2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class Safety Report
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Unrated for crash safety, but plagued by electrical and active safety system malfunctions.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class
Reliability Score
The 2020 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Malfunction (48v System) Multiple reports of '48V system malfunction' leading to sudden engine shutdowns, loss of acceleration, and complete electrical system failures while driving, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 30000-61000 miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions Reports of 'phantom braking' and 'automatic emergency braking hallucinations' where the vehicle abruptly applies brakes without an obstacle, and 'camera view restricted' impacting collision avoidance. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Fuel System Leaks Instances of fuel rail system failure and leaks, with owners noting similarities to known recall campaigns for other Mercedes-Benz models. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Engine Stalling/Shutting Off Engine spontaneously dies while driving, leading to loss of power steering and acceleration, requiring the vehicle to be turned off and restarted. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Suspension Component Failure Premature wear of front struts and rear shock absorbers, affecting vehicle handling and control, with some owners noting similarities to recalled vehicles. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering One report of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving on the interstate without external impact. |
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 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class:
Frequent reports of 48V system malfunctions, complete electrical failures, and dashboard screen issues.
Issues with phantom braking, automatic emergency braking hallucinations, and restricted camera views.
Concerns about fuel leaks and engine overheating messages.
Reports of engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving.
Premature failure of struts and shock absorbers.
Transmission not downshifting or shifting out of lower gears properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has no official crash test ratings, making it difficult to assess passive safety. However, it has 34 complaints, including 2 crashes and 3 injuries, primarily due to critical electrical system failures, forward collision avoidance malfunctions like 'phantom braking,' and sudden engine shutdowns, which raise significant active safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
The most reported issues are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), often involving the 48V system leading to engine malfunctions. Other common problems include FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system failures (3 complaints) causing unexpected braking, and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues (3 complaints) like fuel leaks.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?
According to the provided data, there are currently no recalls specifically for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. However, some complaints mention issues similar to those covered by recalls for other Mercedes-Benz models, such as fuel system leaks and suspension problems.
How does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has not received any official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), so its crash test performance cannot be assessed based on this data.
What should I be aware of regarding the 48V system in the 2020 GLS-Class?
The 48V mild-hybrid system in the 2020 GLS-Class is a significant area of concern, with multiple complaints describing '48V system malfunction' errors that lead to sudden loss of acceleration, engine shutdowns, and complete electrical system failures, often requiring expensive battery replacement.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the lack of crash test ratings and numerous critical complaints regarding electrical system failures, phantom braking, and engine shutdowns, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially concerning the 48V system and active safety features.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class. The data includes 34 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 3 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.