AI Damage2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 reliability: common problems
Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and engine and cooling. The maker issued 92 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 92
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 50% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 50% of all complaints
- 3 Seats 50% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 50% of all complaints
- Suspension: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 9.
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Seats: 1 complaints (50% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Engine: 1 complaints (50% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving my car the check engine light comes on. The code is P06DA (OIL PUMP SOLENOID OPEN CIRCUIT - ELECTRICAL ISSUE). Dealer states repair is $5000!!! Car is not able to pass inspection due to the check engine light.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,838 of 32,257 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 45% least complained about).
On average one model year of the GLS 550 has 5 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 2, below average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 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…
- Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic…
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and…
- 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 vibration…
- Complaint Noises in the steering column area when steering. See example file in the attachments area
"MRSM‑Schleifgeräusch_SCCMGrindingNoises. MOV". Cause Under analysis. Remedy Check which area of the steering column the noises occur in. Do the noises tend to occur at the bottom in the driver footwell or do they tend…
- Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected
This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause…
- Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic…
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective…
- Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same…
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering…
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner
In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for…
- Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available"
Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with…
- Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns
It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for creating a TIPS case. Cause The root cause will vary depending on the…
- Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid…
Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF 236.17 due to a global supply constraint. 236.17 ATF 1L and 5L (PNs: A002989060312 and A002989060313)…
- This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024…
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz…
NHTSA lists 92 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, engine and cooling, seats. Total complaints: 2. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?
NHTSA lists 92 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2019 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.