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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
5
Latest Jul 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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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.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580, 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

  • Electrical225.0%
  • Engine225.0%
  • Airbags112.5%
  • Fuel system112.5%
  • Suspension112.5%
  • Visibility112.5%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational safety systems, hazard lights, or air conditioning in extreme 100+ degree heat. This roadside isolation created an immediate physical hazard and directly inflicted acute heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, requiring a subsequent emergency clinical medical evaluation on July 5 for lingering environmental exposure symptoms. Subsequent forensic diagnostics performed at an authorized secondary dealership (Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale) captured digital video evidence of active, high-voltage 48V electrical arcing across a completely loose, un-torqued main grounding network connection left by a prior repair facility (Mercedes-Benz of Syracuse) during a major warranty engine removal repair just 7 days prior. Secondary dealer diagnostics officially logged this internal structural failure under factory tracking as Damage Code 5482G388. The loose connection created an active, immediate thermal and fire hazard capable of igniting nearby fuel or fluid lines. The original repairing facility deflected liability, claiming the high-voltage ground studs 'loosen due to many reasons' on an asset with no prior electrical faults. This creates a severe ongoing fire, thermal, and crash risk for this model year's 48V electrical system architecture.

NHTSA ID 11753406 · filed Jul 29, 2026

Delivered an unfinished or car with a broken part,Seat Problem not locking properly, Electrical Problem, Engine Light Came on, ESP warning, Suspension Problem, Battery Problem, Steering Jerking, Mirror Problem which they said Mercedes Benz aware of it, some sort of sound, car getting hot excessively.

NHTSA ID 11574364 · filed Feb 27, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational safety systems, hazard lights, or air conditioning in extreme 100+ degree heat. This roadside isolation created an immediate physical hazard and directly inflicted acute heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, requiring a subsequent emergency clinical medical evaluation on July 5 for lingering environmental exposure symptoms. Subsequent forensic diagnostics performed at an authorized secondary dealership (Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale) captured digital video evidence of active, high-voltage 48V electrical arcing across a completely loose, un-torqued main grounding network connection left by a prior repair facility (Mercedes-Benz of Syracuse) during a major warranty engine removal repair just 7 days prior. Secondary dealer diagnostics officially logged this internal structural failure under factory tracking as Damage Code 5482G388. The loose connection created an active, immediate thermal and fire hazard capable of igniting nearby fuel or fluid lines. The original repairing facility deflected liability, claiming the high-voltage ground studs 'loosen due to many reasons' on an asset with no prior electrical faults. This creates a severe ongoing fire, thermal, and crash risk for this model year's 48V electrical system architecture.

NHTSA ID 11753406 · filed Jul 29, 2026

Delivered an unfinished or car with a broken part,Seat Problem not locking properly, Electrical Problem, Engine Light Came on, ESP warning, Suspension Problem, Battery Problem, Steering Jerking, Mirror Problem which they said Mercedes Benz aware of it, some sort of sound, car getting hot excessively.

NHTSA ID 11574364 · filed Feb 27, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GL550. The contact stated that while driving 30 -35 mph an unknown vehicle crossed her path, the driver depressed the brake pedal but was unable to stop before colliding with a vehicle. The steering wheel air bag split open and deployed. The contact sustained injuries, the inside of her right arm was cut. The air bags on the floor deployed and contact sustained severe burns on her shin medical attention was provided. The contact stated she still has an open wound. The distance warning indicator light was illuminated. There was no reported fire. The police were on the scene however, there was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted but, no further assistance was provided The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The contact mentioned the floor air bag was removed by the tow company. The VIN was not available. UPDATES- Due to the impact of the airbags on the floor, it caused major bruising, restricted blood flow and two hematomas to my right shin. In August of 2020 I had major surgery to remove the hematoma and healing for this open wound took seven months. I have a major scar on my right shin. Additionally, I have a scar on the inside of my lower right arm as the airbag on the steering wheel split open and cut my arm. Steigler Automotive Repair, in Reseda, California repaired all damages to my vehicle (approximately $30,000k) and the car was released back to me.

NHTSA ID 11444154 · filed Dec 17, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID 11701200 · filed Nov 24, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Delivered an unfinished or car with a broken part,Seat Problem not locking properly, Electrical Problem, Engine Light Came on, ESP warning, Suspension Problem, Battery Problem, Steering Jerking, Mirror Problem which they said Mercedes Benz aware of it, some sort of sound, car getting hot excessively.

NHTSA ID 11574364 · filed Feb 27, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Continuous malfunctioning front windshield wipers. In light to medium rain/wet condition the wipers chatter/jump on the windshield, leaving residue on windshield and causing substantial distraction to driving and even discourages use of wipers (leaving visibility poor). Mercedes Dearler/Service center has attempted multiple remedies over time but to no avail. Internet search of multiple forums on the web show many people with similar issues so thought it would be relevant for NHTSA to know. Issue is ongoing.

NHTSA ID 11491095 · filed Oct 27, 2022

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

Data on this page last refreshed .