Home · 2020 Mercedes-benz GLB · Complaints

What 56 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-benz GLB

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (56)Crash / fire / injury (4)Body & structure (14)Electrical system (9)Engine (8)Airbags (7)Fuel system (7)Suspension (6)Speed control (3)Steering (3)Backup camera & sensors (2)Brakes (2)

Newest first · 56 complaints · page 1 of 3

Jun 15, 2026SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainFuel system

EXTENDED WARRENTY INFORMATION MERCEDEZ BENZ HAS ISSUED WARRENTY TO THAT APPLIE TO CONDISTIONS AS LISTED ABOVE (EXHAUST VALVE, CYLINER HEAD ) BACK 08/04/2023 THE CAR HAS IN MERCEDEZ BENZ AND HAVE FAILED TO PICK ON THE EXTENDED WARRRENTY REPAIRS AND WE NOW FIND OUT THIS CASED MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND NEEDS TO REPLACE CAMSHAT AND , CONTROL VALVE, ROLLER ROCKER ARM, AND ENGINE CAMSHAFT FOLLOWER . IT'S ALL BECAUSE DEALERSHIP FAILED AND NOTFIY US OF NEEDED REPAIRS . THEY ARE WILL COVER THE REPAIS ON EXHAUST VALVE SYSTEM BUT NOT CAMSHAT AND , CONTROL VALVE, ROLLER ROCKER ARM, AND ENGINE CAMSHAFT FOLLOWER . I FEEL DUE THEIR NEGLIGENCE THEY NEED COVER THIS AS WELL THEY ARE ASKING PAYMENT OF $2879.63 FROM ME

NHTSA ODI 11744345

May 1, 2026AirbagsEngineFuel system

I have a passenger malfunction with airbags warning coming. I also just experienced getting gas. My milage counted down to zero which it never has before and my engine light came on. I went and got gas 3 times spending around $70 and my gas mileage still says 0 and my engine light is on.

NHTSA ODI 11735064

Apr 28, 2026Airbags

my car has only 24533 miles and Air bag malfunction message is showing up

NHTSA ODI 11734342

Mar 21, 2026EngineFuel system

Diagnostics performed and found electrical/component fault and possible wire damage to fuel pump. NECC to drain tank and inspect replace fule pump if necc. Oringally took one week prior and diagnostics led to the possiblility that the cylinder head was malfunctioning, which was a manufacturing defect and covered under an extended warranty, but now advised otherwise. Quote $2200.00. Mileage on vehicle 23,660.

NHTSA ODI 11726066

Feb 10, 2026EngineFire

The vehicle was operating normally the previous night. We drove it and parked it in the driveway that evening, and it was not used again after that. The following morning, we started the vehicle to allow it to warm up and then returned inside the house. Approximately 10 minutes later, we discovered the vehicle was on fire, with flames coming from under the hood. We immediately called 911. The fire department responded and was able to extinguish the fire; however, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and part of our home sustained fire damage. There were no prior issues with the vehicle. We had purchased it in September 2025, and it was in excellent condition. This incident could have resulted in far more serious consequences had it occurred while the vehicle was in motion or if emergency responders had not arrived as quickly as they did.

