Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 brakes problems
21 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.
Key facts
69 owner complaints analyzed
21 distinct recall campaigns
8,900 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 to 2020 model years. Data snapshot: . 17 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Braking behavior evidence
21 of 69 complaints match this topic (30.4%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.
Owner report 11118382 · 2018-08-07 (August 7, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED UPON REACHING A HILL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO FLETCHER JONES MOTORCARS (3300 JAMBOREE RD, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660, [phone removed]). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIF…
Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11118382 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11150448 · 2018-11-09 (November 9, 2018)
I FOUND OUT THAT ONLY ON 2018 MERCEDES GLS MODELS, THE CAR LETS YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITHOUT A WARNING AND PUTS THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY. IT DOES NOT PUT THE CAR TO 'P' OR GIVES YOU A WARNING SAYING YOU NEED TO PUT THE GEAR TO 'P' TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN ANY CAR. BASICALLY YOU BRAKE AND STOP THEN TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITH THE BUTTON. THE CAR SHIFTS TO 'N' INSTEAD OF 'P' AND IF YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR SLIDES SINCE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. EVEN OLDER CARS DO NOT LET YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE BEFORE SHIFTI…
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11150448 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11353649 · 2020-09-08 (September 8, 2020)
I WAS ALREADY 90% IN PARKING LINE WHICH IS HANDICAP'S. ABOUT TO STOP RIGHT FRONT OF HANDICAP SIGN, SUDDENLY VEHICLE START MOVING FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS IN BRAKE SO I PUSH LITTLE HARD TO COMPLETE STOP BUT VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATE FORWARD SMASHING INTO THE BUILDING GLASS ENTRY WALL AND DOOR. I AM SO CERTAIN THAT MY FOOT WAS IN BRAKE. I WANT TO KNOW THAT IS THERE ANY WAY SOMEONE CALL OR VISIT WHERE BODY SHOP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE SO I CAN ASK MANUFACTURE TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11353649 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11683217 · 2025-08-26 (August 26, 2025)
Brake brakes are terrible. They have other years that they’ve acknowledge that the break are spongy and at times does not break the GLS has that defect. Also smell of gas fumes inside the vehicle. Please direct me the right way and help me with this issue. The brake issue almost have caused me two major accidents car doesn’t stop mechanic says this is a Mercedes issue You may contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11683217 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11703281 · 2025-12-05 (December 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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11703281 at NHTSA ↗