Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Complaints

681 consumer complaints on file.

#11743941June 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On May 26, 2026 I was driving our new Mercedes 2026 GLE350 to [XXX]. The car had 737 miles on it, when it died in traffic on [XXX]. The car was purchased new on April 11, 2026 from the Mercedes dealer in Monterey, CA. When the car died in traffic, an emergency message appeared on the screen "Automatic brake assist not working, Stop the car immediately, Do Not Drive". I was barely able to cross two lanes of traffic in order to get to the right shoulder of the very busy freeway. The dealer in Monterey was contacted and said it sounded like an electrical issue. The car was towed to the nearest Mercedes dealer in Stevens Creek, San Jose Ca. (phone [XXX]) The service advisor at Stevens Creek is named Erica Flores. After 4 days at that dealership, she advised us that they "were unable" to duplicate the problem and that a software fix would have to be addressed by the main shop in Germany. No one knows when the software will be available. We were able to get copies of the repair order, Invoice number XXX. The car was returned to us and we drove back home to Pacific Grove, CA without any other issues. On XXX my wife was once again traveling to [XXX]. At approximately 1:15 pm the car did the exact same thing. Losing power while she was traveling at 65 miles per hour on the busy [XXX]. Again, the computer screen displayed several messages including the braking system, the cooling system and instructed her to turn the car off immediately and not to drive. The car now has approximately 1150 miles on it. We notified the dealer in Monterey Ca, and also the dealer in San Jose (Stevens Creek). My wife spoke again with Erica Flores at the Stevens Creek Mercedes dealer. Erica told my wife she could not help her and that all they could offer is a storage facility for us, with a cost of approximately 160 dollars per day. These issues represent a major safety concern which needs to be addressed by M.B. USA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741934June 3, 2026
ENGINE
At approximately 87,000 miles, my 2021 GLE350 (M264 2.0T engine) experienced a severe engine misfire resulting in a flashing check engine light, rough idle, engine shaking, significant loss of power, and near-stall condition. The vehicle was taken to Speedhaus Automotive (Newbury Park, CA) where all four ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Total repair cost was approximately $635. This failure pattern is consistent with the documented M264 exhaust valve seat wear issue acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz technicians. A Mercedes dealer service report on an identical 2021 GLE350 explicitly states: "COMMON ISSUE FOR EXHAUST VALVE SEATS TO WEAR — KNOWN ISSUE WITH 260 AND 264 MOTORS." Mercedes-Benz has extended the warranty on the M260 engine (transverse variant) for this identical failure mode but has not extended it for the longitudinally-mounted M264 despite the same defect being present. Repair costs for full cylinder head failure on the M264 are being quoted at $6,000–$13,000. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether a safety recall is warranted for the M264 engine across all affected GLE350, GLC300, C300, and E350 vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741555June 2, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Shortly after we took possession of the car, I noticed that the warning that I was not holding the steering wheel would light up when I was holding the wheel with both hands in the 10-2 position. Flipping my fingers while continuing to hold the steering wheel was sufficient to switch the warning off. Also I was frequently being advised that the steering assist was inoperative and that the stop and go assist was inoperative. On August 21, 2025 when I was driving in I95, the various warnings described above appeared on the screen. The hands warning sign would not go off although I was holding the wheel correctly. A warning chime began and then a message that the system was initiating an emergency stop. I accelerated briefly and the warning disappeared. On August 28, 2025 I took the car to the dealer for assessment. I was advised that the car required a software update (Invoice no. 118573). I picked the car up on September 2, 2025. The following morning I received a telephone call from Mercedes Benz advising me that “Germany” had indicated overnight that the steering wheel needed to be replaced and I would be advised when that was available. I took the car back on September 11 for the steering wheel to be replaced. The previously described problems recurred other than the warning that an emergency stop was being initiated and I took the car back on December 12, 2025. Another new steering wheel was fitted. The problems persisted and the car was taken back. On this occasion a software update was performed. In late March 2026 when I was driving an a busy two lane road, the typical problems recurred but flipping my fingers did not work and the initiating an emergency stop warning appeared. Acceleration was not an option and there was no immediate place for me to pull off. I removed both hands from the steering wheel and the warnings disappeared. I regard these two emergency stop warnings as representing a significant safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740606May 28, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Around 4pm 2/26/2026 my wife was driving southbound on I-65 around Middle River Bridge just north of Mobile AL. We were in the right lane when the car began to hydroplane; she immediately took her foot off of the accelerator and