NHTSA ODI 11717145

Aug 5, 2025Body & structure

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a serious safety incident involving my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, which directly reflects the defect outlined in Recall 20V-480 (Rear Spoiler Detachment). Although my VIN is not officially included in the affected range, the exact failure described in the recall occurred on my vehicle. On or about June 16, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was driving and I noticed an object in my rearview mirror that had become airborne and was causing vehicles behind me to swerve to avoid it. Moments later, two separate vehicles pulled up alongside me, and the drivers began waving their arms to get my attention. I exited the roadway and pulled into the Walmart parking lot, where a couple in a pickup truck approached me and informed me that the rear spoiler of my vehicle had flown off. I got out to inspect the vehicle, and indeed, the spoiler was completely gone. I returned to the area where I first saw the airborne object, attempting to locate the detached part, but was unsuccessful in recovering it. I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA and my local dealership on June 17, 2025, and was told that because my vehicle’s VIN is not listed under the recall, I would be responsible for the full cost of inspection and repair. Frankly, that position is unacceptable for the following reasons: - Recall 20V-480 describes a defect involving improperly welded rear spoilers on 2020 GLB250 models, which can detach while driving. That is exactly what happened to my vehicle under normal conditions. - The spoiler detached while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous road hazard—just as outlined in the recall. - The vehicle has never been involved in a collision or sustained rear-end damage. It has not been subjected to outside interference. - My VIN has been included in at least five previous recalls, underscoring that my vehicle was part of broader quality issues during that production period.

NHTSA ODI 11678410

Jul 10, 2025Body & structure

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11672392

May 16, 2025BrakesEquipment

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11661522

Apr 6, 2025Suspension

Front and rear suspension/control arms appears to have squeaky noises when approaching a turn or going a speed bump.

NHTSA ODI 11652993

Jan 1, 2025SteeringSuspensionWheels

CV joint axle. This car does not maintain its lane. Drives misaligned and sounds like there is a cracking noise like something is breaking under driverside steering wheel. Attention assist comes on often. This issue appeared shortly after purchasing 05/24. The vehicle had been inspected multiple times by Mercedes. Supposedly there were looks bolts underneath that were tightened. Problem persists every-time vehicle is driven.

NHTSA ODI 11633560

Dec 18, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle lunged backward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,307.

NHTSA ODI 11631409

Sep 30, 2024Engine

Car constantly cuts out and loses power as well as occasionally shuts off for no reason. Causing very hazardous driving conditions. I have noticed that this is a common issue stated in online forums with this particular car as well. It is more times than not an issue with the engine head and valves.

NHTSA ODI 11617187

Sep 19, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the spoiler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615360

Jun 28, 20241 injury

Power Liftgate (via key fob – SmartKey). Mercedes GLB250. Was told by Mercedes employees that all cars operate the same. oSensor that automatically stops liftgate if it detects an obstruction does not retract to allow someone reaching in the trunk to safely exit the trunk. oThe liftgate stops, but it does not do so until it has hit/touched the objection or obstruction. oWhen you press the trunk button on the key fob, the liftgate only raises slightly (maybe 2 inches). oIf you press the key fob again, the liftgate just continues to go up and down within those few inches and continues to hit/touch the object/obstruction each time you press the button. Half of my body was trapped in the trunk. Suffered injury to shoulder and hand. oI was taking grocery bags out of the trunk and had the key fob in my pocket. oAn item fell out of the bag so I reached into the trunk to grab it. oAs I leaned in, the body of the car must have come into contact with the key fob and the trunk came down (closed). oI did not have time to exit the trunk and ½ of my body became trapped in the trunk. oI had just enough space to move my right hand to take the key out of my pocket. oI pressed the trunk button, but the liftgate did not fully retract. It went up slightly and came back down hitting/touching my body. oI did not have enough room to get out of the trunk. oI was in a garage where no one could hear me scream for help. oI had to push up with my left hand and use excessive force with my back and right shoulder to lift the heavy trunk. Mercedes inspected the car and said nothing is wrong. Letter provided. oSeveral Mercedes employees at the dealership were present when I demonstrated the issue. They had no explanation. oSales manager stated that he tested the trunk (cars located at the dealership) and they do retract but understood my concerns as it only retracts slightly. oNo one seems to understand that serious risk this possesses, unless they were to be trapped i

NHTSA ODI 11597573

Jun 26, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while opening the liftgate, the rear spoiler above the liftgate became loosened while raising and scratched the roof of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear spoiler had not detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by external factors, unrelated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V480000 (Structure), which had previously been performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596906

Jun 17, 2024Engine

The engine made a knocking sound and i pulled over on the side of the road took the car to MB dealership to get the recall fixed but i was told the recall cannot be fixed until the engine is fixed. MBUSA refuses to replace the engine even though it is fully covered under warranty. Thus because i cannot get a recall done for my safety unless i get an engine replaced. This is absolutely horrible. MB knows they produced a bad engine and are forcing us to pay out of our pocket then they will fix the recall on the car.

