2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS500

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS500 (badged as GLS550 in the US market) is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and robust performance. In the US market, the GLS550 is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the GLS lineup include a 3.0L V6 and a high-performance AMG 5.5L V8. Owners generally appreciate the GLS500/GLS550’s luxurious features, smooth ride quality, and powerful engine. However, some common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, complex electronics that can be prone to issues, and occasional concerns about the reliability of certain components.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various seals and gaskets in the engine, such as the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers on the 4.7L V8 can experience failures, such as wastegate issues, boost leaks, or even complete turbo failure. Symptoms include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the issue (wastegate, boost leak, etc.). Replacement or repair of the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $4000+ depending on the severity and if one or both turbos need replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough shifting, delayed engagement, or hesitation when accelerating. This can be more noticeable during certain gear changes.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$700 for a fluid flush. $1,500 - $5,000+ for valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (AIRMATIC)
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system, while providing a comfortable ride, can be prone to failures. Symptoms include the vehicle sagging on one or more corners, a warning light on the dashboard, and a noisy air compressor.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the faulty component (air strut, compressor, valve block, or air line). Replacement of the failed part.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per air strut, $500 - $1500 for the compressor, and $300 - $800 for the valve block, plus labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for a software update (if available). $1000 - $3000+ for unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, especially if the vehicle is not driven regularly. This can result in a dead battery and difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Identify the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, improperly shut off accessory) and repair or replace the component causing the drain. Battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for battery replacement. $100 - $1000+ to diagnose and repair the parasitic draw, depending on the complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can sometimes fail, resulting in difficulty opening or closing the sunroof, unusual noises, or leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: The parking sensors or blind spot monitoring system may malfunction, providing false alerts or failing to detect objects.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the faulty sensor and replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, depending on location and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS500 (GLS550 in the US) offers a luxurious driving experience, but owners should be aware of potential issues, particularly related to the engine, transmission, air suspension, and electronics. While some issues may be relatively minor, others, such as air suspension or turbocharger failures, can be quite costly to repair. The severity of issues varies, with electrical glitches and sensor malfunctions being less severe than mechanical failures. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.