2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure1322.8%
- Electrical915.8%
- Engine610.5%
- Fuel system58.8%
- Suspension58.8%
- Driver assistance58.8%
- Airbags47.0%
- Steering35.3%
- Other / unspecified23.5%
- Brakes23.5%
- Powertrain (other)11.8%
- Seat belts11.8%
- Visibility11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My GLB250 does not fall under recall 2020070009 however after taking it through the car wash the entire display instrument went out and car will not turn on and off. They are telling me the car had water damage and it is on me to fix?
There's a recall on the display monitor the screen will go black sometimes come back on sometimes never come back on there was a update to fix the issue if the update doesn't work they will have to change the display module or computer that controls it when I brought it to the dealer they want to charge me to replace the display or computer , I called the manufacturer and they refused to fix the recall problem
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front and rear suspension/control arms appears to have squeaky noises when approaching a turn or going a speed bump.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
There's a recall on the display monitor the screen will go black sometimes come back on sometimes never come back on there was a update to fix the issue if the update doesn't work they will have to change the display module or computer that controls it when I brought it to the dealer they want to charge me to replace the display or computer , I called the manufacturer and they refused to fix the recall problem
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver hit at or around 35 MPH while making a left turn. Side airbags failed to deploy and did not protect driver from head/neck/shoulder injury. Upon impact, the seat belt did not restrain driver's body from thrashing against driver's car door.
GOT WARNING LIGHT ON IN DECEMBER 7TH 2020 SAYING "FRONT RIGHT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION". TOOK CAR FOR SERVICE AND APPARENT SOLVED ISSUE. TODAY DECEMBER 17TH 2020 THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN.*DT THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED AN INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLB250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 45 mph and merged to the left, the driver was losing control of the steering and crashed into the meridian. The contact noticed that the front axle fractured and detached from the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was damaged. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21v99000 (steering, suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,300.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Since the beginning of the vehicle purchase, we heard fine metal rattling sound on the front driver side tire. Had it checked with the dealer and they recommended no repair. Now driven about 35K miles and started very loud metal scratching sound when wheels turned to right. Inspection showed bent brake cover that was wearing tire uneven. Dealer claims that we went over a large bump that bent the brake cover but no such thing happened and this location is where we have been hearing this fine rattling since buying new. Raising a possibility that the manufacturing and securing process of parts around this area was not done fully and eventually cause inappropriate contact induced brake covering damage and tire wear.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver hit at or around 35 MPH while making a left turn. Side airbags failed to deploy and did not protect driver from head/neck/shoulder injury. Upon impact, the seat belt did not restrain driver's body from thrashing against driver's car door.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that while driving 65 - 70 mph, a loud noise was heard, and the sunroof glass exploded. The glass shards fell inside the vehicle. There was no impact on the sunroof that could have caused it to shatter. Another vehicle driving from behind the contact’s vehicle informed the contact that a gray object detached from the contact’s vehicle and hit the other vehicle’s frame and cracked the windshield. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .