2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (8), Electrical System (6), Engine (4).
GLB reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Mercedes-Benz GLB before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 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.
- Unknown Or Other8
- Electrical System6
- Engine4
- Power Train3
- Steering2
- Suspension2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 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 engine for signs of shaking or rough idling
- Check for metal particles in engine oil
- Test sunroof for any unusual sounds or signs of stress
- Verify transmission shifts smoothly without clunking noises
- Ensure electrical system is fully functional, especially dashboard and warning lights
- Confirm suspension components are intact and free of unusual noises
- Check for any unresolved recall repairs
2021 GLB recalls (10)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 GLB. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- 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.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 22V679000Sep 12, 2022
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.
Consequence: Disabled anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash or injury. An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
- 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.
- SUSPENSION, EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V314000May 9, 2022
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.
Consequence: Improperly leveled headlights may project a glare, which can impact other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
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 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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 22V078000Feb 11, 2022
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.
Consequence: An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V860000Nov 5, 2021
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."
Consequence: The driver-side window air bag may not function properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- 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.
- 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB on the road
26,676 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 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.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB exhibits moderate reliability, scoring below the segment average. With ten recalls, the recall count is elevated, suggesting a need for attention to potential manufacturing or design issues. Complaints are distributed across various categories, with a noticeable concentration in unspecified issues and the electrical system, hinting at some inconsistency in build quality or component reliability.
The model is in its second year of production, a phase when manufacturers typically address initial generation problems. However, the spread of issues across multiple systems indicates that some concerns remain unresolved. Engine and powertrain complaints further underscore areas where reliability falls short of expectations.
Overall, the 2021 GLB presents an elevated reliability risk, with potential buyers advised to weigh these factors carefully against their priorities.
What you get in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB report
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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB reliable?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB exhibits moderate reliability, scoring below the segment average. With ten recalls, the recall count is elevated, suggesting a need for attention to potential manufacturing or design issues. Complaints are distributed across various categories, with a noticeable concentration in unspecified issues and the electrical system, hinting at some inconsistency in build quality or component reliability.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB have?
10 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB problems?
The most-reported 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (8), Electrical System (6), Engine (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
