Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Problems: 5 Known Issues
2017 model year · 2,600+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2017 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2017 model year · 2,600+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2017 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,600+ owner reports, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure ($800-$4,000 repair) and Electric Power Steering Rack Connector Water Intrusion Causing Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 17V241) ($0-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure with 1,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,600+ owner reports, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure, Electric Power Steering Rack Connector Water Intrusion Causing Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 17V241), 9G-Tronic Harsh Shift. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS has 5 known issues documented across 2,600+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure and Electric Power Steering Rack Connector Water Intrusion Causing Loss of Steering Assist (Recall 17V241). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz GLS issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure, typically costs $800-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The GLS AIRMATIC system is prone to air spring leaks and compressor failure due to the vehicle's heavy curb weight (5,700+ lbs). Front air springs tend to fail first. The compressor overworks to maintain ride height and eventually burns out. Repairs typically run $800-$4,000. Severity: high.
On the first-generation X166 GLS (2016-2017 GLS 350d, GLS 450, GLS 550, AMG GLS 63) and its GLE sibling, the main electrical connector on the electric steering rack was not sealed properly at the factory. Water wicks through the connector into the power-steering control unit, cau… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
The 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic exhibits harsh low-speed shifts and hunting between gears on inclines. The transmission software struggles to select the optimal gear among nine ratios, particularly noticeable in stop-and-go traffic. Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The gasoline X166 GLS engines - M276 3.0 biturbo V6 (GLS 450), M278 4.7 biturbo V8 (GLS 550) and M157 5.5 biturbo V8 (AMG GLS 63) - share a well-documented failure where the seals inside the camshaft adjuster magnets (solenoids) and camshaft position sensors give up and pressuriz… Repairs typically run $250-$4,500. Severity: medium.
The 2017-2019 X166 GLS 350d uses the OM642 V6 turbodiesel, not the OM656 inline-six fitted to the X167, and it inherits the OM642's signature fault: the two seals on the engine-oil cooler that sits at the bottom of the V between the cylinder banks harden from heat and leak. Merce… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.