2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
20 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
36,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2019 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 20 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 20.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 10.0% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Power Train: 3; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 2; Electrical System: 2; Engine: 2; Suspension: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 14 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 5 |
2019: 1; 2022: 4; 2023: 3; 2024: 5; 2025: 2; 2026: 5
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11528599 · 2023-06-23 (June 23, 2023)
Vehicle was damaged by a school bus hitting the rear passenger corner. It damaged the rear tail light, brake light, turn signal and backup warning sensors. Parts to repair the vehicle are not available for the past 4 months. I called multiple times and the dealer cannot provide a date when the parts will be available. The total cost of repairs is $3200.00. To avoid paying rental car fees that the school would have to pay, I’m driving a unrepaired car. The cost to rent a car would exceed the cost to repair the vehicle by 3-4 times the total r…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11528599 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11549440 · 2023-10-11 (October 11, 2023)
At first, the parking brake assist would appear when vehicle was put into park or when starting. We would have to release the parking brake each time. Then, the parking brake assist light would not go on, but the parking brake assist would engage and or be sticking while driving causing a burning smell and damage to the rear braking system including brake pads and calipers. The independent repair professional described this as being a very premature issue for this vehicle considering the age and mileage. The electronic parking brake actuators e…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11549440 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11597427 · 2024-06-28 (June 28, 2024)
Vehicle triggered into limp mode while driving, Braking Assist Disabled, Traction Control Disable, Sound System Disabled. Sent to dealership for repairs. Dealer found water pooled in the passenger side footwell. Estimation 10-20k to fix vehicle. Matching the exact details of the recall issued against 2020-2021 Mercredes Benze GLS450. Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installe…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11597427 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11613641 · 2024-09-09 (September 9, 2024)
9/9/24 after 5pm I'm driving my car and the check engine light came one. I have a small autel handy scanner always in my car. I checked it right away and gives me the code P06DA (OIL PUM SOLENOID OPEN CIRCUIT - ELECTRICAL ISSUE). I stop on the side for a quick check, no knocking noise from the engine and runs good. I checked on the website (Mercedes forums) and a lot of people had the same problem (lemon???). Most of them talking that thanks God the solenoid stuck on full open (higher pressure oil) so there's no damage to the engine. Repair cos…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11613641 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11699347 · 2025-11-14 (November 14, 2025)
The panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road. The glass blew out from the inside out. There didn't appear to be any issues with the sunroof before this. As far as safety, just the noise of the explosion was enough to surprise the driver causing a jerking of the steering wheel into the opposite lane of traffic which could have caused a head on collision. If the sunroof shade would have been open, the glass would have came down the drivers and passengers as they were going down the road. Saying this was distracting …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11699347 at NHTSA ↗