Mercedes-Benz

GLS-Class (X166)

2013-2019 · Full-Size SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.0)
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

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
64 complaints 21.3 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
12
engine
12
other
8
exterior
7
fuel system
7

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
Engine Issues (12 complaints)
Exterior Issues (7 complaints)

Same engine used in

+91 more
BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)BMW X3 (2011-2017)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)FORD Ranger (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2019-2025)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)BMW X6 (2015-2019)FORD Focus (2000-2007)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)LINCOLN Town Car (2000-2011)BMW X5 (2014-2018)BMW X7 (2019-2025)AUDI A8 (2019-2025)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)FORD Five Hundred (2005-2007)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)AUDI A7 (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2000-2004)FORD Windstar (2000-2003)BMW X6 (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2006-2011)BMW X5 (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)BMW X4 (2015-2018)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)FORD Flex (2009-2019)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)AUDI A7 (2012-2018)SUBARU Legacy (2000-2004)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)FORD E-Series (2000-2025)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)LINCOLN LS (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)BMW 3 Series (2006-2011)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)LINCOLN Aviator (2003-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)FORD Freestyle (2005-2007)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)BMW 7 Series (2023-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)AUDI A8 (2011-2018)FORD Escort (2000-2003)PORSCHE 911 (2020-2025)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)AUDI Q8 (2019-2025)BMW 7 Series (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)BMW 8 Series (2019-2025)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)FORD Super Duty (2000-2007)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)BMW 6 Series (2012-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2012-2019)FORD Mustang (2000-2004)PORSCHE Cayenne (2019-2025)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)AUDI Q7 (2007-2015)
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 (2.9)
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 (3.3)
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)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+71 more
CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

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: 2026-05-23.

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