did not apply breaks. I was in the back seat due to a previous day surgery. The rear of the vehicle swayed back and forth a few times as the vehicle drifted. Then it was violently moved from one side of the lane to the other and eventually into a hard and distinct left hand 720 spin. We then collided into the concrete barrier next to the left hand lane. It was intense but a glancing blow mostly on the driver’s side. The spin ended with us pointing northbound in the left lane. Just as I thought the crash was over the car lunged in the forward direction like it was going to take off and quickly came to a stop. The weather was very hard rain and my wife was slowing for traffic ahead (which turned out to be another accident going up the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge. Incredibly the car was still running and I was able to slowly drive to safety and not cause any further accidents. Later in the evening (screen shot shows 6:42pm) after reporting to my insurance I looked on Google maps to find the approximate area our crash occurred I could see another accident happened with a significant backup of traffic. I believe the lane assist and brake assist tried to correct the drifting and over corrected the vehicle into a spin. Lane assist in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz 450GLE is difficult to turn off and comes back on with restarting the ignition. I could not turn off Ln Assist and stay off when I purchased the vehicle, so believed it would operated like my 2022 Ford F-150 which stays off. Neither Cruise control, or Self drive was engaged. I believed lane assist could not be turned off and there are no warnings issued by Mercedes-Benz of the potential hazard although I now find Lane Assist can definitely be linked to hydroplaning accidents
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740729May 28, 2026
ENGINE
The engine in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced catastrophic internal failure while driving. No warning lights or check engine indicators came on. Prior to failure, the vehicle began making a loud metallic knocking/rattling sound during acceleration, similar to “rocks shaking in a box.” Shortly afterward, the engine suddenly stalled while driving and would no longer run. The vehicle still had electrical power but the engine would not restart. The vehicle was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas for inspection. The dealer diagnosed the engine as seized and documented metal debris in the oil filter and oil/metal debris underneath the vehicle, indicating catastrophic internal engine damage. The dealer stated that the engine replacement was required.The failed engine and vehicle are currently located at Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas and are available for inspection upon request.The vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven on a public roadway, causing sudden loss of engine power and creating a potentially dangerous traffic situation. The violent shaking and knocking before failure also caused concern that the vehicle could lose control or stop operating completely in traffic, which it ultimately did. A sudden engine seizure and stall while driving creates a significant safety hazard because the driver may lose the ability to accelerate, maneuver safely, or clear traffic. This could increase the risk of collision, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic conditions. Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The dealer documented that the engine was seized and that metal debris was found in the oil filter and underneath the vehicle. The dealer advised that the engine required replacement and provided an estimated repair cost exceeding $27,000. The dealer has not yet identified the root cause of the failure. No dashboard warning lights, oil pressure warnings, or check engine lights illuminated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740482May 27, 2026
SUSPENSION
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 W. APROX: 30,000 MILES. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO, WHEN IT HAD 17,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN DRIVING AT TIMES THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK WILL START MAKING SQEAKING / CREAKING NOISES. BEEN LIKE THIS FOR ALMOST 1 YEAR NOW. I DONT DRIVE THE VEHICLE VERY OFTEN, BUT WHEN I DO DRIVE IT IT IRRITATES ME. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE SHOCK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE LEAKS, NO ABNORMAL RIDE QUALITY, ETC.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739765May 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and respectfully requesting review of a serious infotainment and electronic system failure that occurred at approximately 49,000 miles. Prior to the failure of the MBUX infotainment system, the vehicle began exhibiting abnormal electrical behavior. On multiple occasions, the right headlight remained illuminated even after the vehicle had been completely turned off and locked. The only temporary way to resolve this was to restart the vehicle and shut it down again. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery was very low and required charging. Soon after these electrical issues appeared, the MBUX infotainment system became stuck on the Mercedes-Benz startup logo screen and has remained nonfunctional since. Although the backup camera still partially functions, the infotainment system itself will not boot properly or operate normally. The authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership documented the following diagnostic fault codes: • B14D913 – Internal hard disk malfunction/open circuit • B14F900 – Internal hard disk full According to the dealership service report, guided tests, MOST ring reset procedures, and hard resets of the control unit were all performed without resolving the issue. The dealership ultimately recommended complete replacement of the MBUX head unit at a very significant cost. This situation is especially concerning because the vehicle has relatively low mileage, has been properly maintained, and recently underwent Service B and 12V battery replacement through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership immediately after the battery warning appeared. A major infotainment head unit/internal storage failure at this mileage is not something we reasonably expected from a luxury vehicle. While researching this issue further, I discovered numerous online reports from other Mercedes-Benz owners — particularly owners of 2020–2023 GLE models —
