 162,581 vehicles

R/2021/1315 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 81,267 vehicles

R/2021/1285 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS(167) · 7 vehicles

R/2021/08230 Mar 2021Built 2016–2020The communication module may be deactivated

The communication module may be deactivated

Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 24 vehicles

R/2021/07524 Mar 2021Built 2019The dashboard might not meet the specifications

The dashboard might not meet specifications

Fix: Replace the dashboard on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 7 vehicles

R/2020/3342 Dec 2020Built 2018–2020The high voltage wiring harness shield may not permanently withstand the electrical loads that are induced under certain driving profiles

The shield for the high-voltage wiring harness may not permanently withstand the electrical loads that are induced under certain driving profiles

Fix: Replace the high-voltage wiring harness on the affected vehicles

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 2,377 vehicles

R/2020/2436 Oct 2020Built 2011–2018Engine control unit software to be updated

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the relevant control unit�s software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.

Recalled models: GLS · 994 vehicles

R/2019/34110 Jan 2020Built 2018–2019The fixation of the rear door windows trim bar may not meet specification

The fixation of the trim bar at the rear door windows might not meet specification.

Fix: Check the fixation of the trim bars on the rear door windows and rework them if necessary.

Recalled models: GLS · 1,665 vehicles

R/2019/30417 Oct 2019Built 2013–2017Software update required to improve emissions

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace NOx sensor if necessary.

Recalled models: GLS · 7,681 vehicles

R/2019/2566 Sept 2019Built 2012–2017To achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual

Recalled models: GLS · 25,647 vehicles

R/2018/2261 Oct 2018Built 2018Rear axle brake caliper may not have been manufactured according to specification

Hydrogen may be embedded in the piston material of rear brake calipers.

Fix: Bleed the hydraulic brake system of the rear axle of affected vehicles.

Recalled models: GLS · 1,890 vehicles

R/2018/20624 Aug 2018Built 2010–2016Oil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir

It has been determined that on Model series ML/GLE GL/GLS (166) & GLE Coupe (292) with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS) Oil foam may develop in the systems oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions and at an oil level below the minimum level and escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir. Depending on the orientation of the two ventilation bores the escaping oil could spray onto hot component parts of the exhaust system. In this case risk of fire cannot be ruled out.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the oil dipstick of the reservoir for the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

Recalled models: GL/GLS · 1,303 vehicles

R/2018/04621 Feb 2018Bonding of the windshield may be inadequate

The bonding of the windshield in the lower area may not correspond to the specification. During a collision the bonding may fail and the windscreen may detach. This could have an adverse affect on the effectiveness of the passenger airbag.

Fix: On affected vehicles check bonding and if necessary replace windscreen.

Recalled models: GLE/GLS · 2 vehicles

R/2017/14818 Aug 2017Built 2015–2016Steering power assist may deactivate

The connector on the electric power steering control unit may not be properly sealed against water entry. If water enters the control unit the power steering assistance can be lost. The steering assistance not working could increase the risk of collision.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the plug housing of the electric power steering.

Recalled models: GLS · 5,121 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mercedes-Benz Gls before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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