2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 recalls and problems

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has 3 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
1 / 3
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 recalls

Recall 22V-365: Communication, Electrical System

Reported May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Recall 21V-058: Communication, Electrical System

Reported Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Recall 18V-539: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 16, 2018 · 9,044 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may not have been correctly coated, causing gas to become temporarily released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reducing braking performance.

Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080013.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension3
Service Brakes3
Electrical System2
Structure2
Engine2
Exterior Lighting1
Steering1
Power Train1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Unknown or Other1
Seats1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Dec 5, 2025
January 2023 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. December 2024 - Airbag suspension failed. Replaced by Mercedes dealership. April 2024: First brake failure. The brakes stopped while driving. Repaired. April 2025: Second brake failure. Brakes failed again. Repaired. The mechanic stated the line was too close to the wheelbase, resulting in a pinpoint-sized hole. No warning lights. July 2025: Engine failure - the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown while driving with no warning lights. Vehicle in shop for 6-8 weeks for engine replacement by certified Mercedes…
Suspension · reported Apr 22, 2025
When attempting to rise/lower the automatic suspension, the compressor cooling notification pops up, followed by a malfunction. After this occurs, the vehicle is incredibly bumpy, to the point of it being unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been repaired twice already by the dealership under extended warranty and the condition has occurred a third time in less than three weeks. This is our family vehicle, and we cannot drive it due to the risk of shaken baby syndrome for our infant because of how much it bumps. Videos are available to show just how bad it is.
Suspension · reported Apr 14, 2025
This 2018 gls 450 has issues with suspension system. Bought this car in 2023 and using since Jna 2023 and suspension system failed like 3 -4 times. Mechanic changed the air compressor , valves and others and still the car has same issue. It used to lift the car to adequate height but the compressor keeps on pushing it to cause teh compressor to fail.
Seats · reported Dec 27, 2022
Third row seat will not lock. Warning message came on several months ago. I brought the vehicle in for service in may of 2022 to Mercedes Benz of Westwood MA. They neglected to repair the issue with the seat and returned the car back to me with the safety issue still unresolved. I spoke with the dealer and Mercedes Benz USA and they refuse to repair the vehicle under warranty even though it was still covered under the factory warranty. [XXX], the service manager at the dealership informed me that the third row seat motor needs to be replaced in order for the seat to lock. He said it is a very…
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 21, 2022
While driving our 2018 Mercedes GLS 450 down Highway 80 just outside Sacramento, CA, the stationary glass panel of our panoramic sunroof spontaneously explpoded. There was no impact by any outside force, it just shattered with the sound similar to a gunshot. Fortunately I did not lose control of the vehicle, and thankfully the sun shade was closed otherwise broken glass would have showered down into my vehicle. this happened in early evening (around 7:00PM and the ambient temperature was 66 degrees outside, so this had nothing to do with temperature either. Mercedes Benz told me that since I…

Other Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: 22V-365 (communication, electrical system), 21V-058 (communication, electrical system), 18V-539 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?

Owners report suspension problems most often (3 reports), followed by service brakes (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.