← New search

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ Glb 250

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Glb 250 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 3 of 29 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

2 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2025
EngineFuel/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/failu…

Read full complaint

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. Metal shavings were discovered in the oil, and engine locked up and cannot be repaired. I am currently in the process of having the engine replaced, but yes currently an inspection can still be performed, and I can provide statements and diagnostics from the mechanic. This failure put myself and my family in a scary situation. The engine was shaking violently before it stopped functioning and this made the truck very difficult to steer, not to mention this was during rush hour and we were in heavy traffic moving at speeds of 70mph+. Luckily we managed to get off the road, and to a safer location, but this left us stranded on the side of the road for 2 hours waiting on a tow. The vehicle was inspected by a GMC dealership initially where they only diagnosed lifter and cylinder misfire/failure. Due to the price of their quote to repair that issue, I took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, and thats when we found there was also connecting rod/crankshaft bearing failure prior to repairing the lifter/cylinder misfire. There were no prior warnings to this happening. No check engine lights, no noises, and no noticeable changes in the vehicle. Everything seemed to be operating normally.

NHTSA ODI #11704669

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

In April 2025, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (81,000 miles) suffered repeated engine issues caused by a cylinder head failure. The dealer attempted a cylinder head replacement, but during their own test drive after repairs, the engine completely seized and failed again on their property. This indicates a severe defect in the eng…

Read full complaint

In April 2025, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 (81,000 miles) suffered repeated engine issues caused by a cylinder head failure. The dealer attempted a cylinder head replacement, but during their own test drive after repairs, the engine completely seized and failed again on their property. This indicates a severe defect in the engine assembly that risks sudden power loss while driving, which could cause an accident. Prior to the failure, there were warning messages about misfires and rough idle. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and the car has been kept at their shop since April, with no resolution. I am concerned this is a recurring safety defect affecting other GLB 250 vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection and remains undriveable due to the failed engine. I request NHTSA to investigate for possible safety-related design or manufacturing defects that could cause sudden engine seizure and loss of power while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11668223

Official recalls

11

26V481000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock

Jul 24, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. 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.

22V679000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc):control Module

Sep 12, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification; Electrical System:software

May 20, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Communication: Auto Crash Notification

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

22V314000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights; Suspension:multiple Axle; Suspension:rear

May 9, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Suspension:rear

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.

Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

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.

Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Suspension:multiple Axle

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.

Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

22V232000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function

Apr 8, 2022

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

22V078000 · Air Bags:frontal

Feb 11, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

21V860000 · Air Bags:side/window

Nov 5, 2021

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Electrical System:software

May 14, 2021

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."

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

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."

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

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.

Electrical System:software

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."

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

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.

21V231000 · Structure:body:tailgate

Apr 1, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V232000 · Structure:body

Apr 1, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification; Electrical System:software

Feb 5, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Communication: Auto Crash Notification

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.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.