2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine is the largest identified problem area: 8 of 34 complaints (24%) mention it. 10 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised.
Complaints filed fell from 52 in 2020 to 34 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Midsize Station Wagons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,000 | 3,000–3,350 | 2,850–3,500 | 2,850–3,350 | |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23–26 | 22–27 | 23–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23 / 30–31 | 21–23 / 26–31 | 20–24 / 27–32 | 21–24 / 27–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 338–344 | 337–381 | 330–396 | 330–382 | |
| Complaints filed | 52 | 34 | 13 | 12 | |
| Recalls issued | 20 | 12 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class get?
EPA rates it 23–26 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?
EPA estimates $3,000–$3,350 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (AM8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 23 mpg (high) | 31 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 337 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AM8) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (high) | 30 mpg | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 347 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AM8) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 21 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | $3,350 (high) | 381 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (12)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK · Campaign 26V481000 · Jul 27, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 22V679000 · Sep 13, 2022
Defect: 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:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022
Defect: 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:MULTIPLE AXLE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; SUSPENSION:REAR · Campaign 22V314000 · May 10, 2022
Defect: 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 PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · Campaign 22V232000 · Apr 11, 2022
Defect: 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 BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 22V078000 · Feb 14, 2022
Defect: 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.
STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT · Campaign 21V990000 · Dec 20, 2021
Defect: 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · Campaign 21V860000 · Nov 8, 2021
Defect: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 21V354000 · May 17, 2021
Defect: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE · Campaign 21V231000 · Apr 2, 2021
Defect: 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.
Show 2 earlier campaigns
STRUCTURE:BODY · Campaign 21V232000 · Apr 2, 2021
Defect: 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:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
Defect: 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.