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739738May 23, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son’s graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. A few days later we found a 2nd tow truck that agreed to bring the vehicle several hundreds of miles back to our home city. This car is a 2020 model, and has around 55,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained by a certified Mercedes mechanic. There were no issues with the car and no indication that there might be a problem. Our mechanic has thoroughly inspected the vehicle and said that the engine has completely seized and the only option is to replace it. We have no idea why this happened. If requested, the vehicle is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739128May 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEATS
My Mercedes GLE 580 experienced a complete failure of the 48V battery system due to the exact defect outlined in NHTSA Recall Campaign 24V207 (defective 48V ground connection causing high resistance and fire risk). The official status for my VIN shows 'Recall Incomplete.' The vehicle is currently at Mercedes-Benz of Barrington. The dealership is actively refusing to remedy this safety recall under warranty and is attempting to charge me $5,313 out of pocket for the battery replacement. Furthermore, the dealership refuses to submit the correct diagnostic error code (B183371) to my extended warranty provider to block coverage. My family has been left completely stranded without transportation for 7 days, and the manufacturer refuses to provide a loaner vehicle while the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to this fire hazard recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738453May 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CASE NUMBER: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 --- EMAIL EXCHANGE TEXT --- From: [XXX] Sent: 1/14/2026, 12:11 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Message From Mercedes-Benz USA: Case Number [XXX] Dear Ken, I want to clarify that my concern is not about support for “older technology” in a general sense, but about the confirmed retirement of factory-installed emergency and crash-response systems that were standard safety equipment on my vehicle at the time of sale. As previously noted, the mbrace system on my 2018 GLE-Class includes SOS/Emergency Call and Automatic Collision Notification functionality intended to contact emergency services in the event of a crash or airbag deployment, particularly where the driver may be incapacitated. These are safety systems, not discretionary convenience features. Your replies confirm that these safety functions are being permanently disabled, that no retrofit or replacement solution exists, and that the vehicle will continue to operate without the emergency communication capability it was originally sold with. I appreciate your acknowledgment, and I am documenting Mercedes-Benz USA’s position that these safety systems have been retired with no alternative provided. Sincerely, [XXX] On Jan 14, 2026, at 09:02, Mercedes-Benz USA [email protected] wrote: Dear [XXX] , I’m very sorry that these older technology features have been retired. Mercedes‑Benz is currently focused on supporting our present and next‑generation technologies, which unfortunately means that the former mbrace system is no longer maintained. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I would be more than happy to assist. Best Regards, Ken C. Mercedes-Benz USA (800) 367-6372 Mercedes-Benz Customer Care, 1 Mercedes-Benz Drive. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738600May 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 due to what appears to be a significant air conditioning refrigerant leak. The vehicle rapidly loses refrigerant shortly after being recharged. When the system is operating, a loud seeping/hissing sound can be heard from the HVAC system area, followed by complete loss of cold air within a very short period of time. This issue appears to indicate a major refrigerant system failure and raises concerns about potential defects in the evaporator, condenser, hoses, or related AC components. The leak rate is excessive and ongoing. I am concerned this may be a broader manufacturing defect impacting other Mercedes GLE vehicles. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure occurred under normal operating conditions. Given the frequency of similar complaints online involving Mercedes HVAC refrigerant leaks and evaporator failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation for a potential recall or manufacturer accountability. The failure impacts driver and passenger comfort and visibility in humid or high-temperature conditions due to inability to properly defog windows. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety and defect trends affecting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE platform.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737948May 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
