2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 electrical system problems

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
• 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 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 Aug 22, 2026

• Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause…

  LI54.65-P-080132 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 12, 2026

Electrical System problems in other GLS450 years

Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450