2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC

We recently noticed visible damage to one of the seatbelts in our 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The affected component is the seatbelt webbing. The belt has visible fraying and pulled/cut fibers along the edge in two separate spots near the area where the belt retracts. The vehicle is very new, and the damage appears abnormal for a safety-related component. The damage is localized near the belt path/retractor area, and we are concerned it may be related to an issue with the seatbelt path, retractor mechanism, surrounding trim, alignment, or another defect in the restraint system. The component is available for inspection upon request. This creates a safety concern because the seatbelt is a critical occupant restraint system. If the webbing fibers are damaged, the seatbelt may not perform as intended in a crash or sudden stop. We are currently avoiding use of that seating position until the issue is inspected and resolved. The problem has been brought to the attention of a Mercedes-Benz dealer. The dealer quoted approximately $2,250 to replace the affected seatbelt and indicated that it would not be covered under warranty. To our knowledge, the dealer has not yet fully inspected the seatbelt mechanism, belt path, surrounding trim, or retractor area to determine whether the damage is related to a defect or abnormal condition in the vehicle. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or an independent service center. We are requesting further inspection by Mercedes-Benz because this is a safety-related component on a new vehicle. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other symptoms before we noticed the seatbelt webbing damage. The first symptom was the visible fraying/pulled or cut fibers on the seatbelt webbing. The exact cause is UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11747197

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Brake pads completely worn after 11K miles - this seems like premature wear and like there is a potential issue with the braking system on the GLS450.

NHTSA ID

11740240

Incident

May 25, 2026

Accident report: Local ID [XXX] Agency: ISPLowell 13 Date [XXX] Time approx [XXX] Milepost [XXX] on [XXX] Auto: 2025 Mercedes GLS 450 fully loaded Single car accident See attached pictures for damage State Farm insurance - claim filed (claim # [XXX]) Claim filed with Mercedes Benz on 3/9/2026 to access info from event data recorders (claim #[XXX])a total loss Driver’s 2 front airbags deployed - chest and legs. Driver was in left lane with no traffic around - slight drizzle Car started to move a bit in between the lane markers as if the lane assist was engage and trying to keep the car in the lane Driver had both hand in the wheel and was paying attention - tried to stabilize the wheel when all of a sudden the wheel turned hard left (driver couldn’t correct wheel) and drove the car starting into the cement center median. The car seemed to jump a bit and finally came to rest in the median (not touching the median) facing in the original direction at a slight angle to the left. Driver reports that it also seems the wheels may have locked up. Driver was driving a safe soled at 65 in a 70 zone and was fully attentive. Driver suspects the lane-assist feature. Fortunately, the driver was not seriously hurt - just a couple of bruises from the seat restraint system and the airbag deployment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11723124

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a safety feature with a white speed limit sign started flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated the flashing was a constant issue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times. The contact was informed by the dealer that it was a known issue and that the manufacturer was still developing a fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,265.

NHTSA ID

11721777

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

Mileage

5,265 mi

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious malfunction of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. This malfunction caused my vehicle to unexpectedly perform an emergency stop without a valid cause, resulting in significant damage to its suspension system. Incident Details: •Date of Incident: Friday, December 5, 2025, between 10:45 am and 11:15 am ET •Location: Community Baptist Church of Englewood, 224 1St, Englewood, New Jersey. •Description: While driving under normal conditions on a clear, dry road with no obstructions, the vehicle's AEB system engaged suddenly and forcefully. The abrupt, maximum-force braking caused severe stress and impact on the vehicle's suspension components, leading to a bent suspension linkage/component. The car is currently unsafe to drive. The damage to the suspension was not a result of normal wear and tear or an external impact caused by a collision. It was a direct consequence of a failure within a critical safety system designed and installed by Mercedes-Benz. An abrupt emergency stop due to a system malfunction places extreme, unintended stress on the vehicle's mechanical components, including the suspension and alignment systems. While Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown Service authorized the repair and will fully cover its cost, the reason was noted for to agreement was noted as “not to argue with a client who has a long-standing relationship with Mercedes-Benz.” I am asking for this to be officially reported as a defect for Mercedes-Benz to resolve in their design, which will safeguard all future and current drivers as well as the public.

NHTSA ID

11703696

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, a loud popping noise had occurred, and suddenly the panoramic glass sunroof exploded, causing shards of glass to fall into the cabin of the vehicle. During the incident, shards of glass contacted the driver, front seat passenger, and middle row passenger located on the driver's side. The driver sustained lacerations to the left hand and neck, which would require medical treatment. The children were traumatized by the event. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11699107

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

Mileage

10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the coolant pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a metallic clicking sound was coming from the engine compartment, and there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle near the instrument panel was very hot. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,050. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11692173

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

Mileage

14,050 mi

Complaint Check engine light illuminated, or previously on One of the below Exhaust Flap fault codes stored in PTCU N127: P13C273 P13C278 P140473 Cause Various Remedy 1. Thaw exhaust system if ice is present. 2. Update software of N127 PTCU. 3. Check the exhaust flap for free movement. 4. Replace exhaust flap actuator. (P13C273 and P13C278‑ Right side flap, P140473‑ Left side flap). Ensure anti‑rattle spring is installed in correct position. 5. Clear fault codes and check exhaust flap for free movement via actuation. If fault code reoccurs: ‑Replace muffler with exhaust flap actuator. Note: For vehicles with two exhaust flap actuators, the left and right actuator have different part numbers. Installing two of the same side part number will cause fault codes due to missing LIN messages.

