2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB has mixed reliability. There are 19 recalls and 56 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (13), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9).

GLB reliability snapshot

59/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.0/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$908

Avg annual repair cost

#27/32

Ranking in category · better than 16% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

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Most-reported 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Structure13
Unknown Or Other10
Electrical System9
Air Bags7
Engine4
Suspension3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect rear spoiler for secure attachment
Test dashboard display for blanking out
Check for abnormal fuel odors inside the cabin
Verify airbag warning lights are not illuminated
Listen for knocking sounds from the engine
Ensure liftgate retracts properly and safely
Inspect for any signs of water ingress in the cabin

What owners reported

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints13

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB frequently report issues with the rear spoiler detaching, particularly while driving, which poses a potential road hazard as it can become airborne. These incidents are often linked to a recall, although some vehicles experiencing the issue are not officially included in the recall range. Complaints typically occur around 12,000 to 47,000 miles. Additionally, a few reports mention problems with the front bumper trim and fender flare detaching while driving, which could also pose safety risks if these parts fall off at high speeds. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these structural issues and verify whether recall repairs have been completed.

Owner complaints10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB report several issues, with a notable instance involving a vehicle fire that occurred while the car was parked and warming up, resulting in total vehicle loss and home damage. Multiple owners describe problems with the sunroof and front glass panels, with reports of shattering without impact. Complaints also frequently mention liftgate malfunctions, where the liftgate does not retract adequately, leading to an injury in one case. Additionally, some owners report persistent unpleasant odors from the air conditioning system and transmission issues, such as unexpected shifting into neutral while driving. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring at low mileages, indicating potential early-life defects. Safety concerns are evident, particularly with the fire and transmission failure, which could pose risks if they occur under different circumstances.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints9

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB frequently experiences electrical system issues, particularly involving the dashboard display going blank. Complaints often describe instances where the instrument cluster becomes non-functional, preventing visibility of speed, fuel levels, and other critical information, with some incidents occurring after exposure to water, such as a car wash. Several owners note problems with the control module for air conditioning and persistent check engine lights, with some issues manifesting at low mileages, such as 1,200 to 1,500 miles. Safety implications include moments when the car cannot be turned on or off, or when the vehicle is unable to shift gears, posing potential hazards during driving. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of possible unresolved recall issues related to electrical components and water ingress.

Owner complaints7

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB frequently report issues with airbag malfunctions, often indicated by warning lights for various airbags, including the front right and left curtain airbags. These warnings sometimes recur even after dealership repairs, suggesting persistent problems. One report describes a crash where side airbags failed to deploy, resulting in two injuries, indicating potential safety risks. Complaints often arise at relatively low mileages, such as 24,533 miles, and some owners experience these issues within the first weeks of ownership. Buyers considering a used GLB should be aware of these airbag system concerns and verify if repairs have been effectively addressed.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints4

ENGINE

Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, predominantly involving the engine head and valves. Complaints frequently mention problems such as the vehicle cutting out, losing power, and occasionally shutting off unexpectedly, which create hazardous driving conditions. These issues are often noted to occur around the 40,000 to 50,000-mile mark. Multiple owners describe a knocking sound and a lack of engine compression, which leads to engine failure, and some report the need for engine head replacement, which can be delayed due to parts being on back order. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control, though no crashes or fires are reported. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential for costly repairs and safety risks.

Owner complaints3

STEERING

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB frequently report issues related to the steering system. Multiple complaints describe symptoms such as the vehicle not maintaining its lane, a cracking noise near the driver's side steering wheel, and the vehicle feeling misaligned. These issues are noted shortly after purchase and at mileage around 22,300. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a report of a crash where the driver lost control of the steering, resulting in a collision with a meridian, and the front axle fracturing and detaching. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially considering the unresolved recall related to steering and suspension components.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints3

SUSPENSION

Owners report issues with the suspension of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, including squeaky noises from the front and rear suspension/control arms during turns or when driving over speed bumps. Another significant issue involves the integral carrier supporting the front axle, which may corrode and fail, potentially leading to a loss of steering control. This is noted in a recall affecting certain vehicles, with owners having been notified of the safety risk. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but the safety implications include the risk of losing steering control, which could increase the likelihood of a crash. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and verify if recall remedies have been applied.

Owner complaints3

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 report issues related to abnormal fuel odors and gasoline leaks, with symptoms including a strong smell of fuel inside the cabin and visible fuel leakage. These issues are noted at mileage as low as approximately 11,820 miles and as high as 54,000 miles. Some owners also describe engine shaking and stalling, with the check engine light illuminating, which was diagnosed as related to faulty fuel injectors and a gas cap. Safety implications are implied with the presence of fuel odors and leaks, but no reports of crashes or fires are mentioned. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these potential fuel system issues, especially at higher mileages.

2020 GLB recalls (19)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 GLB. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EQUIPMENTNHTSA 23V732000Nov 1, 2023
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."
Consequence: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATIONNHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
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. 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V232000Apr 8, 2022
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."
Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
SUSPENSION, STEERINGNHTSA 21V990000Dec 17, 2021
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.
Consequence: Front axle carrier failure may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V961000Dec 13, 2021
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V639000Aug 13, 2021
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.
Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not function properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V526000Jul 12, 2021
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.
Consequence: Excessive voltage through the accessory power outlet to a connected device can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V509000Jul 2, 2021
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."
Consequence: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V403000May 28, 2021
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.
Consequence: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V404000May 28, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not deploy properly during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V405000May 28, 2021
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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V354000May 14, 2021
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."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
STRUCTURENHTSA 21V231000Apr 1, 2021
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.
Consequence: Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050009.
STRUCTURENHTSA 21V232000Apr 1, 2021
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.
Consequence: Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040015.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATIONNHTSA 21V058000Feb 5, 2021
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.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 20V628000Oct 9, 2020
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."
Consequence: In the event of a crash that deploys the window air bag, the catch strap could disconnect and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
SEATSNHTSA 20V558000Sep 14, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 20V480000Aug 14, 2020
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.
Consequence: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 20V246000May 1, 2020
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.
Consequence: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB on the road

23,185 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

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Reliability verdict for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presents an elevated reliability risk, scoring below the segment average. As the first model year of a new generation, it faces common initial production challenges. The 19 recalls are notably higher than typical for this segment, indicating potential quality control issues.

Complaints are distributed across several categories, with structure, electrical systems, and air bags being the most reported. This spread suggests that no single area dominates the concerns, but multiple systems may require attention. While engine complaints are fewer, the overall distribution indicates a broad scope of issues.

Given the combination of a below-average score and elevated recall count, potential buyers should be aware of the increased risk associated with this model year.

What you get in a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB reliable?

How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB have?

19 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB problems?

The most-reported 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB problem areas are: Structure (13), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.