Mercedes-Benz

GLS-Class (X166)

2013-2019 · Full-Size SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.9)
85 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
Includes data from: GL350GL450GLS-CLASS
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

4.7-V8-Gas

4.7L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.9)
13 complaints 4.3 per year Gasoline
View details
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

M157

5.5L 8-cyl Turbo / 577 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.8)
4 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
2
other
1
brakes
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (2 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (3.2)
3 complaints 1.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (17 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
electrical critical
Exterior Issues (7 complaints)
exterior critical

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class problems?

The 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has accumulated 85 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.7L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a good used car?

The 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 85 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have?

The 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 85 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the GLS-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 85 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

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