Complaint Harsh upshifts, downshifts, or jolting in lower gears when accelerating. Cause Incorrectly installed (rotated) rotational speed sensors on the EHS (VGS Control Unit) can cause abnormalities in signals. As a result, poor adaptation values are stored and harsh gearshifts are felt. This only affects vehicles with VGS control units produced between days 185‑296 of 2025 (July 4, 2025‑ October 23, 2025). It is possible to check the production date of the VGS through the EEPROM .txt file (Figure 1) or on the VGS hardware (Figure 2). Remedy If the production date is or is within 25185‑25296 (07/4/25‑10/23/25): IPR will recognize these cases and advise updating of VGS software. Please ensure your XENTRY has all the latest Addons installed before proceeding. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended steps • update VGS software • perform standstill adaptation Hardware replacement is no longer necessary for this root cause! 2. Perform 5‑7x driving adaptations of 3‑4 upshift and 5‑4 downshift • use the attached guide and steps below, (also found in Startek NG > Passenger > Drivetrain) for the 5‑4 downshift: ‑ Start the coast or braking from a higher engine speed (if the vehicle shifts into 6th, restart the acceleration up to 5th gear) • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort with consistent light to medium braking • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport with consistent light to medium braking If the production date is outside of this range: This LI is not applicable. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended instruction

Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. *NOTE ‑ Use of tracer DYE for leak checks is not approved. Only approved leak check procedures as per WIS are approved. Cause Possible refrigerant leak. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* ‑ Photo documentation requirement is no longer in effect as of 10/1/2025. Remedy 1: Replace Evaporator (Only applies to vehicles produced PRIOR to April 15, 2022 and has NOT had the evaporator replaced previously) 1. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS before condemning the evaporator. 2. If no other leaks are found, replace the evaporator 3. *Important* ‑ when you get the new evaporator, check the expansion valve bracket to see if there are any bends (see attachment "Bent Bracket"). a. If bent, remove the expansion valve and bracket and check for damage to the flange (see attachment "Flange Damage"). i. If damage is found, order another evaporator and claim the part under parts warranty. The warranty claim MUST include a photo of the damage found. ii. If no damage is found, flip the bracket and torque to 7Nm. Check the evaporator for proper sealing before fully installing. b. If no bends are found, the evaporator should be installed in the vehicle. Note ‑ *If the evaporator housing has been opened or the evaporator or housing has been tampered with, the claim will be debited. Remedy 2: (Applies to all vehicles produced on or AFTER April 15, 2022 up to August 1, 2025) 1. Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . 2. If no leaks were found AND the system came in with no cooling/low charge, OR the evaporator is suspected of leaking: 3. Replace ONLY the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00, in accordance with the procedure outlined in WIS document AR83.30‑P‑5520ME. 4. IF THE PRODUCTION DATE IS BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2023 AND JULY 1, 2024, REPLACE THE DRYER AS WELL. (NOT THE CONDENSER) 5. After, charge the system and perform a few drive cycles. 6. Recheck the vehicle for leaks. 7. If no leaks are found, the vehicle can be released. 8. If a minor leak is detected that is less than 50ppm, then perform the following steps: • If a leak is detected, fill the system with forming gas • Close all doors and windows for 10 minutes. • Vehicle off with no blower activation. • Open the driver's door and measure ppm detection as soon as the door is open and the sniffer goes into the vehicle. • If no leaks are measured, fill the system and release. • If you still feel the evaporator is needed/leaks are still detected, a TIPS case is required for replacement. Provide all documentation listed in Remedy 3. Remedy 3: (Only applies to vehicles produced AFTER August 1, 2025) Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . If no leaks are found or the expansion valve has been found to be leaking, remove the expansion valve and check the bracket. If the bracket is bent, replace the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00. In the warranty submission, include photos of both sides of the bracket and a side profile so it can be seen that the bracket is bent. If the bracket is NOT bent or leaks from other locations are found, then open a TIPS case with the following: 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures via AC machine, showing the engine running, and hold a copy of the VIN/RO in view as well. 3. OBS recording of XENTRY AC actual values of compressor request to be on and current value. (Instructions in Attachments) 4. Video recording of the leak being found via sniffer at the R/F AC drain after removing the under dash panel if the evaporator is suspected. (see attached videos) 5. If the evaporator is found to be leaking via sniffer, another video needs to be uploaded (or a continuation if only making the video after checks

Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. Cause Directional control valve may stick. Remedy 1‑ Read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2‑ Perform approx. 10‑15 engine starts, then clear fault codes. 3‑ Perform road test with vehicle. If fault code reoccurs during road test: Install new directional control valve.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.