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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Gas Compact SUV

2026202520242023202220212020
Specs & fuel economyRecallsComplaintsCrash ratings
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100
FSafety Signal · 35 / 100
20Recalls · 2 critical
56Complaints · owner reports
Crash rating · NHTSA overall
26 mpgFuel economy · best combined

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLB250, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 56 complaints, most often about structure.

Specs & fuel economy (EPA)

ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLB250GasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233026$3,000
GLB250 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233126$3,000

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year and EPA reference fuel/electricity prices. Source: fueleconomy.gov vehicle records.

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Recalls (20)

Latches/Locks/Linkages

high
310,667 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 26V481000 · reported Jul 24, 2026 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Equipment

high
42,742 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign 23V732000 · reported Nov 1, 2023 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Electrical System

minor
242,722 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V365000 · reported May 20, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Back Over Prevention

minor
126,443 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V232000 · reported Apr 8, 2022 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Steering

high
38,312 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLB35, 2019-2020 A220, and 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The integral carrier that supports the front axle may corrode, causing it to fail.

Risk: Front axle carrier failure may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the integral carrier, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022070009.

NHTSA campaign 21V990000 · reported Dec 17, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Fuel System, Gasoline

critical
139 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

NHTSA campaign 21V961000 · reported Dec 13, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Air Bags

minor
66 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit software may not activate the front seat belts and front passenger air bag properly.

Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not function properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign 21V639000 · reported Aug 13, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Electrical System

critical
1,690 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. The accessory power outlet for the second-row seating may have excessive voltage due to an incorrect voltage converter socket.

Risk: Excessive voltage through the accessory power outlet to a connected device can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the voltage converter, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021080005.

NHTSA campaign 21V526000 · reported Jul 12, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Exterior Lighting

high
1,467 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign 21V509000 · reported Jul 2, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Air Bags

high
16 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not deploy properly during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign 21V404000 · reported May 28, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Air Bags

high
17 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator and cushion may be improperly attached inside the air bag module, which could result in the air bag cushion tearing upon deployment.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060011.

NHTSA campaign 21V405000 · reported May 28, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Electrical System

high
5,680 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. Water may enter through the wheel well area into the front occupant foot wells, potentially damaging certain electrical components. This may result in the instrument cluster going blank, an engine stall while driving, or the vehicle may not start.

Risk: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will seal the vehicle body in the wheel well area and inspect the front foot wells for water intrusion, repairing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070009.

NHTSA campaign 21V403000 · reported May 28, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Electrical System

minor
343,191 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V354000 · reported May 14, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Structure

high
5,215 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V231000 · reported Apr 1, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Structure

high
2,362 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V232000 · reported Apr 1, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Electrical System

minor
1,292,258 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V058000 · reported Feb 5, 2021 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Air Bags

high
7 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. The window air bag in the A-pillar area may not be mounted correctly, affecting its performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk: In the event of a crash that deploys the window air bag, the catch strap could disconnect and increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the mounting of the window air bag and correct it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020100010.

NHTSA campaign 20V628000 · reported Oct 9, 2020 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Seats

high
36 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The second row seat may not be correctly aligned within the seat track on one side, possibly causing the seat to not lock properly into place.

Risk: If the second row seat is not locked into place, there could be an increased risk of injury to the seat occupants in a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the second row seat and correct it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 23, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090020.

NHTSA campaign 20V558000 · reported Sep 14, 2020 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Structure

high
10,644 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The rear spoiler above the tailgate may not have been welded correctly. This could result in parts of the spoiler detaching from the vehicle.

Risk: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 23, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090006.

NHTSA campaign 20V480000 · reported Aug 14, 2020 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Electrical System

high
26 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. Water may enter through the wheel well area into the front occupant foot wells, potentially damaging certain electrical components. This may result in the instrument cluster going blank, or an engine stall while driving without the ability to restart the vehicle.

Risk: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will seal the vehicle body in the wheel well area and inspect the front foot wells for water intrusion, repairing as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070009.

NHTSA campaign 20V246000 · reported May 1, 2020 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Owner complaints

56 complaints filed

2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported by owners.

Filed by year — 2020: 13 · 2021: 8 · 2022: 10 · 2023: 5 · 2024: 9 · 2025: 5 · 2026: 6

Most-cited components

  • Structure — 13
  • Unknown Or Other — 12
  • Electrical System — 9
  • Engine — 9
  • Suspension — 6
“Complete engine failure mid driving on highway. NO engine light prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle has been towed to two different Mercedes Benz auto dealerships. Both service directors concur that this should not have occurred with zero warning and low mileage of 64,856 with an impeccable service record at Merc…”Aug 15, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“EXTENDED WARRENTY INFORMATION MERCEDEZ BENZ HAS ISSUED WARRENTY TO THAT APPLIE TO CONDISTIONS AS LISTED ABOVE (EXHAUST VALVE, CYLINER HEAD ) BACK 08/04/2023 THE CAR HAS IN MERCEDEZ BENZ AND HAVE FAILED TO PICK ON THE EXTENDED WARRRENTY REPAIRS AND WE NOW FIND OUT THIS CASED MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND NEEDS TO REPLAC…”Jun 15, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“I have a passenger malfunction with airbags warning coming. I also just experienced getting gas. My milage counted down to zero which it never has before and my engine light came on. I went and got gas 3 times spending around $70 and my gas mileage still says 0 and my engine light is on.”May 1, 2026 · Air Bags · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other GLB-Class model years

A

2026 GLB-Class

1 recalls · 1 complaints

B

2025 GLB-Class

2 recalls · 1 complaints

B

2024 GLB-Class

2 recalls · 6 complaints

A

2023 GLB-Class

1 recalls · 12 complaints

A

2022 GLB-Class

1 recalls · 14 complaints

F

2021 GLB-Class

12 recalls · 36 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records (ids 42180, 42184). Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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