Mercedes-benz Gls550 problems

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The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE (formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class before 2016). The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class (originally intended for military off-roading but also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer.

The GLS shares the same unibody architecture with the GLE. Most GLS vehicles are assembled at the Mercedes plant in Alabama, except for a small number of early 2007 production vehicles which were manufactured in Germany. The first generation model (X164) was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2013 by the new generation GL-Class (X166).

From 2016 with the release of the facelifted second generation model, the GL-Class was renamed to GLS as per the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Class. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "S", the SUV equivalent to the S-Class, marketing the GLS as the corresponding SUV to the S-Class full-size sedan.

photo of Mercedes-benz Gls550 car production

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Mercedes-benz Gls550 model years

mercedes-benz gls550 2018 photo
Gls550 2018
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mercedes-benz gls550 2017 photo
Gls550 2017
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Common Mercedes-benz Gls550 problems

The Mercedes-Benz GLS550 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Electrical problems: Electrical issues are also common in the GLS550. Some owners have reported issues with the power front seat, which may malfunction or have electrical problems. Additionally, the communication module in some vehicles may have been inadvertently deactivated during service visits, disabling the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
  • Suspension problems: The GLS550's suspension system has been known to cause issues, particularly in certain driving conditions. If the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap. This can lead to a loss of suspension control and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
  • Air suspension: Some owners have reported issues with the air suspension system, which can be a nightmare to deal with. Radiator hoses may break at low mileage, and the air suspension system may require frequent maintenance or replacement.
  • Expensive repairs: Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their high maintenance and repair costs. The average annual repair cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908, which is in line with the GLS550's reputation for expensive repairs.

It's worth noting that the GLS550 has an above-average reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 27th out of 32 for all car brands. However, the average annual repair cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908, which means it has average ownership costs.

In summary, the Mercedes-Benz GLS550 has several common problems that owners have reported, including transmission issues, electrical problems, suspension problems, air suspension issues, and expensive repairs. While the vehicle has an above-average reliability rating, the high cost of repairs and maintenance should be taken into consideration when purchasing a GLS550.

Mercedes-benz Gls550

How much is maintenance on a Mercedes GLS550?

2019 GLS-Class SUV GLS 550 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A)

Year 1Total
Maintenance$2,542$14,376
Repairs$1,959$11,413
Taxes & Fees$3,754$4,638
Financing$2,878$8,438

Is a GLS reliable?

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What engine is in the GLS 550?

4.7 L V82019 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 4MATIC / Engine

What is the fuel mileage of a GLS550?

Based on data from 7 vehicles, 666 fuel-ups and 222,297 miles of driving, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 gets a combined Avg MPG of 16.58 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error.

Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz Gls550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz Gls550.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mercedes-benz Gls550 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Gls550 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Gls550 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2019-11-01
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
  • Components: COMMUNICATION
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
  • Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Gls550 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2018-08-16
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz Gls550 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2018-04-27
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
  • Consequence: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

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