2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 electrical system problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 — 47% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On [XXX], I was heading home from work traveling [XXX] on [XXX] through Atlanta's usual heavy traffic. I smelled smoke inside my car and saw fire flames coming from under my passenger seat. My initial reaction was to try to put the fire out with my hat without burning myself. Also, I had to try to…”
filed May 16, 2025
“System malfunctioned detail: 48v battery malfunction, 12v battery malfunction. Safety concern: I was driving on [XXX] , the battery malfunction warning suddenly pop up, and I couldn't accelerate my car beyond 30 MPH, my whole family were on the car during that time. it's life threatening issue…”
filed Jan 5, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly…Campaign 24V207000 · Mar 15, 2024
- Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model detailsCampaign 22V365000 · May 20, 2022
- A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not…Campaign 22V231000 · Apr 8, 2022
- Instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches…Campaign 20V089000 · Feb 14, 2020
Related service bulletins
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This…
LI54.21-P-080326 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2026Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist…
LI46.10-P-078012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when…
LI54.71-P-079104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a…
LI82.60-P-080383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 8, 2026Complaint 1. Maybach Night Series image not being displayed in Head Unit, Instrument Cluster, CCR and RSU displays 2. Car line picture mismatch between Instrument Cluster and Head Unit display 3. Menu icons missing in…
LI82.60-P-080702 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026
Electrical System problems in other GLS450 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 GLS450 | 8 | 24% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.