Model-year warranty research

Is an Extended Warranty Worth It for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?

Review estimated repair costs, owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications for this model year. The records describe submitted cases; they do not tell you how likely a failure is.

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30complaint reports
12recall campaigns
249manufacturer communications
6leading reported component tags
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: submitted complaint records, vehicle recall campaigns and available complaint component tags. Counts are not failure rates.
Published source snapshot. Check the record scope below before applying these counts to your vehicle.

Source: NHTSA vehicle records, recall and complaint snapshot 2026-10-18. Manufacturer communications retain their separately dated source snapshot. Counts are submitted records, not failure probabilities. One vehicle can appear in several campaigns.

Complaint model names counted: GLS450. Recall model names counted: GLS450. Complaint records are deduplicated by ODI number; vehicle recalls are counted by distinct campaign number for this year.

Model-year records

What the 2021 record can and cannot say

The 2021 record contains 30 submitted complaints. The median across this model's matched years is 15.5 reports. Neither number accounts for vehicle sales or time on the road. Source names: GLS450. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

Electrical System is the most common displayed component tag, with 13 reports (43.3% of this year's submitted complaints). One complaint can name several components. The share describes reports, not the probability of a failure.

Engine replacement or major internal repair has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $8,000 before labor. A paid plan can help only if the component and cause qualify; check existing manufacturer coverage first.

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Problem research and repair guidance

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

5documented issue files
5vehicle systems

5 recall files · 0 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official safety recall2020, 2021Campaign 21V354000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: recall 21V354000

A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Condition in the official record

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: GLS 450, GLS450. Model years: 2020, 2021.
  • NHTSA campaign 21V354000
  • The complete campaign lists 343,191 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Published recall remedy

The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official safety recall2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022Campaign 22V365000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: recall 22V365000

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Condition in the official record

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: GLS 450, GLS450. Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022.
  • NHTSA campaign 22V365000
  • The complete campaign lists 242,722 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Published recall remedy

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official safety recall2021, 2022, 2023Campaign 23V445000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: recall 23V445000

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Condition in the official record

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: GLS 450, GLS450. Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023.
  • NHTSA campaign 23V445000
  • The complete campaign lists 143,551 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Published recall remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue

SEATS

Official safety recall2020, 2021, 2022Campaign 22V732000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY: recall 22V732000

A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.

Condition in the official record

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: GLS 450, GLS450. Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022.
  • NHTSA campaign 22V732000
  • The complete campaign lists 59,574 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Published recall remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue

STRUCTURE

Official safety recall2020, 2021, 2022Campaign 22V680000

STRUCTURE:BODY: recall 22V680000

Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

Condition in the official record

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: GLS 450, GLS450. Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022.
  • NHTSA campaign 22V680000
  • The complete campaign lists 161,000 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: STRUCTURE:BODY

Published recall remedy

Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match1 source row

This model year can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Documented repair pathsCheck the source

Recall and communication counts describe records. They cannot establish a breakdown probability or current VIN status.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

Source: NHTSA vehicle records, recall and complaint snapshot 2026-10-18. Manufacturer communications retain their separately dated source snapshot. Counts are submitted records, not failure probabilities. One vehicle can appear in several campaigns.

Complaint model names counted: GLS450. Recall model names counted: GLS450. Complaint records are deduplicated by ODI number; vehicle recalls are counted by distinct campaign number for this year.

Sources and methods

What each source tells you

NHTSA records: 30 submitted complaints, 12 recalls and 249 manufacturer communications. These are report counts, not failure probabilities.

EPA vehicle details: 1 matched fuel-economy configurations help us leave out repairs for equipment this model year does not have.

Repair-cost estimates: We model 33 applicable repairs beyond normal wear items, using published benchmarks where available plus parts and independent-shop labor assumptions. These ranges are not dealer quotes, repair-shop quotes or invoices.

Read the full research and repair-cost methodology.

Vehicle configuration

2021 EPA specification range

The official dataset contains 1 matched configurations for this model year. The range reflects trim and drivetrain choices, not changes to the complaint count.

Vehicle classStandard SUV
Fuel choicesHybrid
Drive layoutsFour-wheel drive
Engine range3 L; 6 cylinders
EPA efficiency21 mpg
Transmission typesAutomatic

EPA figures vary by configuration. Confirm the exact engine, drive layout and fuel system from the VIN or original window sticker. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, updated 2026-08-07.

Estimated repair bills

Major repair cost range

These ranges combine parts and labor benchmarks with modeled independent-shop rates for 50-metro reference. These are national repair benchmarks and planning assumptions, not published prices for this exact vehicle. We filter repairs using the available model-year specifications; a shop must confirm the engine, equipment and diagnosed job.

RepairSystemEstimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repairEngine$6,095 to $16,964
Transmission replacementTransmission$6,079 to $6,995
Transfer case replacementDriveline$2,189 to $8,192
Hybrid high voltage battery replacementHybrid powertrain$4,797 to $5,140
Turbocharger replacementTurbo and Supercharger$1,662 to $6,524
Head gasket replacementEngine$2,339 to $3,728
Strut and control arm repairSuspension$1,053 to $4,545
Fuel injector set replacementFuel System$908 to $4,651
Infotainment display or head unit replacementElectrical and Electronic$722 to $4,467
Timing chain replacementEngine$1,934 to $3,038