2021 Mercedes-Benz Glb 250 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (3) · Electrical System (3) · Wheels (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz Glb 250 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (11)
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:lock 2026-07-24 · campaign 26V481000 · 310,667 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc):control Module 2022-09-12 · campaign 22V679000 · 4 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB250 vehicles. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit may be damaged, which can result in disabled anti-lock brakes (ABS), disabled electronic stability control (ESC), and an electrical short circuit.
Risk: Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ESP unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090009.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2022-05-20 · campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:rear 2022-05-09 · campaign 22V314000 · 88 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. The level sensor linkage on the rear axle might not have been installed properly, which could affect the headlight leveling function. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050011.
Risk: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the level sensor linkage, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Back Over Prevention:display Function 2022-04-08 · campaign 22V232000 · 126,443 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
Air Bags:frontal 2022-02-11 · campaign 22V078000 · 50 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.
Risk: An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:side/Window 2021-11-05 · campaign 21V860000 · 46 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 and AMG GLB 35 vehicles. The driver-side window air bag may not have been mounted correctly to the lower area of the A-pillar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk: The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the mounting of the driver-side window air bag and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2021-05-14 · campaign 21V354000 · 343,191 vehicles
Defect: 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 comp
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Structure:body:tailgate 2021-04-01 · campaign 21V231000 · 5,215 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB35 AMG, and 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The side spoilers on the tailgate might not have been installed correctly, allowing them to detach.
Risk: Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the side spoilers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050009.
Structure:body 2021-04-01 · campaign 21V232000 · 2,362 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLB250 vehicles. The wheel arch covers on the front fenders might not have been installed correctly, allow them to detach.
Risk: Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the installation of the front wheel arch covers and correct them as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040015.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Service bulletins (225)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Steering 2026-09-26 · LI46.10-P-080896 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint slight creaking noises when steering. cause noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. remedy remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. if necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Electrical System 2026-09-15 · LI82.60-P-080383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. the ui continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. cause when a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the head unit application to fail to overwrite the pr
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-08-29 · LI 27.10-P-080851 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. may be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. may occur in all drive modes. cause dual‑clutch tran
Electrical System 2026-08-29 · LI27.19-P-080869 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages. when performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in y3/14 ‑ transmission control for 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (dkg): p24f100 the wake‑up line of the control unit has a short circuit
Showing the 6 most recent of 225 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-12 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars · 63,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz glb250. the contact stated that the front stationary roof panel detached from the vehicle and shattered. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact became aware of a recall with a similar failure; however, the vin was not included, and the model year was not included in a…”
2026-04-29 · Unknown Or Other“family and i were driving on the interstate and heard a loud bang (like a shotgun) followed by immediate glass everywhere. the panoramic sunroof exploded. we had to drive 4 hours like this - lucky we didn’t jerk the wheel on the interstate with the noise. absolutely sickening that this is so prevalent and mercedes won’t do anything about it.…”
2026-03-03 · Unknown Or Other“when my car sits in the rain for long periods of time, while driving, it will automatically switch into neutral and give me a "transmission malfunction stop" & "service required do not shift gears visit dealer" sign on the dash. this has happened at least 7 times in 2 years since march 2024. the latest time it happened was last week. i will get int…”
2026-02-20 · Unknown Or Other“the component that appears to have malfunctioned is the front axle integral carrier (front subframe) and the related front suspension geometry, as the vehicle now exhibits a persistent pull to the left and degraded steering stability after the dealer replaced the front lower control arms, engine mounts, and performed alignments; this area of the ve…”
2026-01-03 · Wheels“i purchased this vehicle in may 28 2025. i certified car. i took in for oil change nov 17-2025. found out they had lot of issues., left front bushing arm leaking. rt engine mount leaking. bad brakes battery low. bad tire rt back passage side.front wheel axle and rear wheel axle is bad and screw on the engine mount is missing. screw and leaking..?an…”
2025-12-12 · Power Train“it appears as if there is an issue with the transmission. in this vehicle. when you come to a stop the transmission has a loud clunking noise coming from left side of vehicle. the clunking occurs when the vehicle downshifts. it clunks from d4 to d3, then d3 to d2 , and again at d2 to d1. i have taken it to the dealer numerous times to have it check…”
2025-12-12 · Fuel/Propulsion System“engine locked up while driving out of state on the interstate. vehicle lost all power and engine stopped functioning. managed to pull over and stop the vehicle on the side of the interstate. had truck towed to repair shop where they diagnosed connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure, as well as lifter and cylinder misfire/failure on cylinder 7. me…”
2025-12-10 · Visibility/Wiper“driving on north bound of merritt parkway between exit 17 and 18. today 12/10/25 9:28 am my panoramic sunroof exploded ! all catch on video, driver on the vehicle behind me , came to check on me; and told me the glass went over four feet up in the air and then hit his vehicle windshield, i call mercedes benz customer service support to report the …”
2025-11-30 · Engine“engine showed signs of loss of power and excess noise. it was taken to dealership via mb roadside assistance. at the dealership, they diagnosed it with engine catastrophic failure due to metal parts found in the oil filter. at no time was the engine disassembled to ensure known defects and still under warranty parts were not the cause. dealer es…”
2025-11-23 · Unknown Or Other“escalating safety concern – loud clunking, thumping, and cracking from front axle at low speeds we are long-time loyal customers and currently own four identical mercedes-benz models. unfortunately, one of our vehicles, a 2021 mb glb250 has recently developed severe clunking, thumping, and loud cracking noises originating from the front axle area,…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.