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Electrical systemPart report

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
45%of 31 total for the year
Median mileage
11,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, 45% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“We accepted delivery of our brand new vehicle in May 2021 from the dealer. In July 2021, the vehicle became completely disabled due to failure of the 48 volt battery. In October 2021, the dealer replaced 48 volt battery failed again causing the vehicle to become completely disabled. In December 2023, our 3rd replacement 48 volt battery failed. Each time the vehicle is out of service for a week or longer. The dealer is not providing any information about what may be causing the failures. Vehicle has become completely unreliable and dangerous. …”

NHTSA complaint #11561635, filed 2023-12

“1. Unknown, smoke started coming from under the passenger side seat, car is a complete loss. 2. Smoke damaged my lungs, there was a large amount of exploding glass, and it could have led to a structure fire. 3. Not applicable 4. In process, but it was recalled for this issue 5. No”

NHTSA complaint #11610699, filed 2024-08

“2021 mercedes benz GLS450. Consumer writes in regards to48-volt battery system failure. The consumer stated the has failed twice, a year apart. The dashboard displayed 48-volt battery failure and check engine . The vehicle would fail while being driven. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The consumer stated the manufacturer had determined a fix for the recall repair.”

NHTSA complaint #11469328, filed 2022-06

“Cluster Information Display Black out on and off. Cannot see speedometer and headup display also turns off. Problem occured 5/13/22, 6/17/22, and 6/13/23. Problem is still not fixed after going to mechanic 3 times. 7/16/24 went in to mechanic again for the same problem but mechanic concluded that there are no further solution possible to fix this problem. When the problem occurs, the cluster information display is blacked out for about 3 to 4 hours, and only fixed when 1 or 2 days are fixed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11602715, filed 2024-07

“Vehicle has just over 31k miles. ON multiple occasions, the vehicle randomly shuts off and displays a 48 volt battery error on the screen followed by a check engine light. This has happened in the middle of a busy intersection and at 75mph on the interstate. Each time it does this, I have taken it to a Mercedes dealer for repair/troubleshooting. THey perform the Mercedes required steps to repair the known issue and each time the issue persists. The car has been at a dealership for almost a combined 30 days now with no end in sight. …”

NHTSA complaint #11624928, filed 2024-11

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20211445%
20201850%
2019416%
2018214%
2017823%

Other parts of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Other or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology