Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS Reliable?
2017–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Mercedes-Benz GLS? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 54 | Fair |
| 2025 | 1 | 12 | 4 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2024 | 0 | 12 | 2 | — | 54 | Fair |
| 2023 | 3 | 11 | — | — | 52 | Fair |
| 2022 | 5 | 16 | — | — | 45 | Fair |
| 2021 | 9 | 22 | 4 | — | 29 | Poor |
| 2020 | 16 | 37 | 7 | — | 29 | Poor |
| 2019 | 3 | 14 | 4 | — | 45 | Fair |
| 2018 | 3 | 17 | — | — | 48 | Fair |
| 2017 | 6 | 34 | 1 | — | 30 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the GLS Compares to Similar Vehicles
The GLS scores 26 points below the average luxury. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Mercedes-Benz GLS Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 177 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?+
The Mercedes-Benz GLS scores 44/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 46 recall campaigns and 177 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year GLS is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 GLS achieved the highest reliability score of 54/100 with 0 recalls and 2 complaints.
How many miles does a GLS last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mercedes-Benz GLS owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used GLS will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mercedes-Benz GLS Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz GLS VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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