I’ve almost had my GLB35 for a year now. And here’s some experiences I’ve had that are leading me to open a buy-back case. Anyone have thoughts what might happen?

2/7 – Shortly after delivery, I reached out on here about a check engine light. The car was sending codes indicating a powertrain fault. The dealership performed several software updates, and I left with the understanding that it was resolved. They did find evidence of several codes relating to the drivetrain, powertrain, and the 48v battery system.

6/19 – Another check engine light occurred, again with powertrain faults. Software updates were performed again.

8/19 – While traveling on the interstate, I exited the highway and entered a roundabout when the car experienced a full loss of power. There were no warning lights or codes. I was only able to coast to the side of the road and had to power the car off and restart it to get moving again.

9/26 – About five weeks later, I was on the parkway with my daughter when the car again had a full loss of power. Once more, there were no alarms, lights, or warnings. I coasted to the shoulder as cars were flying past us. After turning the car off and back on, it drove normally. I brought it in for service, and after a couple of days, I was told the issue was resolved with another software update.

Post-update issue (Speed limit display / cruise control) – After that visit, I noticed the speed limit sign on the dash was no longer updating properly. Sometimes it wouldn’t update at all; other times, it would display an incorrect speed (for example, showing 50 mph in a 35 mph zone). This is an entirely new issue I hadn’t had before. Wondering if an update they did caused this. This also affects highway driving when I use cruise control: when the sign updates incorrectly, the car will speed up or slow down significantly, which feels unsafe.

On 10/8, the car went back in again, and another software update was performed. When that didn’t resolve it, I was told map updates were needed. Even after those updates, the issue persists. I was essentially told to “live with it” until a future update becomes available. This is frustrating since the speed limit function was part of an upgraded package and is not working as intended, but when compared to the engine stalling, it isn't as serious.

11/20 – Most recently, I was pulling onto the highway when the car stalled again in the middle of the intersection, with cars coming from both directions at 55 mph. My wife and daughter were in the car and were understandably terrified. I had the accelerator fully depressed with no response, and then suddenly the car lurched forward, to which we continued our journey with no issue.

In the days leading up to this incident, I noticed hesitation from a stop, delayed response when accelerating from lights, and jerky transmission behavior with higher-than-normal revs between gears.

When I picked up the car this time, after 9 days, they told me they couldn’t reproduce any of what I’ve described. They simply said “at least it’s a safe car and has good airbags”. I was shocked that they even would joke like that.

 

I do not know how Mercedes handles this issue, but you sound completely justified in considering it. You would probably already qualify for a lemon law buy back in many states. Mercedes probably has their own criteria for the buy back but it has to, at a minimum, meet the state’s lemon law.

We had a similar experience with a domestic brand compact MPV about a year ago. It was virtually the same set of experiences you have had plus a transfer case failure. We even had the speed limit recognition issue. My granddaughter was lucky she didn’t get crushed when it changed the speed to 35 on an 80 MPH Texas freeway. When it got to the point that the service department was saying, “Oh no, here they come again,” we asked what resolution beyond attempted repairs was available. They refunded the full purchase price including taxes and did not depreciate for mileage even thought the vehicle had a few dings from 20k miles of use. We applied the refund to a full size pickup truck to which they applied the same percentage discount as the original purchase. We’re very satisfied with the new truck.

I hope your situation turns out as positive.

 

That seems like an ideal resolution. I just can’t trust the car anymore. But then since MB can’t replicate it, they can’t justify holding my car at the shop forever and giving me a loaner. And of course, the loaner is always a basic nothing car, compared to my AMG model. So I’m paying AMG prices for a rental car. I do drive it carefully and alone now, to try and replicate it and make it happen again. But it is very sporadic. I’m hopeful they’ll just do the right thing and let me into something else. It’s a lease too, which you’d think would be easier.

 

You know, every rental is a 4x4, a race car, loves salt water and sand....I mean, there is no better "all around" car than a rental. Heck, I knew a guy who would rotate his tires with rental cars.....they are great!

 

I didn’t realize it was a lease. They should have swapped you into another like vehicle before now. My daughter had a ‘23 AMG GT43 that had repeated software issues. She parked it in her driveway and told them “come and get this thing.” They came to get it and brought a GLE with them. When the new GT43 arrived, they brought it to her. It’s time for you to get a bit more pushy.

 

I am told corporate should be calling this week. I agree. I think it’s easier to term the lease. What car should I get instead? Definitely not another GLB. What about the GLC? Maybe the phev version? Really don’t want a sedan and need the size of at least the GLB.

 

The GLC is actually a bit smaller inside than the GLB. The GLB has about 4 cu ft more cargo space. You may not have it, but there is no 3 row seating option on the GLC, either.

If you drop down from AMG to standard models, a GLE could be very close in price to an AMG GLB.

I don’t know enough about the PHEVs to offer a valid comment.

 

Yes the hood on a GLC is 10 inches longer than a GLB hood 'cause the GLB engine is transverse rather than longitudinal. Most of this results in significantly more cockpit room in a GLB.

I've had great luck with my GLB35 and really like it. I had a beautiful metallic blue GLE53 but it was too large and too difficult to climb into. I traded it for my GLB35. I would not buy a GLC because of the tablet on the center console which creates a distraction when driving. I'd suggest you try another non-AMG GLB which would provide a more comfortable ride and is just the right size.

 

Corporate called today. They are reviewing the service history as well as my state lemon laws to determine next steps. I’m in Missouri. Not sure how long this will take but they say no more than six to eight weeks.

 

Good to hear this, at least. Keep us posted. Your experience is a valuable indicator. Collectively we have 10 vehicles. 5 were Mercedes and 6 would have been on retirement of a domestic luxury brand. Continued early issues with later models have us trying 2 other brands on replacements. Only 1 of our current MBs has the flawless record we were used to on our older models.

 

So MB Corporate reached out to say they are denying the claim for buy back because the car does not meet the requirements for a buy back. Specifically "Although the engine cuts off sporadically while driving and the issue cannot be replicated and repaired, the car does not qualify for a buy back at this time". They went on to say that they will continue to honor the warranty for other issues as they arise, but at this time, the car is perfectly safe and mechanically sound. Uhm, WTF? It is not perfectly safe for a vehicle to lose engine power while driving at highway speeds. So, I brought it right back to my dealership today and said they better keep looking for the issue and I drove off with another loaner. What am I missing? This is insane! I love my car and I want it fixed, but when they say they can't do anything and that I need to keep driving it, I'm afraid it will do it again and someone will get seriously hurt!

 

☹️Definitely disappointing. If this is the future, we’re gonna be Fords, Hondas, and Hyundais in a few years.
Maybe contact your state Attorney General office and ask about your state’s lemon law criteria if you haven’t already done so.

 

This can vary wildly based on what State you are in. Me? Sell the car, walk away and live a more content life.