Mercedes-Benz
Gls-Class

My 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission behavior related to the valve body and shifting mechanism. The transmission sometimes fails to engage Park, shifts on its own without driver input or attempts to engage Reverse unexpectedly. On multiple occasions the vehicle has moved or rolled after being placed in Park and once it appeared to shift itself toward Reverse. This behavior is a clear safety risk as the vehicle can suddenly lose control or move unexpectedly. It happens intermittently, without any dashboard warnings and often resets temporarily after restarting the car. According to multiple owners posting on Mercedes-Benz forums (including MBWorld, BenzWorld, and Mercedes-Benz Owners Club discussions), this issue is common among GLS and other Mercedes models using the same transmission. Many owners report identical symptoms: transmission slipping into Neutral or Reverse, failure to engage Park or erratic shifting caused by a malfunctioning valve body, defective solenoids or Transmission Control Module (TCM) faults. Some have shared diagnostic codes such as P073E and P07B7 that point to reverse and park circuit errors. Mercedes technicians and independent repair specialists who have posted on these forums frequently identify the valve body assembly as the source of the issue. Common explanations include internal hydraulic pressure faults, electrical connector leaks or sensor failures inside the valve body. Owners have been quoted thousands of dollars for valve body replacements as i was billed $2300+. This problem is not isolated to my vehicle and appears to be a recurring design or manufacturing defect that affects multiple model years and platforms sharing this transmission. Because the vehicle can unexpectedly shift or fail to hold Park, it creates an immediate safety concern for both drivers and bystanders. I have video of this dangerous issue

On July 23, 2025, I drove my Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 to a medical appointment. After arriving, I parked near the valet station, turned off the car, and went inside to check in at LabCorp. Within two minutes, witnesses reported black smoke from the hood — followed by a violent explosion that shook the office building and triggered a multi-unit response from local fire and police departments. When I came downstairs, my vehicle was engulfed in flames. The front end was completely destroyed. Mercedes-Benz USA sent an investigator on September 8, 2025 to examine the wreck. Despite numerous follow-ups, I have received no written report, no findings, and no communication from Mercedes-Benz since that inspection detailing any relevant information. Safety Context: In March 2024, Mercedes-Benz issued Recall #24V-207, affecting 2019–2023 GLE and GLS models, citing a defective 48-volt ground connection that could cause a fire. My incident occurred in a GLS 450 model and appears consistent with this recall defect. If confirmed, this could indicate that the recall did not capture all affected VINs or that repairs were not properly executed. This incident was minutes from being fatal — and could easily have occurred on the highway or in my garage or with my 4 children inside. The lack of corporate response for over two months raises serious concerns about consumer safety, recall effectiveness, and corporate transparency.

Feel unsafe fuel rails and more where recalled in April 2022 Not all gls550 were recalled at the time due to no reason Drive to Florida with my wife and kids and car gave up on the side of a bridge hwy over the ocean We were stuck car smelt like gas and wouldn’t turn on we had nowhere to get out on a 25ft bridge with no ac no emergency lanes with 5 kids all under age of 6

Vehicle Information: Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLS 450 Year: 2017 Component: Visibility/Sunroof/Panoramic Glass Roof VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and dangerous safety defect in my 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. Without warning and while driving, the panoramic glass sunroof suddenly shattered and exploded, sending glass shards and debris into the vehicle cabin. My two young children were seated inside at the time, and glass pieces fell directly onto them, causing extreme distress and posing a severe risk of injury. There was no impact or external cause—the sunroof shattered spontaneously. The incident left glass scattered throughout the interior of the vehicle, including on the seats, floor, and children’s car seats. Fortunately, my children were not severely injured, but the potential for serious harm was extremely high. After researching this issue, I discovered that this is not an isolated incident. Numerous complaints have been filed with the NHTSA and other authorities regarding spontaneous sunroof shattering in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including this model. Additionally, I understand that a federal judge recently approved a class action lawsuit addressing this exact issue, further highlighting the severity and prevalence of the defect. This is a significant safety hazard that must be addressed. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further and take appropriate regulatory or enforcement action to ensure the safety of all vehicle occupants. Additional Details: No recent repairs or modifications to the sunroof or roof area. Vehicle was in motion on a clear day with no overpasses or external objects that could have impacted the roof. The noise was loud, like an explosion, followed by immediate glass breakage. I have retained photos of the damage and can provide them if needed. Requested Action: Please investigate this matter urgently. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle check engine light came on early August 2024. Vehicle was brought in for service and checked for codes. B1F4500 Battery has excessive resistance B21059A The operating conditions of component have not been satisfied. Battery was replaced and rechecked. Po4427A Evap leak detected P04F000 Charcoal canister has a malfunction Smoke tested EVAP system to see if there was any leaks and tested the valves to make sure EVAP system was working correctly. Charcoal canister not actuating correctly so was replaced and checked. Gas cap also replaced Several days later Check engine light returns. Code continues to say "Small leak in the EVAP system." Every time the code is cleared it returns and Check Engine light returns. This has been going on for 7 months. Car cannot obtain the required SMOG inspection in California that is required for an annual registration of the vehicle. I believe the vehicle may need to be part of the Emission Service Campaign 2024030005 which has effected 16 other vehicles. Mercedes tells me that an update to the Engine Control Software will not be allowed because my vehicle is not one of the 16 vehicles that are currently effected by this issue. The issue is for the same make, model and year as my vehicle.

This is the 2nd time within a year my airmatic suspension system has went out while driving and I have lost control of driving my vehicle. I have paid 3900 to have the problem repaired it has not been a year and the same issue has happened. Faulty dangerous suspension system airbag suspension is dangerous and faulty.

Fire started in the Engine and consumed the entire vehicle in less than 5 minutes

My suspension failed would not send any air pressure to lift my vehicle while driving my car ride was very bumpy and I loss contol.