Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Complaints

681 consumer complaints on file.

#11539114August 17, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased as a CPO directly from a local dealership. Vehicle has experienced multiple (10+), seemingly random failures of the Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Break Assist under varied driving and weather conditions. On two separate occasions (one at 15+ mph and the other at 65+), these system failures were accompanied by a brief "limp mode" and immediate total loss of acceleration. The most recent loss-of-acceleration event occurred during lunch hour traffic on the highway, at highway speeds. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership to address these issues on 3 separate occasions. Visit #1: the communication fault codes were noted by the technicians, but they could not replicate the issues. The faults were cleared and the vehicle service was deemed complete. Visit #2 (3 days later and the first instance of acceleration loss): report from service department reads almost identical to that of Visit #1 except the notation that "...found several stored faults for communication with engine control unit." Again, the issues could not be replicated and the faults were cleared. Viewed as an unacceptable response by the consumer, the dealership retained the vehicle for further troubleshooting with the follow-on report noting, "Found no socket tension at Sockets 27 and 28 to PTCU. Removed and replaced sockets 27 and 28 at ME connector 6." The faults were, again, cleared and the vehicle was returned to the owner. Visit #3 (roughly 5 weeks after last visit and the second instance of acceleration loss, this time on the highway): The same complement of warning lamps illuminated, the car lurched, and there was zero acceleration. The vehicle was navigated to the highway's shoulder without incident and shut down. After 5+ minutes, the vehicle was restarted and acceleration functioning had returned. It was immediately driven to the dealership where it currently awaits repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11538406August 14, 2023
AIR BAGS, SEATS
I receive a passenger airbag warning message every time I start the vehicle. Took to Mercedes dealer 2/10/2023 and they diagnosed the airbag problem as being caused due to the failure of the weight sensor in the passenger seat. NO ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled (vehicle is still under factory warranty period). Have returned the vehicle to the dealer again on 4/20/2023 and 5/30/3023 to try and expedite a fix but both times was told there was no ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled. I opened an escalation with Mercedes Benz USA (ERM - Executive Referral Management team) on 7/7/2023 and they called the Mercedes dealer to confirm the airbag issue and tie to the bad weight sensor in the seat. The dealer re-confirmed with Mercedes Benz USA that they do not have an ETA to fix the passenger seat weight sensor, hence no way to fix the airbag malfunction. As I submit this on 8/14/2023 I still do not have a functioning passenger airbag and no ETA to get this issue resolved, despite trying for over 6 months. This has and continues to pose an incredible safety concern for passengers that ride in this vehicle as the airbag won't deploy if in an accident. Another unintended consequence is that the chime/ding to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt is disabled as it's also tied to the malfunctioning weight sensor in the seat. This is my only vehicle and I don't have any alternatives given I cannot sell this vehicle without a working airbag.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536714August 5, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving down a multi-lane highway at 70 mph, a 48V battery malfunction warning goes off as well as the yellow check engine light. A few seconds later a ‘coolant’ error alert pops up. SUV loses acceleration with power dropping from 70 mph to 55 mph to 35 mph. Another message displayed on screen warning me to “Pull over and turn the engine off.” Narrowly missing being hit from the back, I was able to coast to an upcoming exit into a store’s parking lot before the car stalled completely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535463July 31, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH when the contact struck a pothole the contact felt the vehicle jumps and moves side to side without any warning. The vehicle was taken dealer for diagnosis but no failure was found. On another occasion, while driving 30 MPH and the failure reoccurred causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch causing major damages to the vehicle. The air bags deploy. A police report was filed. The contact suffered injuries to the right shoulder but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was deemed totally loss. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11534751July 27, 2023
Other/I am not sure
When the car seat is in the rear facing position and in the most upright position the rear of the seat can be lifted off the base with very little force. I have videos that show this behavior but photos don't really do it justice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534779July 27, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I tried to open the sunroof and it appeared that something was broken or out of alignment and it wouldn't open. I brought it to the dealership. I was told the track had broken off. They replaced it but also found out the reason it was getting off track was because of the panoramic shade that seems to get out of alignment when being manipulated. Overall, the fix to this problem was almost $4000.00 . I asked if there was any recall regarding this and they said no. I questioned why a part of the car that is rarely used has broken so easily and caused so much damage. My car has only 38K miles for a 2016 model. On my own research, I did find that Mercedes has recalled several thousands of cars with similar sunroof problems but my model car was not included. I wanted to reach out and report in case there are other similar reports that other people have come forward with. Thank you very much for your time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534934July 27, 2023
ENGINE
