RoadVitals

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jul 24, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 58 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine423.5%
  • Fuel system317.6%
  • Electrical317.6%
  • Airbags211.8%
  • Suspension15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Other / unspecified15.9%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Jul 24, 2026
310,667 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Oct 22, 2026
Crash reported

Steering and the car is available for inspection. The car's steering failed and it ran into a parked car ay 15MPH on a resiential street. The car has been reviewed by insurance representatives. No warning lights appeared before the steering malfunction.

NHTSA ID
11772862
Incident
Sep 4, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 14, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC Current mileage: Approximately 109,000 Date of most recent major incident: September 16, 2026 I am reporting serious, recurring safety concerns involving my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC, including engine malfunction, loss of acceleration, repeated overheating, misfire warnings, and intermittent electronic display failure. I purchased this vehicle Certified Pre-Owned in September 2023 with approximately 44,000 miles. Since purchasing it, I have experienced multiple significant mechanical failures despite repeated Mercedes-Benz dealership repairs. SUMMER 2024 – REPEATED OVERHEATING ON INTERSTATE 26 While traveling on Interstate 26 in South Carolina, my vehicle began overheating. I contacted Mercedes-Benz and was advised that I could continue driving. The vehicle repeatedly overheated, requiring me to pull onto the shoulder of the interstate multiple times to allow the engine to cool before attempting to continue. I was traveling away from home and ultimately required assistance from another individual who picked me up and provided somewhere for me to stay. I believe this incident placed my personal safety at risk because I was repeatedly forced to stop along an interstate due to an overheating engine. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Columbia, South Carolina, for repair. JANUARY 2025 – ENGINE MISFIRES AND MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR While traveling in Atlanta, Georgia, the check-engine light illuminated intermittently. After returning home, the warning returned. I was advised of ignition/misfire problems involving cylinders 1 and 3. Mercedes-Benz subsequently performed significant engine work, which was described to me as replacement or repair of ignition components and the upper portion of the engine. I was told this involved a known manufacturer issue. During the same service, Mercedes-Benz identified an oil leak involving the oil-filter housing and perform- I have more

NHTSA ID
11771107
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Sep 14, 2026

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB has a serious, unresolved safety issue involving the hood-latch warning and windshield wipers. While I am driving, the hood-open warning appears and the windshield wipers cut in and out or shut off unexpectedly. This problem was already occurring by March 2026. The vehicle currently has approximately 85,000 miles. During the recent heavy rain in New Jersey, these interruptions have compromised my visibility while the vehicle was moving. When the wipers stop clearing rain, my ability to see traffic, pedestrians, lane markings, and roadway hazards is impaired. This can prevent me from recognizing danger and reacting in time, putting me and other road users at immediate risk of a serious collision. I am concerned that this recurring failure could cause serious injury or death. A Mercedes-Benz dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed an “internal failure of hood switch.” A Mercedes-Benz technician also told me that the windshield-wiper issue was tied to the hood-latch sensor. The switch was subsequently replaced, but the hood warning returned almost immediately after driving only a few feet. The warning and intermittent wiper shutdowns have continued despite that attempted repair. I have submitted a safety complaint to Mercedes-Benz USA requesting urgent attention and a permanent repair. The issue remains unresolved, and I cannot reliably depend on the windshield wipers to maintain visibility during rain. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the hood-latch sensor fault and its interaction with the windshield-wiper controls, including whether an erroneous hood-open signal can disable the wipers while driving and whether other vehicles may be affected. This requires urgent attention because the unexpected loss of an essential visibility function while driving creates a serious danger to me and everyone sharing the road.

NHTSA ID
11764044
Incident
Mar 3, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 15, 2026

Complete engine failure mid driving on highway. NO engine light prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle has been towed to two different Mercedes Benz auto dealerships. Both service directors concur that this should not have occurred with zero warning and low mileage of 64,856 with an impeccable service record at Mercedes Benz Came on suddenly Julie 2026 and no engine warning lights

NHTSA ID
11757113
Incident
Jul 3, 2026
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 2026

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 ID
11744345
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
AirbagsEngineFuel system
Filed May 1, 2026

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 ID
11735064
Incident
Apr 30, 2026
Airbags
Filed Apr 28, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11734342
Incident
Apr 27, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2026
Fire reported

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 ID
11717145
Incident
Feb 5, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI46.10-P-080896

STEERING

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

LI42.10-P-078779

SERVICE BRAKES

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.

LI82.60-P-080383

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the previous request. This glitch is causing the cover art mismatch in the Radio application. Remedy Please do not replace any parts. Please update the Head unit software to E505.9

LI82.62-P-078631

STRUCTURE:BODY

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

LI 27.10-P-080851

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical characteristic of the transmission. A typical example is a "Change of Mind" situation: • The customer is coasting towards a red traffic light. • The traffic light turns green while the vehicle is still coasting. • The customer then presses the accelerator pedal. In these situations, a slight jerk may occur briefly because the transmission must quickly engage the appropriate gear and control the clutches accordingly. Since shift forks are responsible for engaging the gears during shifting, a slight shifting noise may also be noticeable. Please note driving programs S, S+, and M are designed to provide sportier vehicle behavior and are not optimized primarily for maximum comfort, so this operation may be more audible. Remedy Verify the customer's concern and confirm proper transmission operation. If no faults or abnormal operating conditions are identified by IPR (Intelligent Predictive Repair), no hardware replacement is necessary. Inform the customer that the transmission has been designed to provide direct gear engagement and responsive vehicle performance. Under certain operating conditions, brief shift sensations may be perceptible and are consistent with the operating characteristics of the dual‑clutch transmission

LI27.19-P-080869

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages. When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission control for 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (DKG): P24F100 The wake‑up line of the control unit has a short circuit to positive. Cause Possible signal timing between EZS control unit and Transmission Control Unit (DKG) Remedy As of 7/15/2026, new SCN coding is available for the EZS control unit. IPR will advise to open a TIPS case for EZS (N73), this is due to GLA models requiring support for SCN coding procedure. GLB (X247) and CLA (118) No TIPS case necessary. 1. SCN coding of EZS Control Unit 2. Clear all faults and perform extended road test with multiple drive cycles GLA (H247) Special function password required. 1. Verify if special procedure Central Locking ‑ Development Data is present in EZS (figure 1) 2. Submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain Inbox with the following information: ‑ Initial Quick Test w/ freeze frame data ‑ IPR Result ‑ DKG Control Unit Log ‑ EZS Control Unit Log ‑ Initial EEPROM data ‑ EZS special procedure menu If the vehicle has had this LI performed and P24F100 has returned, please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain Inbox.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025110—
2024110—
2023110—
2022210—
2021210—
2020Viewing810—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.