2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 10 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 10 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 3 complaints (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 GLS-Class | 38 | 0 |
| 2021 GLS-Class | 37 | 0 |
| 2022 GLS-Class | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 GLS-Class (this page) | 10 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — 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 2023 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
- brakes — 3 owner reports · ~$450 to fix
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: 8.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is brakes (~$450) — 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 →Ask anything about your 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Twice the vehicle has stalled while driving. I see that there is a recall on my model for a faulty fuel pump which causes this problem, but my dealer claims my vehicle is not part of the recall even though it is having the same issue.
There have been 3 incidents where the car responded to unknown stimuli by braking hard. 3 months ago it happened while making a left turn through an intersection, driving about 10 mph the brakes unexpectedly locked up, luckily the person behind me took evasive action and didn't…
when coming to a stop and applying the break, the transmission stalled. a warning was issued around lane keeping assist and a second warning. Then the transmission light was on. It was not at risk in the moment because no one was behind me and I was coming to a stop sign. If…
I have a new GLS450 and on two separate occasions the car has shut down at a stop with no warning. First time was approximately mid July of 2023 with about 1,700miles. While at a stop the instrument panel displayed a text box with the words “Malfunction” across the screen, and…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2023 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 8.8/10 — 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 10 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 3 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 10 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 are not always better value.