Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Registered from 2010 to 2023.
About this model
The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE. The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class is more expensive and has been in production longer.
From the Wikipedia article Mercedes-Benz GLS, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2017 3.0 diesel. 51 of 614 tests failed, 8%.
Better than 84% of 2017 cars. The typical one fails 12%, across 926 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 73% | 37 |
| Brakes | 10% | 5 |
| Lights and electrics | 8% | 4 |
| Body and structure | 6% | 3 |
| Plates and identity | 6% | 3 |
| Visibility | 4% | 2 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A tyre seriously damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- A wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud
Where it stands out against its peers
- Tyres and wheels: failed more often than 94% of 2017 cars — 73% of its 51 failed tests, where an ordinary 2017 car has 41%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 73% of its failures
- A tyre seriously damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Brakes — 10% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Lights and electrics — 8% of its failures
- An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Body and structure — 6% of its failures
- Plates and identity — 6% of its failures
When it starts failing
At 80–100k miles this one fails 4% of its inspections, against the 16% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 10% | 10% | 126 | |
| 40–60k miles | 9% | 13% | 226 | |
| 60–80k miles | 6% | 15% | 169 | |
| 80–100k miles | 4% | 16% | 45 |
566 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 40k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 5.5 petrol · 577 hp · 2580 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 15.1 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 3.0 diesel · 255 hp · 2480 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 10.2 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 3.0 diesel · 332 hp · 2457 kg · 2718 mm wheelbase · 7.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00017/22
A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00045/22
The vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits. This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00149/23
Insufficient fastening of the bolts can cause the steering coupling to come loose from the steering spindle. This affects the steering capacity of the vehicle, creating a the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00185/23
The aluminium bolts of the steering box may break. This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00700/23
The air conditioner may be faulty, which can lead to short circuits and/or fire. The automatic emergency call (eCall) may fail and the vehicle may not unlock and/or start. The emergency engine operation mode can be activated while driving. These errors create risks of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00745/21
The condensed water drainage hose of the air-conditioning system may not be properly fitted and could spontaneously detach. Consequently, condensation water could enter the passenger compartment and corrode electrical components, which could lead to short-circuits increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, this corrosion might cause different electrical systems to malfunction, increasing the risk of accident.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00754/22
The bolt for the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat may have been secured with insufficient torque. As a result, the electrical resistance of the connection could increase and the temperature may therefore rise in this area, posing a risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00991/24
The 48V ground connection under the passenger seat may have become detached in the assembly process. This can increase electrical transition resistance at the point of connection. This can lead to an overheated ground connection and create a risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
other
3 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.