Model year 2020 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 18–21 mpg combined across 2 versions. NHTSA lists 24 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints for this model year.

Safety recalls

24

EPA combined mpg

18–21

NHTSA overall rating

—

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

NHTSA lists this vehicle as AMG GLS63, GLS 450, GLS 580 4MATIC, GLS450.

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 24 safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, newest first.

Electrical system: Wiring

NHTSA 24V207000 Reported Mar 15, 2024
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2024040002)
Units affected
116,020 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Risk
An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module: Software

NHTSA 24V118000 Reported Feb 16, 2024
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Units affected
105,071 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA 23V733000 Reported Nov 1, 2023
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023110007)
Units affected
8 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS580 vehicles. Due to a software error, the sunroof may close unexpectedly when the "car wash mode" is activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
Risk
A sunroof that closes unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the sunroof control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023110007.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system

NHTSA 23V177000 Reported Mar 17, 2023
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2023030014 & 15)
Units affected
61,450 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Risk
Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats: Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA 22V732000 Reported Sep 30, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022100011)
Units affected
59,574 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.
Risk
A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body

NHTSA 22V680000 Reported Sep 12, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022090010)
Units affected
161,000 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
Risk
Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Frontal

NHTSA 22V466000 Reported Jul 1, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022070006)
Units affected
81 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and GLS 580 vehicles. The front air bag wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will correct the wiring harness routing, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022070006.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V365000 Reported May 20, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. See Recall Schedule)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
Units affected
242,722 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Wiring: Interior/under dash

NHTSA 22V231000 Reported Apr 8, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022040017)
Units affected
21,306 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
Risk
An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Display function

NHTSA 22V232000 Reported Apr 8, 2022
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022060007)
Units affected
126,443 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Fuel rail and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V961000 Reported Dec 13, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2022030003)
Components
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Fuel rail; Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Injectors
Units affected
139 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats

NHTSA 21V818000 Reported Oct 18, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021110010)
Units affected
27 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
Risk
Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V771000 Reported Oct 1, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021100001)
Components
Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module; Air bags: Frontal
Units affected
3 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may be programmed incorrectly, which can cause the driver's air bag to deploy improperly.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V354000 Reported May 14, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021050012)
Components
Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera; Electrical system: Software
Units affected
343,191 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Appliance: Air conditioner

NHTSA 21V288000 Reported Apr 23, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021040024)
Units affected
6,331 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Risk
Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electronic stability control (ESC): Control module: Software

NHTSA 21V071000 Reported Feb 12, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021030004)
Units affected
41,838 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Interior panels: Dashboard

NHTSA 21V057000 Reported Feb 5, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021030003)
Units affected
8 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.
Risk
In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V058000 Reported Feb 5, 2021
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2021020025)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Communication: Auto crash notification
Units affected
1,292,258 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering: Electric power assist system and 3 more components

NHTSA 20V626000 Reported Oct 9, 2020
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2020100015/6)
Components
Steering: Electric power assist system; Visibility: Windshield wiper/washer: Motor; Exterior lighting: Headlights; Electrical system: Wiring
Units affected
12,799 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo's electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.
Risk
If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020100015/6.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension: Rear: Shock absorber and 1 more component

NHTSA 20V329000 Reported Jun 5, 2020
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2020090001)
Components
Suspension: Rear: Shock absorber; Suspension: Front: Shock absorber
Units affected
38 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE450, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The sealing of the piston assembly in the front struts and rear shock absorbers may leak and fail prematurely.
Risk
Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090001.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Frame and members

NHTSA 20V172000 Reported Mar 20, 2020
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2020060013)
Units affected
224 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE450 AND GLS450 vehicles. The seams on the rear crossmember may have been insufficiently welded. This may allow cracks to form when towing, possibly causing the rear crossmember to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear crossmember, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060013.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA 20V089000 Reported Feb 14, 2020
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2020030019)
Units affected
2,101 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body: Door: Hinge and attachments

NHTSA 19V709000 Reported Oct 4, 2019
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2019100011)
Units affected
13,799 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLS580 4MATIC vehicles. The rear door window trim may detach.
Risk
The detached trim can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and fasten the rear door window trim, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100011.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Appliance: Air conditioner

NHTSA 19V587000 Reported Aug 12, 2019
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 2019080005)
Units affected
18,392 (estimate)
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain from the air conditioner into the passenger compartment.
Risk
If a significant volume of water enters the driver and passenger side foot wells, it might cause corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components in the area, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled; the vehicle may not be able to be unlocked and/or started; and the engine limp-home mode might be activated during driving. These features increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080005.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
GLS450 4matic3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DrivePremium19/23/21 mpg$3,900429
GLS580 4matic4.0L 8-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DrivePremium16/21/18 mpg$4,550487

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class owner complaints

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, most recently on Jun 3, 2026. 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Electrical system18
Engine9
Fuel/propulsion system8
Power train4
Unknown or other4
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control3
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking3
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings3
Air bags2
Service brakes2

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class model years

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2027 GLS-Class21 mpg———
2026 GLS-Class15–21 mpg23—
2025 GLS-Class15–21 mpg110—
2024 GLS-Class16–21 mpg019—
2023 GLS-Class16–20 mpg510—
2022 GLS-Class15–20 mpg1017—
2021 GLS-Class16–21 mpg1238—
2019 GLS-Class15–18 mpg328—
2018 GLS-Class15–19 mpg422—
2017 GLS-Class14–19 mpg1042—

All Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2020 Mercedes-Benz models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz.