RoadVitals

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

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.
55
+1 complaint 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.
20
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.
3
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 55 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, most frequently naming the body & structure, electrical and suspension categories. 20 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 240 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

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.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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Nov 1, 2023
42,742 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

May 20, 2022
242,722 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
The risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number See Recall ScheduleView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 5, 2026

UPDATE TO EXISTING COMPLAINT XXX Vehicle: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 | VIN: [XXX] I am submitting an official update to my previous safety recall complaint regarding this vehicle. The safety recall was issued in late XXX, and as of XXX (over 90 days later), Mercedes-Benz still has no remedy available ("remedy not available"). Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has repeatedly failed to meet its own estimated remedy dates provided to me in writing: 1. Initially promised for XXX by my dealership (Mercedes-Benz of Palm Beach). 2. Later pushed to XXX by Mercedes-Benz USA corporate customer care. 3. As of today, XXX, the dealership confirms the campaign is still closed and Mercedes-Benz USA refuses to provide any new target date. Please attach this update and the uploaded email correspondence to my active file, as the manufacturer is indefinitely leaving an unsafe vehicle without a fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11776042
Incident
Nov 1, 2026
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Sep 30, 2026

SUBJECT: URGENT: Safety Recall Campaign 26V481 / XXX– Unreasonable Remedy Delay and Economic Hardship (VIN: [XXX]). I am formally logging a safety complaint regarding the unreasonable delay by Mercedes-Benz in providing a remedy for NHTSA Recall 26V481 (Mercedes Campaign XXX), affecting my vehicle (VIN: [XXX]). The manufacturer reported this critical defect to the NHTSA on XXX. Despite months having passed, and with owner notifications scheduled for XXX, the remedy remains unavailable. My local authorized dealerships (Mercedes-Benz of West Palm Beach and Delray) have canceled my service appointments, stating they have zero parts allocation from corporate and cannot perform repairs. This vehicle is a commercial asset utilized for peer-to-peer car sharing on the Turo platform. Because this recall involves a severe rollaway risk due to a defective door lock microswitch, Turo has automatically unlisted and deactivated my vehicle to comply with safety regulations. Mercedes-Benz’s failure to distribute parts is causing severe, compounding financial damages due to lost rental revenue, leaving me stranded with an unsafe vehicle that is legally and commercially inoperable. I request that the NHTSA intervene to hold the manufacturer accountable and expedite parts allocation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11767997
Incident
Aug 1, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 26V481000 (Latches/Lock/Linkages); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while attempting to Park the vehicle, the parking brake independently engaged. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the failure was confirmed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11765005
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Mileage
70,000 mi
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 15, 2026
Crash reported

I am submitting this complaint because I believe the repair performed under NHTSA Recall 21V990 / Mercedes-Benz Campaign 2022070009 in May 2024 failed to adequately correct the safety defect identified in the recall.When driving my axle snapped causing my tire to pop out and me to loose control of the car causing a crash into the curb. I have since been without a vehicle with Mercedes Benz of Augusta denying my vehicle after having it towed. They refused to even look at it seeing the axle issue. The recall specifically states: “Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Model Year 2019–2021 A-Class and GLB-Class vehicles, the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle. Under specific environmental influences, corrosion of the integral carrier of the front axle might occur after several years. As a result, depending on the intensity and location of the corrosion, an impairment of the structural durability of the integral carrier as well as the connection to other components cannot be ruled out. In this case, vehicle steering might be affected which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.” My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 received the recall repair in May 2024. Despite the recall repair being completed, the vehicle subsequently experienced a serious front-end/steering-related mechanical failure involving components connected to the front axle, resulting in an accident and loss of steering control.I am particularly concerned because the failure occurred in the same general front-axle area addressed by Recall 21V990, and the recall itself specifically identifies the possibility that deterioration of the integral carrier and its connections can affect steering and increase the risk of a crash.I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the May 2024 recall remedy was properly performed and whether the recall remedy adequately addresses the underlying safety defect in this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11764407
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 21, 2026

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
Body & structure
Filed Aug 5, 2025

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
Body & structure
Filed Jul 10, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11672392
Incident
Jun 16, 2025
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed May 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

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!

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.

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

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110—
2025120—
2024410—
2023111042.4
2022131054.0
20213011054.7
2020Viewing5520054.6

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.