2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 26 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 26 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 7 complaints, typically surfacing around 43,354 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 GLS-Class | 41 | 0 |
| 2018 GLS-Class | 22 | 0 |
| 2019 GLS-Class (this page) | 26 | 0 |
| 2020 GLS-Class | 38 | 0 |
| 2021 GLS-Class | 37 | 0 |
| 2022 GLS-Class | 15 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 43,354 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 3 owner reports · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 43,354 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Failure of driver side front axle CV assembly. Part #166-330-33-00 with 36,000 miles on the vehicle Noise was heard when driving, pulled over heard noise as moved car forward and made left turn. Car was towed to Highway Tire and Auto near our house on a Saturday morning. Car…
Driving on freeway at ̃75mph toward 202 w arizona freeway, dashboard showed a "engine malfunction + 48 v battery see operator's manual:. 1 minute later another error on screen saying, coolant off turn engine off. Then the car lost the power in the middle lane off freeway.…
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had become consistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the…
While driving my car the check engine light comes on. The code is P06DA (OIL PUMP SOLENOID OPEN CIRCUIT - ELECTRICAL ISSUE). Dealer states repair is $5000!!! Car is not able to pass inspection due to the check engine light.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 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.
Should you avoid the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 7 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 43,354 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 26 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 43,354 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 7 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 43,354 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 43,354 miles. 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 26 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 are not always better value.