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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class GLB 220 d common faults.

2020–2023, SUV, diesel, 190 HP.

The fault list covers: OM654QDE20SCR engine, MB8DCT transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 12 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

critical1

On the OM654 and OM656 diesels the maker started a recall over the vacuum controlled coolant pump (maker action code: 2090008). The fault: a leak can develop between the coolant and the vacuum circuit; if coolant reaches the electric switching valves, an electrochemical reaction can raise the temperature of the part, and a fire risk cannot be ruled out.

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The fix: replacing the electric switching valve and a software update. The campaign started at the end of 2021; the affected group is the C-Class, E-Class and other OM654/OM656 models.

A recall on the model does not mean it was carried out on this car. Only the franchised dealer can tell you, by VIN.

What to check

  • Ask the franchised dealer by VIN: is action 2090008 OPEN or CLOSED
  • Check the coolant level and look around the vacuum system for leaks
  • Ask for the service sheet: a switching valve replacement plus a software update is part of the campaign
1 more steps in the write-up

expensive1

The modern OM654 four cylinder diesel (and the modular OM656 six cylinder) carries two weaknesses on the used market that reinforce each other.

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1) Roller finger followers (Rollenschlepphebel). According to the German technical press, on some cars the followers wear early at around 100,000 to 120,000 km. On 10 July 2018 the maker introduced a strengthened follower from engine number 80278367 (new part number A6540505701 in place of the old A6540501100). On early built cars the risk is higher. A faulty follower develops so much heat that the removed metal shows blue discolouration (Anlaufspur).

2) Oil dilution. The post injection needed to regenerate the particulate filter puts diesel fuel into the engine oil. With short urban use the engine does not get warm enough, the fuel does not evaporate, the oil thins out, and the follower and valvetrain are exactly what suffers most from poor lubrication.

The timing chain sits on the gearbox side: if it stretches, the replacement is labour intensive. There are few complaints of a broken chain, but on the early series about 5,000 cars were recalled for a weak chain, and the Tritan 15 coating was changed to Tritan 18.

between 80,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Listen to the engine on a cold start: metallic ticking or rattling from the follower or the chain is suspect
  • Ask for the engine number: cars below 80278367 (before July 2018) are the old follower group
  • Check the service book: how often and with what oil (MB 229.52 is recommended) it was changed. Long intervals plus urban use is the worst pairing
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class GLB 220 d

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall12 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

A12/00148/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to inadequate corrosion protection, the integral subframe of the front axle may corrode, which could impair its operational strength and the connection of other components. This could have an impact on the steering capability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00321/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The adjustable second seat row might not be correctly latched onto the seat rail on one side. As a result, the fastening of the second seat row might not be ensured in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00531/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Improper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose. As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00596/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The side spoilers on the boot lid may not be properly affixed. As a result, a spoiler could detach completely while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00648/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The front wheel-arch covers may not have been attached correctly. As a result, a wheel-arch cover could detach completely while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01118/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The bodywork around the front wheelhouses has not been sealed in accordance with the specifications, allowing water to penetrate into the front foot spaces and damage the control units and other electrical components installed in those areas. As a result the instrument cluster could stop showing information, the braking assistance (e.g. ABS, ESP) could be restricted, or the engine could stall while driving or no longer be able start, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01337/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak. As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01426/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) unit might be damaged, moisture can reach the internal components leading to a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire and/or cause the ESP functions (e.g. vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking systems) to be disabled, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01599/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The outer shell of the rear spoiler might not have been welded or may have been only partially welded to the base support. As a result, parts of the rear spoiler may become detached while the vehicle is in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01725/20Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fuel tank ventilation pipe may have a split, which may allow diesel fuel to escape during refueling or driving. Consequently, the leaked fuel may get into contact with the exhaust system, increasing risk of fire, or leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01763/20Safety recallEnvironment, Fire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The quantity of oil in the dual-clutch gearbox may be too low or too high. This can result in impaired torque transmission, gearbox failure and potentially increased CO2 emissions. In addition, in extreme driving situations, gearbox oil might leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. Moreover, the leaking gearbox oil might come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01768/20Safety recallEnvironment, Fire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The quantity of oil in the dual-clutch gearbox may be too high. This can result in impaired torque transmission and potentially increased CO2 emissions. In addition, in extreme driving situations, gearbox oil might leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. Moreover, the leaking gearbox oil might come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

OM654QDE20SCR

85–140 kW (116–190 HP) · diesel

MB8DCT · 8G-DCT (Mercedes 724.1, transverse dual-clutch)

DSG · 8 speed

Clutchwet
Torque limit520 Nm
MakerMercedes-Benz

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
GLB 220 d
Body
SUV
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1950 cc
Power
140 kW (190 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2020–2023

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms