Mercedes-Benz GLS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz GLS model year (2017–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Years to Avoid
8 recalls · 37 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 75
3 recalls · 34 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 45
4 recalls · 22 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 42
Best Mercedes-Benz GLS Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 5
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 16
2 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 17
Found the right year? Verify that specific GLS with a free VIN report.
Mercedes-Benz GLS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 12 | 4 | — | 23 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 12 | 2 | — | 16 | Good |
| 2023 | 2 | 11 | — | — | 17 | Good |
| 2022 | 4 | 16 | — | — | 28 | Caution |
| 2021 | 4 | 22 | 4 | — | 42 | Caution |
| 2020 | 8 | 37 | 7 | — | 75 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 2 | 14 | 4 | — | 28 | Caution |
| 2018 | 4 | 17 | — | — | 29 | Caution |
| 2017 | 3 | 34 | 1 | — | 45 | Caution |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent GLS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 5 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade GLS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GLS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS if possible. It has 8 recalls, 37 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 75 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GLS to buy?+
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 1 recall and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GLS has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mercedes-Benz GLS Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz GLS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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