Buying a used Mercedes SUV can save you tens of thousands of dollars, but the model year matters as much as the model. When we checked the official NHTSA recall database, one pattern stood out: the first year of each new generation had far more recalls than the years that followed, sometimes ten times as many.
This guide shows the best and worst years for every popular used Mercedes SUV, based on NHTSA recall data and J.D. Power owner scores, plus what to check before you buy.
Used Mercedes SUV: quick answer
- Most reliable used pick: GLE, scoring 80/100 in J.D. Power owner ratings, ideally 2023 or newer
- Best value used pick: GLC 300, 2022 model (only 2 NHTSA recall campaigns)
- Best used 7-seater on a budget: GLB 250, 2022 or newer
- Years to avoid: 2020 GLE, GLS and GLB, the first year of each generation
Best and worst years for every used Mercedes SUV
| Model | Fewest recalls | Most recalls |
|---|---|---|
| GLA 250 | 2023 (1), 2022 (2) | 2018 (12), 2019 (11) |
| GLB 250 | 2022–2024 (1 each) | 2020 (20) |
| GLC 300 | 2022 (2) | 2020 (16) |
| GLE 350 | 2016 and 2019 (2 each), 2023 (2) | 2020 (18) |
| GLE 450 | 2023 and 2024 (4 each) | 2020 (32) |
| GLS 450 | 2018 and 2019 (3 each) | 2020 (22) |
Source: NHTSA recalls database, checked November 2026. Number of recall campaigns that list each model and year, including campaigns shared with other Mercedes models.
Why first-year models have more recalls
The GLE and GLS were all-new for 2020, and the GLB arrived in the US for 2020. All three had their highest recall counts that year, then far fewer once Mercedes fixed early faults. The GLC follows the same pattern: the 2022 model, the last of the old generation, had 2 recalls, while the all-new 2023 model had 12. When buying a used Mercedes SUV, the second or third year of a generation is usually the safest bet.
Best used Mercedes SUV by model
Used GLC: the best all-rounder
The 2022 GLC 300 had only 2 NHTSA recall campaigns, the fewest of any recent GLC. It scores 74/100 in J.D. Power owner ratings. Read our full used Mercedes GLC guide.
Used GLE: the most reliable
The GLE scores 80/100 in J.D. Power owner ratings, the best of any Mercedes SUV. Avoid the 2020 model; 2022 and newer have far fewer recalls. Read our used Mercedes GLE guide.
Used GLB: the budget seven-seater
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the 2020 GLB 250 but just 1 each for 2022, 2023 and 2024, so a 2022 or newer GLB is a much safer buy. See our GLB 250 guide.
Used GLS: the full-size choice
The current GLS arrived for 2020 with 22 recalls. If your budget only stretches to an older model, the 2018–2019 GLS 450 had just 3 each; the previous V8 GLS 550 is covered in our GLS 550 guide.
How to check a used Mercedes SUV before you buy
- Run the VIN on the NHTSA website to see any open recalls, and ask the seller for proof that completed recalls were done.
- Ask for the full service history. Mercedes SUVs need regular servicing, and skipped maintenance is expensive later.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent Mercedes specialist.
- Consider Certified Pre-Owned. Mercedes-Benz CPO cars come with a dealer inspection and an extended limited warranty, which can be worth the higher price.
- Test the electronics. NHTSA complaints for recent Mercedes SUVs most often mention the engine and electrical system.
Used Mercedes SUV FAQs
What is the most reliable used Mercedes SUV?
The GLE, scoring 80/100 for quality and reliability in J.D. Power owner ratings. Choose 2022 or newer.
What year Mercedes SUV should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA recall counts, the 2020 GLE, GLS and GLB, and to a lesser extent the 2023 GLC.
Is a used Mercedes SUV expensive to maintain?
More than a mainstream brand. Budget for regular servicing at a Mercedes dealer or specialist and check the service history.
What is the cheapest used Mercedes SUV?
Usually the GLA, the smallest and cheapest model when new. A 2022 or 2023 GLA 250 had the fewest recalls.
Should I buy a used or new Mercedes SUV?
A two- to three-year-old model often gives the best value, avoiding the steepest depreciation while still being a well-sorted model year.
Related reads
- Most Reliable Mercedes SUV: Every Model Ranked by Owner Scores and Recalls
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC: 2026 Price, Specs, Problems and Best Years
- GLB 250: Price, Specs, Best Years and Is It Worth Buying?
- GLC 300 4MATIC: 2026 Price, Specs, Recalls and Is It Worth It?
For more Mercedes SUV guides, visit MercedesSUV.com.