Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz GLB250 complaints by model year
Best GLB250 years: 2022, 2025, 2023. Compare all years →
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 recalls (11)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026.
Electronic stability control (ESC) › Control module
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Back over prevention › Display function
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
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.
Show 5 more recalls
Air bags › Side/window
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."
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.
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Tailgate
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.
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.
Structure › Body
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 owners say
Engine & cooling
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+. …
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 into my car after a day at work, when it has been raining, drive a few miles and the car will switch into neutral and display those signs. This is incredibly dangerous for my safety as the driver, any passengers and any other cars on the road. While going 55+ miles an hour, my car, without any warning shifts into neutral. I have taken it to my local dealership for inspection every time that it happens and they have repeatedly told me they cannot find a fix for it and do not know why it is happening besides a electrical problem due to water. …
Electrical system
While driving on the highway at 70mph my transmission malfunction warning light illuminated in red and my vehicle went into limp mode, creating a life threatening safety defect at highway speeds. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Pittsburgh. The dealer's own diagnostic tech notes stated 'software is in preparation for concern' confirming this is a known safety defect on Mercedes' end. The dealer was unable to replicate the concern or produce stored fault codes but acknowledged software is actively being developed to address this issue. I contacted MBUSA who confirmed the only escalation path available is a buyback, meaning Mercedes cannot provide a timeline for the software fix. I am currently unable to safely drive my vehicle and am requesting this be investigated as a potential safety defect that may affect other 2021 Mercedes GLB 250 owners.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several unknown local dealers were contacted, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the manufacturer was able to complete the repairs necessary to fix the issue and no longer wishes to keep this complaint.
Suspension
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, noticeable especially at low speeds. The problem appeared suddenly and is rapidly worsening. After researching the issue, we've discovered that many owners of the exact same model and model year report identical symptoms. This appears to be a widespread and recurring problem that raises serious safety concerns, particularly as it affects the front axle and is uncommon in other modern vehicles of this class and young age. …
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 vehicle is fully available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle requires constant steering correction to avoid drifting left, creating a danger of unintended lane departure and loss of control, which aligns with the steering related risks described in NHTSA Recall 21V990 / MBUSA 2022070009, where failure of the integral carrier can impair steering and increase crash risk. …
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the GLB250 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250?
The engine & cooling — 9 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and suspension (4).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 have?
There are 11 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250, the most recent from July 24, 2026 (lock). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz GLB250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2025 and 2023. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLB250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 31,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.