Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2020–2024) · model average 69/100

Skip the 2020 GLB. Owners report rear spoilers coming off at speed, instrument clusters going blank while driving, and air bag warnings that keep returning. The 2022 is the year to buy, with no recalls and far fewer complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 59/100
Buy
2022 75/100
Model average
69/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz GLB Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLB average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202059/100Mixed1956Structure (13)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Rear spoilers detach at speed or lift when the liftgate opens, mostly between roughly 35,000 and 47,000 miles, and owners describe long waits for parts. Instrument clusters go blank while driving, often after a car wash. Air bag warnings return after dealer repairs. Federal records list 19 recalls, the most of any year.

19 recalls56 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Structure (13), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9), Air Bags (7), Engine (4), Suspension (3)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz GLB Problems?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2023

2020: These complaints cover unrelated problems.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2024

2020: The instrument cluster goes blank while driving, leaving no speed or fuel readings.

STRUCTURE

13 complaints

Most reported in 2020

2020: Exterior trim comes loose, most often the rear spoiler above the liftgate.

ENGINE

11 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2020, 2023

2021: Complete failure is the main pattern, often with little warning and at mileages as low as 35,000.

SUSPENSION

7 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022, 2021

2020: The front axle carrier fails, causing a loss of steering control.

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

Most reported in 2020

2020: Airbag malfunction warnings keep coming back, especially for the left curtain airbag and the front passenger side.

Best Mercedes-Benz GLB Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2022 has no recalls in federal records and only 13 owner complaints, against 56 for the 2020 and 30 for the 2021. Its complaints are mostly driver-assist inconsistency, suspension warnings and noises, not loose trim or blank displays. It has also been on the road long enough for that record to mean something.

Score: 75/100 (Good)0 recalls13 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz GLB Years by Generation

Mercedes-Benz GLB Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz GLB year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020. It has the most recalls, the most owner complaints and the lowest standing. Owners report loose spoilers, blank instrument clusters and repeat air bag warnings. The 2022 is the better choice.
Is the 2021 GLB a safe used buy?
It is a fair choice but not the best. The 2021 rates good, with 10 recalls and 30 complaints, mostly unknown causes, electrical faults and engine issues. That is better than the 2020 but worse than the 2022. Confirm recall work was completed.
Which GLB years have transmission problems?
The data shows little on transmissions. One 2022 owner reported the car slipping into neutral at 65 mph, and the dealer blamed a software update. The 2023 has three power train complaints. Neither pattern is large.
Is the 2024 GLB a good year to buy?
It is too early to say. The 2024 has 4 complaints and one recall, but it has had less time on the road to collect them. Do not read that as proof it is the most reliable year.
What goes wrong with the 2020 GLB electrical system?
The instrument cluster goes blank while driving, leaving no speed or fuel readings. Several cases follow a car wash. One owner reported every warning light on, with the car unable to shift, start or shut off. Some owners say recall repairs stayed open.

How we score every Mercedes-Benz GLB model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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