VehicleVerdict

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 — 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Gls 550 years?

Gls 550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 4 complaints
Gls 550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gls 550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other229%
Brakes114%
Electrical System114%
Seat Belts114%
Transmission114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 have recalls?

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

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.

17V816000Latches & LocksDecember 18, 2017 · 8,700 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 17, 2018

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. *TR 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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2020

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 19, 2021

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 21, 2018

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gls 550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.