2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 electrical system problems

What owners report

• “AMENDMENT TO ACTIVE CASE 11723015. CRITICAL AIRBAG & SAFETY DEFECTS. This files a safety defect amendment to open case 11723015. Diagnostic scans confirm central data bus network collapse on VIN [XXX] has migrated into safety-critical occupant restraint and visibility modules, violating 49 U.S.C. §…”

  filed Jun 3, 2026

• “The engine wiring harness insulation near the ignition coil connectors prematurely deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to engine heat in the turbocharger/exhaust area. Multiple wiring connectors exhibited brittle, cracked insulation with exposed conductors. The degraded wiring began shorting…”

  filed May 10, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Related recalls

• A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly…
  Campaign 24V207000 · Mar 15, 2024
• A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not…
  Campaign 22V231000 · Apr 8, 2022

Related service bulletins

• Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This…

  LI54.21-P-080326 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2026

• Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist…

  LI46.10-P-078012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026

• Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when…

  LI54.71-P-079104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026

• 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…

  LI82.60-P-080383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 8, 2026

• Complaint 1. Maybach Night Series image not being displayed in Head Unit, Instrument Cluster, CCR and RSU displays 2. Car line picture mismatch between Instrument Cluster and Head Unit display 3. Menu icons missing in…

  LI82.60-P-080702 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026

Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450