Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2017–2019

Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 14 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz GLS 550, covering model years 2017 to 2019. The 2017 and 2018 model years drew the most complaints (6 each), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 7 recall campaigns on file
  • 14 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 3 model years with data (2017–2019)
  • most complaints: 2017, 2018 (6 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (2 complaints)
  • latest recall 22V365000 (reported May 20, 2022)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints by model year

3 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2017 and 2018 model years share the highest count, 6 complaints each. Next come 2019 (2).

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2017–2019Column chart of 14 complaints across 3 model years. The highest are 2017, 2018 with 6 each. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2017: 6 complaints620172018: 6 complaints620182019: 2 complaints22019
Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201760000
201860000
201920000
All model years140000

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 components

top 11 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 2 complaints (14.3% of all 14), followed by Power Train (2) and Suspension (2). Another 5 complaints are filed under NHTSA’s “Unknown or Other” category.

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints (top 11)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints (top 11)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Unknown or Other535.7%
Engine214.3%
Power Train214.3%
Suspension214.3%
Electrical System17.1%
Engine and Engine Cooling17.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System17.1%
Seat Belts17.1%
Seats17.1%
Service Brakes, Air17.1%
Visibility/Wiper17.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 recalls

7 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name GLS 550, newest first. The 7 campaigns cover model years 2017 to 2019. The 2017 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 7 recall campaigns
  • 3 over-the-air remedies
Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 recall campaigns covering each model year
2017: 5 campaigns2018: 3 campaigns2019: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 22V365000

    Reported

    Communication › Auto Crash Notification; Electrical System › Software

    Model year 2019 · Over-the-air fix

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 21V058000

    Reported

    Communication › Auto Crash Notification; Electrical System › Software

    Model years 2017–2019 · Over-the-air fix

    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V787000

    Reported

    Communication

    Model year 2017 · Over-the-air fix

    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V539000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model year 2018

    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V272000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front

    Model year 2017

    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 17V816000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 2017–2018

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

    Consequence:
    If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V077000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Model year 2017

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE 400 4Matic, GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 350, GLE 550E 4Matic, GLE 63 AMG, GLE 63S AMG, GLE 43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE 63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLS 450 4Matic, GLS 550 4Matic, and GLS 63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. In certain types of crash events, the center console may unlatch, allowing the objects within to fly around the cabin. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, if objects are not secured within the center console, they may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the center console so that it remains latched in a crash, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 have?

NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz GLS 550, covering model years 2017 to 2019. The most recent, 22V365000, was reported on May 20, 2022 and is filed under “Communication”. The 2017 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 model year has the most complaints?

The 2017 and 2018 model years tie, with 6 complaints each out of 14. The next is 2019 (2). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 2 complaints, or 14.3% of all 14. Power Train (2) and Suspension (2) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 14 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.