Dec 5, 2025BrakesEngineDriver assistanceFire
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 for engine replacement by certified Mercedes mechanic. Post-engine replacement (July - Nov 2025) - Severe oil leaks at left cylinder head, small leaks at right cylinder head. Coolant warnings and overheating despite adequate coolant. Radiator and vent line issues. Active Brake Assist Limited warning appeared. Late November - Vehicle emitted smoke and experienced a small engine fire, observed under hood after stopping. Mercedes dealership deemed car unsafe to drive. During engine replacement wood pieces were found where destroyed motor mounts should have been. Multiple issues with no notice or warning lights.
NHTSA ODI 11703281
Oct 14, 2021EngineFire
The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS450. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch off, the driver suddenly discovered flames were coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 15,000.
NHTSA ODI 11436804
Sep 8, 2020BrakesCrash
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.
NHTSA ODI 11353649
Aug 7, 2018Electrical systemFire
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, (949) 718-3000). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
NHTSA ODI 11118382