2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class
Recalls, Specs & Safety Report
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with an impeccable record, showcasing no recalls and only a handful of complaints. This clean sheet highlights the manufacturer's commitment to quality and reliability, particularly crucial in the luxury SUV segment.
Why This Matters
Having no recalls is a significant achievement for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, especially in today's automotive landscape where many vehicles are marred by safety issues. For a luxury SUV, this lack of defects indicates that Mercedes-Benz has prioritized engineering quality and consumer safety, instilling confidence in both current owners and prospective buyers. It sets a high bar for reliability in a market often plagued by recalls.
Expert Analysis
- Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
- Primary Risk Area:Battery
- Vs Brand: Better than avg (0.2)Summary: The overall safety trend for the 2021 GLS-Class is impressive given its absence of recalls, which positions it favorably against competitors that frequently face safety concerns. This model's reliability appears better than expected for luxury SUVs, emphasizing its solid engineering pedigree.
Safety & Reliability Score
Score Breakdown
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class
Safety History Timeline
Consumer Complaint Analysis
Most Reported Issue
Complaint Trend
Safety Incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 35 consumer complaints by severity level.
Mileage Failure Analysis
With peak failure occurrences reported between 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage of around 23,886 miles, it's critical for owners to monitor their vehicle early in its lifespan. While there are no recalls to worry about, being proactive at these mileage intervals could prevent minor issues from escalating into bigger headaches down the road.
Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
General Electrical
Issue: No significant electrical issues reported.
Keep an eye on electronic features during regular maintenance checks.
Inquire about any electrical inspections conducted during service history.
No Recalls Found
Zero Defect Certification
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class
Safety Milestone: The 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class maintains a perfect record. As of February 2026, there are 0 official recalls.
Compared to other 2021 models which average multiple safety campaigns, this vehicle's clean sheet is a testament to its engineering integrity.
🛡️ Proactive Safety Maintenance Guide
Even with a perfect recall record, regular maintenance safeguards your vehicle's reliability. Our experts recommend monitoring these systems:
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 GLS-Class.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
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 cars were out of warranty. Warranty or no warranty, this is a major safety issue as a loss in tire pressure can be catastrophic.
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, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
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 minutes earlier that could have been me trapped burning inside, injured or even death because something had failed in my vehicle. Later, when I finally arrived home, I started researching on the internet to see if anyone else had experienced problems with their MB 450 GLS catching fire. Surprisingly, I found that recalls had been issued in April 2022 and March 2024 for a possible fire risk from a 48volt loose ground wire issue under the passenger seat. At that time supposedly there were no reported injuries or crashes related to this issue until now. If I am the first to witness this issue, then so be it because I saw the fire burning from inside under my passenger seat before it FULLY torched my vehicle I reported this issue first to Progressive Insurance and Mercedes-Benz Corporate. Progressive has provided my transportation according to policy for my first 30 days. As I approached the end of my rental period, I spoke with MB Corporate to see if there was anything that they could do as far as providing me transportation. I was told that there was nothing that they could do because they were not a dealership with cars to loan. The joint vehicle fire investigation was schelduled for 29 April 2025. On 25 April 2025, Progressive informed me that MB Corporate had moved the fire investigation date to 29 May 2025. NOW, what am I suppose to do? It has been almost two months that I have been without a vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
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 says "48v battery malfunction", few minutes later become red warning msg, while I pulled my car to the sideway, it became red "12v battery malfunction". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 feel safe knowing that Mercedes cant seem to solve the problem and instead puts me back on the road knowing the car is not right and risks injury to my family as the issue has happened at low speed and high speed resulting in extremely dangerous situations for my family. I have 2 open PTSS cases with Mercedes USA (246121906 and 246113294). Researching this issue has revealed this is a known issue with their "mild hybrid" SUVS and many consumers have the same or similar experience to mine.
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 pay $3700 out of pocket for the default damages and servals days without a vehicle.
Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own. This presents a clear and obvious security and safety issue. I am not prepared to drive to *another* dealership and ask *again* to get this done. I own the car and the previous owner can do whatever they like with it. Unacceptable.
Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own. This presents a clear and obvious security and safety issue. I am not prepared to drive to *another* dealership and ask *again* to get this done. I own the car and the previous owner can do whatever they like with it. Unacceptable.
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
Cluster Information Display Black out on and off. Cannot see speedometer and headup display also turns off. Problem occured 5/13/22, 6/17/22, and 6/13/23. Problem is still not fixed after going to mechanic 3 times. 7/16/24 went in to mechanic again for the same problem but mechanic concluded that there are no further solution possible to fix this problem. When the problem occurs, the cluster information display is blacked out for about 3 to 4 hours, and only fixed when 1 or 2 days are fixed. It is dangerous to drive without the cluster display which includes speedometer, remaining gas, engine warning light, and many more important information that is needed and required to drive safely without crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a reliable vehicle?
The absence of any recalls coupled with only a handful of complaints speaks volumes about the engineering quality of the 2021 GLS-Class. Its manufacturing standards reflect a commitment to reliability that is often sought after in this competitive luxury SUV market.
How does the lack of defects impact resale value for the GLS-Class?
A clean recall history can significantly enhance resale value as it assures potential buyers of fewer risks related to safety and maintenance issues. The solid reputation built from its defect-free status likely translates into higher demand and better resale prospects.
Year-over-Year Context
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
If You Own This Vehicle
- Your 2021 GLS-Class currently shows zero open recalls. Maintain this status with scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Proactive tip: Enroll in MERCEDES-BENZ's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
If You're Buying Used
- Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
- This specific GLS-Class year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.