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Mercedes-Benz

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 has 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 25. The most common issue is body/structure problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: new 2020 glb250 with 800 miles of highway driving. while on the highway driving at 75-80mph, the front fender flare (driver side) partially detached itself. this is the black piece of plastic trim around the outside of the wheel well. the front half of the flare piece was detached and flying in the . There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 3 injuries

69

Total Complaints

6

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

2.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

13 complaints
19%
  • NEW 2020 GLB250 WITH 800 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 75-80MPH, THE FRONT FENDER FLARE (DRIVER SIDE) PARTIALLY DETACHED ITSELF. THIS IS THE BLACK PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE FRONT HALF OF THE FLARE PIECE WAS DETACHED AND FLYING IN THE
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLB250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V480000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLB250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V480000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. MERCEDES BENZ OF SANTA ROSA (2885 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PAR
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

NEW 2020 GLB250 WITH 800 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 75-80MPH, THE FRONT FENDER FLARE (DRIVER SIDE) PARTIALLY DETACHED ITSELF. THIS IS THE BLACK PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE FRONT HALF OF THE FLARE PIECE WAS DETACHED AND FLYING IN THE

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 8K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
22
30-60K
7
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 29K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
3
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE05/02/2021

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,847
Per month
$154
Per mile
15.4¢
MPG
26
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,260
Full coverage / month
$188
Liability only / year
$732
vs US avg
+35%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2260

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 155K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
4 yr / 50K mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2020 GLB 250, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 69 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: NEW 2020 GLB250 WITH 800 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 75-80MPH, THE FRONT FENDER FLARE (DRIVER SIDE) PARTIALLY DETACHED ITSELF. THIS IS THE BLACK PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE FRONT HALF OF THE FLARE PIECE WAS DETACHED AND FLYING IN THE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: ON FRIDAY 7/17/2020 AROUNDNOON, I WASDRIVING MYMB GLB THAT WAS BOUGHT LESSTHAN90 DAYS AGO WHEN SUDDENLY THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK. I COULD NOT SEE SPEED, GAS GAGES OR ANY OTHER SAFETY FEATURES THAT WOULD BE ON THE DASH. I WAS BASICALLY BLINDED. I CALLED MERCEDES 911 AFTER STOPPING THE CAR. WE TRIED T

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: ON FRIDAY 7/17/2020 AROUNDNOON, I WASDRIVING MYMB GLB THAT WAS BOUGHT LESSTHAN90 DAYS AGO WHEN SUDDENLY THE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK. I COULD NOT SEE SPEED, GAS GAGES OR ANY OTHER SAFETY FEATURES THAT WOULD BE ON THE DASH. I WAS BASICALLY BLINDED. I CALLED MERCEDES 911 AFTER STOPPING THE CAR. WE TRIED T

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT 1500 MILES

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 — Year Comparison

How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
69
Recalls
6
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
2
Injury reports
3
Segment avg
25

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250