2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 is a luxury SUV that comes standard with a 4.7L V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 3.0L V6 diesel engine producing 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and a 5.5L V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The GLS550 is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive performance, but it has also been reported to have some issues.

Engine

4.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or ticking noises, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Diesel

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, engine warning light
  • Solution: Clean or replace DPF
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.5L V8

• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or noise when accelerating or braking
  • Solution: Replace engine mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leak from Oil Pan Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the bottom of the engine
  • Solution: Replace oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed gear changes, transmission slipping or shuddering
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram transmission control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed Automatic Transmission (Diesel)

• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak from the pan or lines
  • Solution: Replace or repair leaking component
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed Automatic Transmission (5.5L V8)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Suspension malfunction, sagging or uneven ride height
  • Solution: Replace air suspension compressor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Airmatic Suspension Air Spring Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Air leak from suspension, suspension sagging on one or more corners
  • Solution: Replace air spring or repair leak
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or grinding noises from suspension, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains quickly, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace battery or check for parasitic drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, warning lights activated for no reason
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system fault
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Touchscreen Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive or malfunctioning
  • Solution: Replace or repair touchscreen display
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture or condensation inside the headlight assembly
  • Solution: Replace headlight assembly or reseal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate does not latch properly or opens unexpectedly
  • Solution: Replace tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Drain Clog
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof leaks or water damage to interior
  • Solution: Clean or replace sunroof drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heated Seat Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Heated seat does not work or overheats
  • Solution: Repair or replace heated seat element
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system not working properly, uneven temperature distribution
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair climate control system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Navigation system does not work or gives incorrect directions
  • Solution: Update or repair navigation system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 has been reported to have various issues, but the severity and cost of the repairs can vary depending on the specific problem and its extent. The engine and transmission issues can be costly to fix, while the electrical and interior issues are typically less expensive. The cost of suspension repairs can also be high, especially for air suspension issues. Overall, the GLS550 is a reliable vehicle, but it is not immune to potential problems.