I manually opened the power lift gate of my 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. While loading items into the rear of the SUV, the power lift gate closed autonomously and without warning, striking me on the right side of my face and neck. No hands-free gesture was made. Key fob was secured in my purse (in shopping cart) at a distance and was not activated.The lift gate did not detect my presence and did not stop or reverse. The impact resulted in localized swelling and tenderness to my face/jaw area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11737556May 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
An authorized dealer returned a vehicle with loose hardware in a moving mechanical track, posing a risk of mechanical failure or distraction while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737136May 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission keeps going into neutral when you put into drive or reverse
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737144May 11, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam visibility on this vehicle is extremely dangerous. It's as if you have no headlights on. They can inspect anytime. With low night visibility. Driver is not able to see the road or person which causes a delayed response because of visibility. Driver puts on highbeams to be able to see which blinds others or shouldn't be driven at night. Plenty of times, I could have been in an accident or didn't see someone. My eyes are 20/20. Yes, it was reproduced. We tried after market headlights as well, but it's the same issue. Yes, I have complained to manufacturer more than once, but if there is no recall. They want a diagnostic fee and ignore it. This has been ongoing since the car was purchased. Even the GLS 2017 have the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736900May 10, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Incident 1- on several occasions the screen went blank on my dashboard where I could not see the odometer and important information. This has happened on several occasions and sometimes happen to wait until the next day in order for it to come back on Incident 2- car is now in the dealer for engine issues and rattling sound once started. Needs to restart before sound stops
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736114May 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
I noticed that my front tires were showing abnormal wear on the outer edge of both driver and passenger side front tires. I would also hear a loud popping/thumping/grinding noise coming from front tires when I would back up and then have to turn my tires to move the car to leave a parking spot, etc. The tire pressure warning light will come on and off randomly. I have checked my tire pressure and it falls directly in line with recommended pressure listed on the inside door of the car. I made an appointment at Mercedes Sewell and basically was told over the phone that this would not be anything related to a recall and that the extra warranty I purchases for tires would not cover replacement of the front tires. Showed up at my appointment and my service advisor said that he had another client come in today with the same exact situation on the same exact car. He said he thinks that it could be something with the Toe. I bought my vehicle in 2023 and as of today it has only 10, 580 or so miles. I drive locally to pick up my children from school and run errands, never have a seen a tire look like these tires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735851May 5, 2026
TIRES, TIRES:TREAD/BELT
285/40/R22 325/35/R22
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734164April 27, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving on I-84 between [XXX] and [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure with no prior warning. The engine seized, resulting in an immediate loss of power while traveling at highway speed, creating a dangerous situation in active traffic. The driver was fortunate to safely pull the vehicle onto an exit ramp. State police arrived and positioned their vehicle behind it to prevent a potential collision with other vehicles. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle had approximately 80,000miles and was regularly maintained. The issue has been confirmed by a service center, and the engine may require full replacement. The sudden and unexpected nature of this failure raises serious safety concerns and potential defect issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733079April 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Case: XXX My concerns has been denied and overlooked by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC multiple times since Jan 2026--interims of defective electric system causing sudden locking of steering wheel and shut down car , due to malfunctioning electric system resulting in car crash into another parked car on the street, took car to auto body shop who diagnosed gas gauge misread as empty gas tank even though tank was 3/4 full , due to this car was totally locked out when driving on the street and hit another parked car due to loss of control. i have been in communication with Mercedes and they stated car was functioning fine and there was no defect or malfunction ,which i don't agree, as a results my wife into crash and sustained injuries I need your help to resolve this issue thx [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
1

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