2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class Safety Report

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Multiple vehicle fires and critical component failures reported, no NHTSA crash ratings available.

40Complaints
0Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
5Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (7)Exterior Lighting (5)Power Train (3)Engine (3)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Suspension (2)Steering (2)Electrical System,Engine (2)Seats (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of serious incidents despite a relatively low overall complaint count. With 40 total complaints, it has recorded 1 crash, 5 fires, and 1 injury. A significant concern is the high incidence of vehicle fires, with five separate reports detailing events ranging from smoke under the hood to complete vehicle consumption, some occurring shortly after parking. This suggests a potential underlying issue with the fuel or electrical systems, as evidenced by complaints referencing 'fuel rails' and 'burning rubber odor'. Common complaint patterns extend beyond fires. 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' is the top complaint component with 7 reports, indicating a variety of unspecified issues. EXTERIOR LIGHTING, with 5 complaints, frequently cites poor low beam visibility, making night driving difficult and potentially unsafe. POWER TRAIN and ENGINE each have 3 complaints, including reports of unpredictable transmission behavior (e.g., failing to engage Park, unexpected shifting) and engine overheating due to hose assembly failures. Suspension issues are also prominent, with 2 reports of airmatic suspension failure leading to loss of vehicle control while driving. Despite these issues, the vehicle has no open recalls, which is unusual given the nature and frequency of some complaints, particularly the fires. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2017 GLS-Class, making it impossible to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. The lack of recalls for recurring issues like fires, transmission malfunctions, and suspension failures is a significant gap in addressing potential safety defects.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Vehicle Fires
Five separate complaints detail vehicle fires, some leading to total loss, with reports of smoke from the hood, explosions, and burning rubber odors. One incident occurred within minutes of parking.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Poor Low Beam Visibility
Multiple owners report faded or inadequate low beam headlights, making night driving, especially in poor weather, extremely difficult and unsafe.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Transmission Malfunctions
Unpredictable transmission behavior, including failure to engage Park, unexpected shifting, and attempts to engage Reverse without driver input, leading to safety concerns.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Airmatic Suspension Failure
Reports of airmatic suspension system failure while driving, leading to loss of vehicle control and bumpy rides, with some owners experiencing repeat failures.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Engine Overheating
One complaint details engine overheating and immediate shutdown on a highway due to a faulty hose assembly clamp, creating a dangerous situation.		 High Rare 59295 miles
Power Steering Failure
Power steering malfunction message displayed, followed by complete loss of power steering while driving at highway speeds.		 High Rare unknown miles
Sunroof Shattering
Sudden explosion and shattering of the sunroof while driving at highway speeds, causing glass to blow out.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class:

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

A variety of unspecified issues, indicating diverse problems not fitting into specific categories.

Exterior Lighting 12% of complaints

Poor low beam visibility making night driving difficult and unsafe.

Power Train 7% of complaints

Unpredictable transmission behavior, including issues with engaging park and unexpected shifting.

Engine 7% of complaints

Engine overheating and other unspecified engine-related issues.

Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System 7% of complaints

Complex issues potentially leading to vehicle fires and other critical failures.

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

Fuel leaks and issues related to fuel delivery, potentially contributing to fire incidents.

Suspension 5% of complaints

Airmatic suspension failures leading to loss of control and bumpy rides.

Steering 5% of complaints

Loss of power steering while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has several serious safety concerns, including 5 reported vehicle fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury out of 40 total complaints. Key issues include poor exterior lighting visibility, unpredictable transmission behavior, and suspension failures leading to loss of control. There are no NHTSA crash test ratings available for this model, and no recalls have been issued to address these recurring problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' problems (7 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5 complaints, primarily poor low beam visibility), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints, including transmission malfunctions), and ENGINE (3 complaints, including overheating). Other significant problems involve vehicle fires (5 incidents), suspension failures (2 complaints), and steering issues (2 complaints).

Has the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class been recalled?

No, according to the provided NHTSA data, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has 0 recalls, despite a number of serious complaints including multiple vehicle fires and critical component failures.

Are there fire risks with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

Yes, there are significant fire risks reported for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. NHTSA data shows 5 separate vehicle fire incidents, some resulting in total vehicle loss, with reports of smoke, explosions, and burning odors. One complaint specifically mentioned 'fuel rails' as a potential cause.

How does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class are not available (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Side=N/A, Rollover=N/A), so its performance in controlled crash scenarios cannot be assessed based on this data.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the reports of multiple vehicle fires, critical transmission and suspension failures, and poor night visibility, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly inspect any 2017 GLS-Class, paying close attention to service history related to engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class. The data includes 40 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.