MODEL
Mercedes-Benz Gls
NHTSA safety across every Mercedes-Benz Gls model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Mercedes-Benz Gls we cover (2024 to 2024), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size, three-row luxury SUV aimed at affluent families and executive buyers who want flagship comfort, substantial road presence, and a premium German badge. It competes at the top of the large SUV segment against rivals like the BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade, positioning itself as the 'S-Class of SUVs' for buyers who refuse to compromise on space or refinement.
From a safety-data standpoint, the 2024 GLS presents a picture that is notably thin on official verification. NHTSA has not crash-tested this model year, meaning there are no federal star ratings or Safety Index scores to guide shoppers. That absence is a real gap for a vehicle in this price tier, and buyers should not assume a luxury badge substitutes for independently validated crashworthiness. On the positive side, Mercedes-Benz issued zero recalls on the 2024 GLS across our covered period, which is a genuinely clean record worth acknowledging. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA total 17, a modest number for a large SUV, but the breakdown deserves attention: 4 of those complaints involve reported crashes, 1 involves a reported fire, and 1 involves reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but they are real signals submitted by real owners and should not be dismissed. The fire complaint in particular warrants a closer look before purchase. The bottom line: the 2024 GLS carries zero recalls and a low complaint volume, but the complete absence of crash-test data means safety-conscious shoppers are buying largely on faith. Seek out IIHS results and press Mercedes for any updated NHTSA submissions before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the GLS as one of the most polished and commanding entries in the full-size luxury SUV class, praising its exceptionally refined ride quality, hushed cabin, high-grade interior materials, and effortless highway composure. Most find the third row more accommodating than typical for the segment, though some note the infotainment learning curve and the considerable overall footprint as practical trade-offs.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2024 GLS, so there are no federal star ratings available. Shoppers should seek IIHS results and check for any updated federal test submissions before purchasing.
- The 2024 GLS has zero NHTSA recalls on record, which is a clean safety administration result and a meaningful positive data point for a new model year.
- Among the 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 4 allege crashes and 1 alleges a fire-related incident. These are unverified but represent real owner-submitted concerns worth researching further, particularly the fire allegation.
- With no crash-test data and a small but notable share of complaints referencing crashes and fire, prospective buyers should ask their dealer about any technical service bulletins, monitor NHTSA's recall database regularly after purchase, and confirm their vehicle's safety-system features are functioning as designed.