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2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2020 G-Class has only 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1], but it has 8 recalls[2]. If you are shopping for one, the recall paperwork matters more than the complaint count.
Reported problems
NHTSA lists 2 owner complaints for this model year[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
One complaint names the engine group[4]. The owner describes an oil system part that failed, a check engine light, and a large repair bill because other parts had to be removed to reach it[4]. The other complaint falls under unknown or other components[5].
With this little data, no pattern can be claimed. One engine complaint is a single story, not a trend.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2020 G-Class[2]. Newest first:
- Rear door latch, replacement parts (24V659). Covers 134 vehicles that got a new door latch during service or an earlier recall repair[6]. The right rear latch may not close or open properly, so a door could open while driving or stay stuck shut. Dealers replace the right rear latch at no charge[6]. Cars fixed under 21V353 need this new repair too[6].
- Front axle wiring (23V097). Covers 26,116 vehicles[7]. A wiring harness can rub on an oil cooler, which can disable the anti-lock brakes and stability control. Dealers inspect it, then add a protective sleeve or replace the harness at no charge[7].
- Emergency call system software (22V365). Covers 242,722 vehicles across many Mercedes-Benz models[8]. A SIM card software error can knock out the emergency call feature. The fix is a software update, over the air or at a dealer, at no charge[8].
- Side crash sensors (21V527). Covers 542 vehicles[9]. The sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay air bags and seatbelts in a side impact. Dealers inspect and replace sensors as needed at no charge[9].
- Rear door latch (21V353). Covers 17,800 vehicles[10]. The rear doors may not latch or open properly. Dealers replace the rear latches at no charge, and cars repaired earlier still had to return for the remedy[10].
- Emergency call location (21V058). Covers 1,292,258 vehicles across many models[11]. Software may send the wrong location during an emergency call. A dealer or over-the-air update fixes it at no charge[11].
- Child lock label (20V247). Covers 6,659 vehicles[12]. The lock symbol on the rear doors can show the wrong status. Dealers add a label with the correct direction at no charge[12].
- Differential locking module (20V090). Covers 6,300 vehicles[13]. A faulty resistor can switch off stability control and anti-lock brakes while driving. Dealers inspect the module and replace it as needed at no charge[13].
All eight list a remedy. Ask any seller for proof that each one was done, or check the VIN with a dealer.
Fuel economy
Both versions use a 4.0L 8-cylinder turbo, an Automatic 9-spd, premium fuel and 4-Wheel Drive[3][14].
EPA estimates the yearly fuel cost at $5,850 for each version[3][14]. That uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Engine and size
EPA lists the 4.0L 8-cylinder at 310 to 577 hp, depending on version[15]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2020 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 1 |
| 2003 | 7 | 2 |
| 2004 | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 | 1 |
| 2006 | 0 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 | 2 |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 4 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| 2015 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2 | 4 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 6 | 13 |
| 2020 | 2 | 8 |
| 2021 | 9 | 8 |
| 2022 | 4 | 6 |
| 2023 | 6 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 | 2 |
The 2020 model year has 2 complaints and 8 recalls[2]. The 2019 year has 6 complaints and 13 recalls, the most recalls of any year listed[2]. The 2021 year has 9 complaints and 8 recalls[2]. The 2022 year has 4 complaints and 6 recalls, and 2023 has 6 and 5[2].
So 2020 has fewer complaints than 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and fewer recalls than 2019. It ties 2021 on recalls[2].
Should you buy a used 2020 G-Class?
The complaint record is thin, with 2 reports and no injuries[1]. The recall list is long, and several items involve door latches, braking and stability systems[6][7][10][13]. Each recall has a listed remedy, so the key step is confirming that all eight were completed[2]. Fuel economy is 14 mpg combined for both versions, so plan for high fuel costs[3][14]. We cannot say anything about long-term reliability from this data.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
- NHTSA has only 2 complaints[1], so no common problem stands out. One names the engine and one names an unknown component[1][5][4].
- How many recalls does the 2020 G-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls, including door latches, wiring, side crash sensors, the emergency call system, a child lock label and the differential locking module[2][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2020 G-Class?
- EPA rates the AMG G63 at 13 city, 15 highway and 14 combined, and the G550 at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined[3][14].
- How much horsepower does the 2020 G-Class have?
- EPA lists 310 to 577 hp for the 4.0L 8-cylinder, depending on version[15].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz G-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for AMG G63, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 15 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 24V659, filed September 9, 2024: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Lock. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V097, filed February 17, 2023: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V527, filed July 12, 2021: Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V353, filed May 14, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V247, filed May 1, 2020: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V090, filed February 14, 2020: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for G550, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 310 to 577 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, G-CLASS 550 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 76 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,478 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, G-CLASS 63 AMG 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 78 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,820 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov