2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the body and structure, electrical, and airbags. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 56
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes reported
- 2
- 3 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which GLB is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 26 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A GLB that averages well under the EPA 26 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Rear spoiler loosening or detaching
35,000–47,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Body and structure13No crashes
Exterior trim comes loose, most often the rear spoiler above the liftgate. It detaches at speed or lifts when the liftgate opens, and several reports describe scratches or gouges on the roof. Spoiler failures cluster between roughly 35,000 and 47,000 miles. On nearly new cars, front bumper trim and a front fender flare come off on the highway. A piece flying off in traffic makes other drivers swerve. Several complaints are about long waits for spoiler recall parts. Other owners say their VIN was not covered even though their spoiler failed the same way.
Electrical9No crashes
The instrument cluster goes blank while driving, leaving no speed or fuel readings. Several cases follow a car wash. Some owners say their VIN falls outside the related recall, and others report the recall staying open after dealer visits or parts being unavailable. In one report, every warning light comes on at once, and the car will not shift, start or shut off, and the steering locks. A check engine light and a failed A/C control module show up within the first 1,500 miles.
Airbags71 crash
Airbag malfunction warnings keep coming back, especially for the left curtain airbag and the front passenger side. Dealer repairs, including one airbag replacement, clear the light only for days or weeks. Warnings appear as early as the first week of ownership. One crash report describes side airbags not deploying in a roughly 35 mph impact during a left turn, with 2 people injured and the driver hitting the door.
Engine4No crashes
Cylinder head and valve failures cause lost compression, loss of power, stalling and engine knock. One head fails at 50,000 miles, and replacement parts are on back order. Owners describe disputes over whether an extended warranty covers the head. One owner says a dealer will not perform a recall until the engine is fixed. In another case, the dealer first suspects the cylinder head and later blames fuel pump wiring at 23,660 miles, quoting an out-of-pocket repair.
Steering31 crash
The front axle fails and the driver loses steering control. In one crash at about 45 mph, the front axle fractures and separates, and the car hits the median at around 22,300 miles. Owners tie this to a front axle and steering recall, and some report that parts for the repair are not available. Another car will not hold its lane, makes a cracking noise under the driver side and triggers frequent Attention Assist alerts. Repeat dealer inspections do not fix it.
Suspension3No crashes
The front axle carrier fails, causing a loss of steering control. In one case the car hits a curb but does not crash. The owner links this to a recall for corrosion of the integral carrier that supports the front axle. The front and rear control arms squeak over speed bumps and in turns. One complaint filed here is really about the engine. It describes exhaust valve and cylinder head repairs under extended warranty, later camshaft and rocker arm damage, and a dispute over who pays.
Fuel system3No crashes
A strong gasoline smell fills the cabin. In one case, a large fuel leak forces a tow at 11,820 miles. Another car has the same smell at about 45,000 miles, and the dealer cannot find the cause after three visits. In a separate case, the engine shakes and stalls at around 30 mph with the check engine light on. It happens again and again, and the dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and gas cap.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints GLB owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Front bumper trim fell off while driving on highway! We had to serve while going 65 miles per hour on a highway. For NO REASON. There was no indication of a hazard. We immediately let sales person at the Mercedes Benz dealership know. We then reported 2 more times. The only response was a phone number to order a new front bumper trim!? No inspection no concern about this hazardous situation. No warn no messages the car was 1 week old.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2021
There's a recall on the display monitor the screen will go black sometimes come back on sometimes never come back on there was a update to fix the issue if the update doesn't work they will have to change the display module or computer that controls it when I brought it to the dealer they want to charge me to replace the display or computer , I called the manufacturer and they refused to fix the recall problem
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
My GLB250 does not fall under recall 2020070009 however after taking it through the car wash the entire display instrument went out and car will not turn on and off. They are telling me the car had water damage and it is on me to fix?
