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
15 recalls · 37 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 96
5 recalls · 34 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 51
7 recalls · 19 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 44
Best Mercedes-Benz GLS Years to Buy
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
0 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Problem score: 15
3 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 20
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 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 12 | 4 | — | 20 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 11 | 2 | — | 15 | Good |
| 2023 | 3 | 11 | — | — | 20 | Good |
| 2022 | 5 | 12 | — | — | 27 | Good |
| 2021 | 7 | 19 | 2 | — | 44 | Caution |
| 2020 | 15 | 37 | 7 | — | 96 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 3 | 13 | 4 | — | 30 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 17 | — | — | 23 | Good |
| 2017 | 5 | 34 | 1 | — | 51 | 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 6 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 15 recalls, 37 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 96 — 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 6. It has only 2 recalls and 0 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.
Run a Free VIN Report →