2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 recalls and problems

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 has 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 recalls

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.

Recall 17V-816: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Dec 18, 2017 · 8,700 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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."

Risk: If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Unknown or Other	2
Power Train	1
Electrical System	1
Seat Belts	1
Service Brakes, Air	1
Visibility/Wiper	1
Suspension	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Rotor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,000 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 550 complaints

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

Suspension · at 75,045 miles · reported Jul 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound when making a right turn, and an abnormal ticking sound at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. Another driver informed the contact that the front passenger-side wheel was loose and followed the contact to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sway bar needed to be replaced; however, the sway bar was only adjusted. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The dealer was notified and…

Service Brakes, Air · at 4,500 miles · reported Aug 19, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS550. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed there was an abnormal noise detected. The brake warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pad on one side of the disc was completely worn, and the other side of the disc was like new with a full thick pad. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the brake rotor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was…

Electrical System · at 32,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2020

Seatbelt had tightened and not released when my body moves. Brakes are not applied. Typically during driving I'm small enough to maneuver my hand down to release red seat belt button. I've had to stop my vehicle 5-10 times to release belt. I have 2 small kids 7/ 11 both are 60 pounds they are 4 feet tall and 4'6' 7 year old still uses booster I''ve checked belts to the best of my ability but I'm 110 lbs 5'2' and have no mechanical training or experience or certifications this has been noted to mercedes and the problem is never really discussed. The vehicle was operating under all conditions…

Unknown or Other · at 7,000 miles · reported Nov 29, 2018

I was driving in a rural area when all of a sudden I heard what sounded like an explosion. My first instinct was that I had blown a tire because it was so loud. However, the car was handling fine and no warning messages came on. My husband and I both said "what was that?" everything on seemed fine mechanically so we kept driving, but a bit shaken by the sudden loud noise. I few hours later we stopped for gas. As my husband went to clean the windshield he noticed the shatter of the glass roof panel. We thought back to the incident earlier and realized that must have been the sound me heard. The…

Power Train · at 199 miles · reported Jun 14, 2018

While in motion on a highway in stop and go traffic, car shifted itself from drive to neutral without any driver input. All indicator lights on dash turned on. Driver unable to shift from neutral back to drive to regain control of vehicle. Driver could only shift to park. Driver shifted vehicle to park and tried to shift to drive, but was unable to do so. Driver turned off ignition and restarted car, at which point driver was able to shift the vehicle into drive. Driver reports no user error (I.e. Did not accidentally hit the shifter, did not hit engine on/off button) and no indicator lights…

Other Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 years

20192018

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550: 21V-058 (communication, electrical system), 18V-539 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V-816 (latches/locks/linkages). 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 550?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (2 reports), followed by power train (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,000 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.