Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems
0 safety recalls. 21 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Third row seat will not lock. Warning message came on several months ago. I brought the vehicle in for service in may of 2022 to Mercedes Benz of Westwood MA. They neglected to repair the issue with the seat and returned the car back to me with the safety issue still unresolved.…
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired. April 2025: Second brake failure. Brakes failed…
I WAS DRIVING IN A RURAL AREA WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS THAT I HAD BLOWN A TIRE BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOUD. HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS HANDLING FINE AND NO WARNING MESSAGES CAME ON. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH SAID "WHAT WAS THAT?"…
I FOUND OUT THAT ONLY ON 2018 MERCEDES GLS MODELS, THE CAR LETS YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITHOUT A WARNING AND PUTS THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY. IT DOES NOT PUT THE CAR TO 'P' OR GIVES YOU A WARNING SAYING YOU NEED TO PUT THE GEAR TO 'P' TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER SEEN…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 5 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 21 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.