What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLS problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 950+ owner reports, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 48V Ground Connection Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall 24V207), 4MATIC Transfer Case Bearing Wear, Whine and Drivetrain Lock-Up Risk, Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation Causing Pump Shutdown and Loss of Drive Power (Recalls 23V445 / 23V880). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS has 9 known issues documented across 950+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 48V Ground Connection Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall 24V207) and 4MATIC Transfer Case Bearing Wear, Whine and Drivetrain Lock-Up Risk and Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation Causing Pump Shutdown and Loss of Drive Power (Recalls 23V445 / 23V880). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz GLS problems?
Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz GLS issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 48V Ground Connection Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall 24V207), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 48V Ground Connection Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall 24V207)?
On 48V mild-hybrid GLS 450/580 models, the ground cable bolt for the 48V system located under the front passenger seat may not have been tightened to specification at the factory. A loose ground lug increases electrical resistance which, combined with the very high currents the 4… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 4MATIC Transfer Case Bearing Wear, Whine and Drivetrain Lock-Up Risk?
The 4MATIC transfer case on the GLS is prone to internal bearing wear, typically beginning with fluid degradation or a slow leak from the output/case seals. As the bearings wear, owners report a whining or grinding noise that increases with vehicle speed and worsens over time. On… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation Causing Pump Shutdown and Loss of Drive Power (Recalls 23V445 / 23V880)?
On 2021-2024 X167 GLS models (GLS 450, GLS 580, Maybach GLS 600 and AMG GLS 63), certain batches of the in-tank fuel delivery module were built with impellers whose plastic did not meet Mercedes' material specification. The impeller can swell and deform, drag against the pump hou… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS Panoramic Sunroof Water Leak?
The large panoramic sunroof on the X167 GLS develops water leaks at the drain tubes or seal interface. Water enters the headliner and can drip into the cabin, staining the headliner and potentially damaging the overhead electronics. Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS Battery Drain from 48V System?
The 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid system causes excessive battery drain when parked. A software bug in the 48V battery management module fails to properly enter sleep mode, draining both the 48V lithium-ion and 12V lead-acid batteries. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS OM656 Diesel Emissions System Clogging (EGR/DPF/AdBlue SCR) and Limp Mode?
EU-market GLS 350d/400d models with the OM656 3.0L inline-six diesel suffer from sensitivity in the exhaust aftertreatment chain. The EGR (AGR) valve, diesel particulate filter (DPF) and SCR/AdBlue system are sensitive to poor fuel quality, short-trip driving and temperature swin… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS OM656 Diesel CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Sensitivity and Injector Damage?
The OM656 diesel uses a precise Bosch CP4 common-rail high-pressure fuel pump that reacts poorly to low-quality diesel or fuel contamination. Even minor tank impurities or a single mis-fueling event can damage the pump and injection nozzles, and metallic debris from a failing CP4… Repairs typically run $1,500-$8,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS M256 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Wear?
Owners of GLS 450 models with the M256 3.0L turbocharged inline-six report elevated oil consumption that tends to surface at higher mileage (commonly reported around 60,000 miles / ~100,000 km). The pattern — oil disappearing without visible external leaks — points to internal pi… Repairs typically run $3,000-$9,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS MBUX Infotainment Freezing, Black Screen and Random Reboots?
GLS X167 owners report the MBUX infotainment system freezing, showing a black or flickering screen, distorted display, unresponsive touch controls, or randomly rebooting. The faults are intermittent and often software-related, frequently triggered by or persisting through OTA/sof… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: low.