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Driver hit at or around 35 MPH while making a left turn. Side airbags failed to deploy and did not protect driver from head/neck/shoulder injury. Upon impact, the seat belt did not restrain driver's body from thrashing against driver's car door.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
I have a passenger malfunction with airbags warning coming. I also just experienced getting gas. My milage counted down to zero which it never has before and my engine light came on. I went and got gas 3 times spending around $70 and my gas mileage still says 0 and my engine light is on.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2026
Diagnostics performed and found electrical/component fault and possible wire damage to fuel pump. NECC to drain tank and inspect replace fule pump if necc. Oringally took one week prior and diagnostics led to the possiblility that the cylinder head was malfunctioning, which was a manufacturing defect and covered under an extended warranty, but now advised otherwise. Quote $2200.00. Mileage on vehicle 23,660.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
Car constantly cuts out and loses power as well as occasionally shuts off for no reason. Causing very hazardous driving conditions. I have noticed that this is a common issue stated in online forums with this particular car as well. It is more times than not an issue with the engine head and valves.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
How the 2020 compares with other GLB years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 has the most owner complaints of the 5 GLB years we cover, about 3.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Body and structure130
- Electrical92
- Airbags70
- Engine42
- Steering31
- Suspension31
Where the 2020 fits in the GLB's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the first model year of the GLB's first generation (2020 on). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that Mercedes-Benz fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.
Mercedes-Benz updated the GLB for 2024, so a 2020 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2024 (not on a 2020)
- New headlights and taillights
- Updated MBUX infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
- New color: Spectral Blue Metallic
- Option for 18 and 20-inch wheels
- New 48-volt mild hybrid system (EQ Boost)
Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.
Recalls to confirm (19)
Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V732000BrakesNov 2023
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
22V365000ElectricalMay 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
22V232000Backup cameraApr 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.".
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V990000SuspensionDec 2021
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.
Risk: Front axle carrier failure may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V961000Fuel systemDec 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
21V639000AirbagsAug 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit software may not activate the front seat belts and front passenger air bag properly.
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not function properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
21V526000ElectricalJul 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. The accessory power outlet for the second-row seating may have excessive voltage due to an incorrect voltage converter socket.
Risk: Excessive voltage through the accessory power outlet to a connected device can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the voltage converter, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021080005.
21V509000Exterior lightsJul 2021
Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
21V403000Body and structureMay 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. Water may enter through the wheel well area into the front occupant foot wells, potentially damaging certain electrical components. This may result in the instrument cluster going blank, an engine stall while driving, or the vehicle may not start.
Risk: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will seal the vehicle body in the wheel well area and inspect the front foot wells for water intrusion, repairing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070009.
21V404000AirbagsMay 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not deploy properly during a crash.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
21V405000AirbagsMay 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator and cushion may be improperly attached inside the air bag module, which could result in the air bag cushion tearing upon deployment.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060011.
21V354000Backup cameraMay 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.".
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
21V231000Body and structureApr 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.
Risk: Detached spoilers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
21V232000Body and structureApr 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.
Risk: Detached wheel arch covers can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
21V058000ElectricalFeb 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.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V628000AirbagsOct 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. The window air bag in the A-pillar area may not be mounted correctly, affecting its performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: In the event of a crash that deploys the window air bag, the catch strap could disconnect and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the mounting of the window air bag and correct it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020100010.
20V558000SeatsSep 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The second row seat may not be correctly aligned within the seat track on one side, possibly causing the seat to not lock properly into place.
Risk: If the second row seat is not locked into place, there could be an increased risk of injury to the seat occupants in a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the second row seat and correct it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 23, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090020.
20V480000Body and structureAug 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The rear spoiler above the tailgate may not have been welded correctly. This could result in parts of the spoiler detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 23, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090006.
20V246000Body and structureMay 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLB 250 vehicles. Water may enter through the wheel well area into the front occupant foot wells, potentially damaging certain electrical components. This may result in the instrument cluster going blank, or an engine stall while driving without the ability to restart the vehicle.
Risk: Either a blank instrument cluster display or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will seal the vehicle body in the wheel well area and inspect the front foot wells for water intrusion, repairing as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070009.
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