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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, most frequently naming the body & structure, electrical and engine categories. 20 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 230 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 3 |
| Sep 2020 | 3 | 6 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 8 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 10 |
| Dec 2020 | 3 | 13 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 14 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 15 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 17 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 18 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 19 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 20 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 21 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 23 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 24 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 25 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 27 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 29 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 33 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 34 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 35 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 36 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 37 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 38 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 39 |
| Jun 2024 | 3 | 42 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 44 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 45 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 46 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 47 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 48 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 49 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 50 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 51 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Body & structure1322.8%
- Electrical915.8%
- Engine610.5%
- Fuel system58.8%
- Suspension58.8%
- Driver assistance58.8%
- Airbags47.0%
- Steering35.3%
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
20 campaigns 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.govEQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Diagnostics performed and found electrical/component fault and possible wire damage to fuel pump. NECC to drain tank and inspect replace fule pump if necc. Oringally took one week prior and diagnostics led to the possiblility that the cylinder head was malfunctioning, which was a manufacturing defect and covered under an extended warranty, but now advised otherwise. Quote $2200.00. Mileage on vehicle 23,660.
- NHTSA ID
- 11726066
- Incident
- Mar 21, 2026
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a serious safety incident involving my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, which directly reflects the defect outlined in Recall 20V-480 (Rear Spoiler Detachment). Although my VIN is not officially included in the affected range, the exact failure described in the recall occurred on my vehicle. On or about June 16, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was driving and I noticed an object in my rearview mirror that had become airborne and was causing vehicles behind me to swerve to avoid it. Moments later, two separate vehicles pulled up alongside me, and the drivers began waving their arms to get my attention. I exited the roadway and pulled into the Walmart parking lot, where a couple in a pickup truck approached me and informed me that the rear spoiler of my vehicle had flown off. I got out to inspect the vehicle, and indeed, the spoiler was completely gone. I returned to the area where I first saw the airborne object, attempting to locate the detached part, but was unsuccessful in recovering it. I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA and my local dealership on June 17, 2025, and was told that because my vehicle’s VIN is not listed under the recall, I would be responsible for the full cost of inspection and repair. Frankly, that position is unacceptable for the following reasons: - Recall 20V-480 describes a defect involving improperly welded rear spoilers on 2020 GLB250 models, which can detach while driving. That is exactly what happened to my vehicle under normal conditions. - The spoiler detached while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous road hazard—just as outlined in the recall. - The vehicle has never been involved in a collision or sustained rear-end damage. It has not been subjected to outside interference. - My VIN has been included in at least five previous recalls, underscoring that my vehicle was part of broader quality issues during that production period.
- NHTSA ID
- 11678410
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11672392
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11661522
- Incident
- May 16, 2025
Front and rear suspension/control arms appears to have squeaky noises when approaching a turn or going a speed bump.
- NHTSA ID
- 11652993
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2023
CV joint axle. This car does not maintain its lane. Drives misaligned and sounds like there is a cracking noise like something is breaking under driverside steering wheel. Attention assist comes on often. This issue appeared shortly after purchasing 05/24. The vehicle had been inspected multiple times by Mercedes. Supposedly there were looks bolts underneath that were tightened. Problem persists every-time vehicle is driven.
- NHTSA ID
- 11633560
- Incident
- Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle lunged backward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,307.
- NHTSA ID
- 11631409
- Incident
- Dec 18, 2024
- Mileage
- 50,307 mi
Car constantly cuts out and loses power as well as occasionally shuts off for no reason. Causing very hazardous driving conditions. I have noticed that this is a common issue stated in online forums with this particular car as well. It is more times than not an issue with the engine head and valves.
- NHTSA ID
- 11617187
- Incident
- Sep 28, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2-3 key cycles. The vehicle can be released back to the customer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING
Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line. Remedy In the event of a customer complaint and fault code in IDC control unit: U186B29 in IDC223 or fault code U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1 in IDC213 or fault code in HOSWD control unit: B1E7614 Check: Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. Please flash the new SW and perform the SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (N179/1) (available from July 2026). The software can be flashed onto all HOSWD213 with HW number A0009011522 and all HOSWD223 with HW number A0009011422. Please also flash the SW for the IDC control unit (N62/4), if possible (only applies to HOSWD223). Erase fault memory Remedy: Turn on the ignition or start the engine without touching the steering wheel. If, after 10 seconds without touching the steering wheel, one of the three fault messages appears on the instrument cluster: Check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, crimp connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage -> replace the steering wheel rim. If a yellow message does not appear on the instrument cluster within 10 seconds: Grasp the steering wheel fully with both hands, including the chrome molding at the 6 o'clock position (see picture 1). If the fault is triggered by grasping the steering wheel rim or pressing the clip at the 6 o'clock position, check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, kinked connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage: Replace the steering wheel rim. Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. A TIPS case should be created if fault profile is unclear. In the event of a customer complaint and a further fault code in HOSWD: B1E7713: Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). B1F1F04: Check the control unit of the hand detection system; if necessary, replace this with the control unit from a donor vehicle (make sure that the hardware part numbers are identical).
POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).
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. The E505.9 software is released and available in XENTRY Q3 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 465, 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2-3 key cycles. The vehicle can be released back to the customer.
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
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.