NHTSA ODI 11594846

Mar 4, 2024Engine

Engine failure. Engine has no compression which is causing injection fueler to fail. The head engine has gone bad at 50,000 miles. Head engine must be replaced and is on back order per Mercerdes Benz. After research on the issue I’ve noticed the Year/Make/Model this is issue is common at the 40k-50k mile mark. This is a manufactured issue that Mercerdes needs to fix if so common within the car and also unsafe. Not okay for a new car to have engine failure this early

NHTSA ODI 11575249

Feb 6, 2024Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570269

Jan 7, 2024Brakes

Since the beginning of the vehicle purchase, we heard fine metal rattling sound on the front driver side tire. Had it checked with the dealer and they recommended no repair. Now driven about 35K miles and started very loud metal scratching sound when wheels turned to right. Inspection showed bent brake cover that was wearing tire uneven. Dealer claims that we went over a large bump that bent the brake cover but no such thing happened and this location is where we have been hearing this fine rattling since buying new. Raising a possibility that the manufacturing and securing process of parts around this area was not done fully and eventually cause inappropriate contact induced brake covering damage and tire wear.

NHTSA ODI 11564012

Sep 20, 2023Electrical system

My GLB250 does not fall under recall 2020070009 however after taking it through the car wash the entire display instrument went out and car will not turn on and off. They are telling me the car had water damage and it is on me to fix?

NHTSA ODI 11545725

Jun 27, 2023Body & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while opening the trunk of the vehicle, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear spoiler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V480000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11529163

Mar 16, 2023Electrical systemSpeed controlLane Departure

There's a recall on the display monitor the screen will go black sometimes come back on sometimes never come back on there was a update to fix the issue if the update doesn't work they will have to change the display module or computer that controls it when I brought it to the dealer they want to charge me to replace the display or computer , I called the manufacturer and they refused to fix the recall problem

NHTSA ODI 11512281

Feb 13, 2023

Gap between frame and windshield causing unbearable squealing noise when driving above 75 mph. Unable to hear exterior surroundings and the squealing is causing aggravation to the ear drums of all passengers. Video provided to Mercedes dealer technician and issue has been inspected and confirmed by dealer. I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle and it was purchased around October/November 2022. The issue was noticed during a road trip from Jacksonville to Orlando, FL in December of 2022. There are no warning lamps or messages. However, there appeared to be a minor leak when the heat was turned on but that was not addressed when viewed by the technician. Currently, a timeframe has not been provided by Mercedes when a new windshield will be available from Germany. So at this time, I am still driving the vehicle enduring the noise since that is my only means of transportation.

NHTSA ODI 11506975

Feb 10, 2023Electrical system

My car has a recall from May 2021, I purchased my car Oct 2022. When asked about the recall the finance manger at Mercedes Benz of South San Francisco, Rapheal Chin stated it was no open recalls on the car. When I pointed out the repair order didn’t match the car fax, it was explained by the salesman that it was completed. But NHTSA says that it was not fixed. When trying to get it fixed my car sat at the dealership for 8 days with no understanding of how to fix my car. This is clear neglect on the manufacturer and is causing me grief! My car says no updates needed, my Mercedes Benz Me App, says no updates needed but yet this recall is still open over a year later. I’ve called customer care 12 times in one day with no help. It seems as though no one throughout the Mercedes Benz company can assist me.

NHTSA ODI 11506576

Dec 25, 2022

I had this safety recall done already why is it not removed it was done at the dealer

NHTSA ODI 11498804

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Working with the data? Download all 56 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Mercedes-benz GLB verdict →