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Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d

OM656 2.9L R6 Diesel 330 hp Automatic All-wheel drive SUV 2019–2025
– Be Careful
Engine OM656 – Be Careful 5,600–24,800 €

Modern inline-six diesel with aluminium block and steel pistons. Efficient and powerful, few known weaknesses to date. Timing chain long-lived.

Fun Factor? Decent

Diesel Sovereign

Strong diesel with 243 kW. Enormous torque for effortless progress, but not a fun engine.

Engine Weaknesses 6

!! Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008)

The vacuum-controlled coolant pump can develop leaks between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant enters the EGR solenoid valves; an electrochemical reaction creates a fire hazard.

0–0 €
!! Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality

The Bosch CP4 high-pressure pump is more sensitive to fuel contamination than its predecessors. Poor diesel quality can damage the pump and injectors.

Symptoms: Power loss, hesitation, injection system fault codes, in severe cases engine damage from metal swarf

1,500–6,000 € from 120,000 km
!! Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall)

The switchable coolant pump does not reliably seal between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant can overheat electrical solenoid valves — fire risk. Campaign code 2090008.

Symptoms: No direct driver symptoms — preventive recall. Possible coolant loss, electrical faults, unusual odour

0–0 € from 50,000 km
!! Rocker Arms Prematurely Worn — Camshaft Damage

Early OM656 units had overly soft roller rocker arms. From engine number 80278367 (10/07/2018) a reinforced version was fitted. Older engines develop camshaft wear and timing chain problems.

Symptoms: Clattering tick in the valvetrain, especially on cold start, increased oil consumption, CEL, rough running

2,000–6,000 € from 100,000 km
!! Camtronic Solenoid Valves and Camshaft Wear

The variable valve lift system Camtronic shows failures at solenoid valves and actuators, especially up to 2022. Camshaft wear generates metal particles in the oil.

Symptoms: Rough idle, knocking noises while driving, elevated oil consumption, variable valve train fault code

500–3,000 € from 80,000 km
!! DPF/SCR Blocked by Short-Trip Use

DPF, EGR and SCR/AdBlue system are sensitive to frequent short-trip driving. Premature blockages with warning lights are common.

Symptoms: Engine warning light, DPF warning lamp, power reduction in regeneration mode, elevated AdBlue consumption

500–3,000 € from 100,000 km

Vehicle Weaknesses 6

!! Electronics Recall: 48V earth connection fire hazard

The 48V earth connection under the passenger seat was fastened with insufficient torque. High currents raise junction temperature — fire risk. 52,363 vehicles affected.

0–0 €
!! Gearbox 9G-Tronic engine stall under braking (recall)

During gentle braking with gear change 7→6 and simultaneous 48V recuperation, the engine can stall. 260,658 vehicles worldwide affected.

0–0 €
!! Electronics Recall: A/C condensate — fire risk

Incorrectly routed A/C condensate drain hoses allow water ingress into the interior. Contact with electrics causes short circuits. 171,463 vehicles affected.

0–0 €
!! Suspension AIRMATIC Air Leaks and Ride Height Loss

Leaks in the air suspension system cause the GLS to sag. Air spring bellows, lines and compressor are the most common weak points.

800–4,000 € from 80,000 km
!! Electronics MBUX System Crash and Sluggish Response

MBUX shows crashes during extended operation (black screen). Total failures occur especially after long drives over 400 km. Software updates often only provide temporary relief.

300–2,000 €
! Electronics MBUX system freezes

The MBUX infotainment no longer responds to inputs or displays frozen content. After software updates, stability sometimes worsens.

0–800 €

Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03
Above Average

1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Latches & Locks (1).