Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.
vehicle
2021 / mercedes-benz / gls-class
known issues
7 clusters (reviewed 2026-08-21)
complaints
37 on file (2021-07-26 → 2026-07-29)
recalls
0
investigations
0
fars
0 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
48V mild-hybrid battery system failure while drivingELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY15 complaints2021-07 → 2026-07gls-2021-48v-battery-failure
11624928 Vehicle has just over 31k miles. ON multiple occasions, the vehicle randomly shuts off and displays a 48 volt battery error on the screen followed by a check engine light. This has happened in the middle of a busy intersection and at 75mph on the interstate
11634240 I was driving on [XXX] , the battery malfunction warning suddenly pop up, and I couldn't accelerate my car beyond 30 MPH, my whole family were on the car during that time. it's life threatening issue needs to be addressed
11561635 In July 2021, the vehicle became completely disabled due to failure of the 48 volt battery. In October 2021, the dealer replaced 48 volt battery failed again causing the vehicle to become completely disabled. In December 2023, our 3rd replacement 48 volt battery failed
48V electrical system fire under passenger seatELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS3 complaints2024-08 → 2025-05gls-2021-48v-seat-fire
11661377 I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic without hitting anyone
11610699 Unknown, smoke started coming from under the passenger side seat, car is a complete loss. 2. Smoke damaged my lungs, there was a large amount of exploding glass, and it could have led to a structure…
11753406 Subsequent forensic diagnostics performed at an authorized secondary dealership (Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale) captured digital video evidence of active, high-voltage 48V electrical arcing across a completely loose, un-torqued main grounding network connection
Spontaneous sunroof glass breakageUNKNOWN OR OTHER2 complaints2022-04 → 2024-09gls-2021-sunroof-explosion
11616529 I was driving only 30mph through my suburban neighborhood bringing my kids to school in the morning when a loud shotgun sound hit my car causing me to be distracted and distraught. My entire sunroof had exploded on me for no reason
11462258 I was driving down the interstate and heard a loud ‘pop’. Very confused, my daughter and I saw a couple pieces of glass fall from the sunroof. Looked up to see the sky and hear the wind. Luckily, I had the shade closed
Rear wheel cracking and tire pressure lossWHEELS1 complaints2025-11 → 2025-11gls-2021-rear-wheel-cracking
11701188 Both rear wheels on this vehicle have developed cracks which leads to tire pressure loss. Apparently, this is a common issue with Mercedes' heavier vehicles like the GLS and S series sedans. To be clear, I did not hit anything. I did not do any unusual driving
ADAS false alerts and unintended interventionFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, ENGINE4 complaints2021-07 → 2023-01gls-2021-adas-false-activation
11455544 while driving at various speeds, the Lane Departure safety feature independently activated as he attempted to avoid either a person or an object in the lane of traffic. As the contact attempted to steer around the pedestrian or object in the lane of traffic, the safety feature
11426426 The contact stated while driving 75 mph with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph than to 15 mph. On another occasion, while driving 80 mph, the vehicle independently decelerated to 45 mph. There was no warning light illuminated
11426863 The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the collision warning sensor was activated with an audio alarm and warning on the display screen. The contact stated that there were no objects in the roadway or close to the vehicle
Mercedes Me account linked to prior owner after resaleUNKNOWN OR OTHER2 complaints2024-09 → 2024-09gls-2021-mercedes-me-account-retention
11613729 Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own.…
11613731 Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own.…
Windshield wiper chattering and skippingVISIBILITY/WIPER2 complaints2022-10 → 2023-09gls-2021-windshield-wiper-chatter
11491095 Continuous malfunctioning front windshield wipers. In light to medium rain/wet condition the wipers chatter/jump on the windshield, leaving residue on windshield and causing substantial distraction to driving and even discourages use of wipers (leaving visibility poor)
11544975 Wipers - I have had repeated issues with the windshield wipers on this vehicle. I have taken it to the dealership 3 times and I have not gotten a satisfactory solution to the issue. The wipers skip across the windshield making intermittent wipers distracting
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.
Cite this
Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.
Wrench.Pro (2026). 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2021/mercedes-benz/gls-class
@misc{wrenchpro_2021_mercedes_benz_gls_class_2026,
author = {Wrench.Pro},
title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2021/mercedes-benz/gls-class}},
note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}
