My 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission behavior related to the valve body and shifting mechanism. The transmission sometimes fails to engage Park, shifts on its own without driver input or attempts to engage Reverse unexpectedly. On multiple occasions the vehicle has moved or rolled after being placed in Park and once it appeared to shift itself toward…
2017 mercedes-benz GLS-Class powertrain problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
REAR DIFFERENTIAL AXLE SEALS WERE DISTORTED, CAUSING FLUID TO LEAD OUT. THE SEALS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED PRIOR TO ANY ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE OR DRIVE TRAIN. DEALER REPLACED SEAL QUICKLY AND PROMPTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS A PLEASURE TO DEAL WITH.
REAR AXLE LOCK UP BRIEFLY MADE A SOUND LIKE SOMEONE REAR ENDED THE CAR AND SNAP THE LEFT SIDE REAR CV AXLE. VEHICLE IS AWD AND DOES NOT MOVE ON ITS OWN POWER.. SHOP TOW SUV AND ON THE AIR FOUND THE AXLE INNER JOINT JUST SPINS BUT CAR DOES NOT MOVE, THEY PULLED THE AXLE AND THE IS METAL BURNT INTO THE AXLE SHAFT SEEMS REAR DIFF LOCK UP, OIL WAS CLEAN ON THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 mercedes-benz GLS-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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