VehicleVerdict

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Gls 450 years?

Gls 450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted64 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 23 complaints2020: 64 complaints2022: 27 complaints2023: 16 complaints2024: 20 complaints
Gls 450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gls 450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System315%
Suspension315%
Brakes315%
Engine210%
Body & Structure210%
Seats15%
Steering15%
Transmission15%
Driver Assistance15%
Fuel System15%
Lighting15%
Other15%

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

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.

21V058000OtherFebruary 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 units

Defect

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.

18V539000BrakesAugust 16, 2018 · 9,044 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 2018 · fire

“This 2018 gls 450 has issues with suspension system. Bought this car in 2023 and using since Jna 2023 and suspension system failed like 3 -4 times. Mechanic changed the air compressor , valves and others and still the car has same issue. It used to lift the car to adequate height but the compressor…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 14, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 24, 2020 · crash

“PART OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT. THERE WERE NO CARS OR TREES AROUND AT THE TIME. NOTHING TOUCHED THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 6, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 15, 2019 · fire

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Gls 450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 450. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gls 450 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gls 450 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among Gls 450 years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.