Cylinder head replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534284July 25, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I reported multiple times to Mercedes USA that the vehicle was experiencing electrical issues as I was periodically loosing power and/or control over the vehicle. The vehicle was returned twice to the dealership but the problem always came back pretty much immediately. On the day of the accident, I was driving the vehicle on a straight road. The road was a little bit humid as it has been raining few minutes/hours before but it wasn't raining at the time I was driving. I was maintaining a speed of 55mph (speed limit on this portion of the road). The vehicle started to suddenly move by itself on the right side. A minute later, the vehicle moved a second time on the right without any apparent reason. The third time, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and made a sharp turn to the right. The turn to the right was so sharp that the vehicle made a 180 degrees turn and was projected on the side of the road. The vehicle stopped in a ditch and engine stopped. I wasn't braking or turning the wheel when the vehicle started to act-up. I didn't feel any movement in the steering wheel and I couldn't control the brake or direction. I restarted the engine and the brakes and directions were back up again. I contacted Mercedes who wants to inspect the vehicle but didn't set a date yet. Sheriff arrived on the spot less than a minute after the crash (was driving back home after his shift). He confirmed no collision with another vehicle, no marks of tires on the road, no standing water on the road or any other reason for the crash. No ticket was given to me by the sheriff.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11533144July 19, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission gear does not shift into R or N or D, from P. How to reproduce: Drive several minutes, then brake/stop, shift into R, pull back 10~20 ft. Gear cannot shift to either R or N or D. Gear can only shift into P. Shutdown the car, restart the engine then able to shift into R or N or D. This has been intermittent but getting more frequent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532823July 17, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I was Driving on and heard loud popping sound above me, when pulled over and investigate saw that the glass between the windshield and Panasonic roof had spontaneously cracked all the way across ( they were no othervehicles within the distance for it to an outside object hitting it). Plus I saw nor heard anything coming in contact with the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532310July 14, 2023
STEERING
While traveling at approximately 45 MPH in multi-lane highway traffic, WITHOUT WARNING the vehicle's power steering suddenly failed. Concurrently a red display message appeared in the instrument cluster stating "Power Steering Malfunction - See Owner's Manual". ALL steering assistance was lost at that point and the vehicle had to be maneuvered with great effort out of traffic to a safe offroad location. Vehicle is a 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 (166 chassis) with 22,000 miles. Initial inspection of the vehicle by a Mercedes mechanic revealed a fault in the EPS (electrical power steering), and the presence of fault code P063500. Subsequent inspection of the vehicle by the local Mercedes dealer revealed the same fault code along with the advisory that the vehicle is "technically not safe to drive..." and that a new electric power steering rack is required. Service advisor further offered the comment that "1-2 vehicles present like this monthly." Online search of Mercedes Xentry Tips for fault code P063500 reveals topic number LI46.35-P-0555436 (dated 01-12-2017), with the acknowledgement of power steering malfunction occurrences in model 204, 207 and 212 vehicles. No reference is made to model 166 vehicles. Mention is made of performing a software update of the electric power steering control unit via "Adaptations" in the 204, 207 and 212 vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11531313July 10, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Car will slip from drive to neutral while driving and when stopped. Need to shut car off numerous times to get it back into drive. Very dangerous when this happens on the highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11531401July 10, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Mercedes Connect app started showing a partially charged battery. The Battery voltage is 11.9 to 12.29 in the AM when it should be 12.6V. The iphone charging area is warm to hot to the touch when the car is off all night. The Westminster Mercedes dealership cannot find the problem. I am concerned for afire hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530440July 5, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. Several times the rear hatch has opened while the car was left unattended. 2. If the hatch opens it could possibly cause a safety issue: a.By opening while driving. This has not happened and I do not know if Mercedes has a safety lock to ensure this could not happen. b.Open while parked at the store, mall, etc. The vehicle would be unsecured with items being subjected to being stolen. c.Open while parked at the store, mall, etc. A stranger could get in the rear of the vehicle, close the hatch and wait for me to return causing a dangerous situation. d.Open and damage the garage door if parked in the garage. e.Open while someone is in the back of the vehicle. Should this happen, a person could be pinned against another vehicle or garage door. 3.Mercedes Benz is aware of this issue on my car. I was informed the S class Mercedes has had a similar problem and Mercedes reprogrammed the key fob to a “2X push of the rear hatch button on the key fob”. They have yet to do this on my vehicle. 4.The vehicle has been inspected by Mercedes and as of today there is not a similar fix as to that of the S class Mercedes. Mercedes is aware of this problem but has yet to offer a fix. Also, upon doing an internet search, I have discovered others having experienced similar problems over the course of many years. 5.There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms relating to the problem. This problem first appeared within a few miles of owning the vehicle. The vehicle is currently has about 2,300 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528964June 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am like many other Mercedes GLE 450 owners, having breakdowns related to the "48V and 12V" battery malfunction issue that Mercedes has been dealing with for the last couple of years. My brand new car (less than 4,000 miles) has broken down twice, leaving me stranded with no power waiting on a flat bed tow to a dealership. The vehicle gives warning messages about the 48V and 12V batteries and then loses power immediately. Once I was stranded in the middle of the road, the other time I was able to get to the shoulder before the car completely lost power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528270June 22, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My 2022 Mercedes GLE 350 With distronic adaptive cruise control accelerates with the cruise control disabled. It's happened about a dozen times since I purchased the vehicle in September of 2022. All acceleration issues occurred at low speed while turning. Right after I release the brake while turning my car accelerates like the distronic cruise control is engaged eventhough I just braked and it's disengaged. I have to quickly hit the brakes to disengage the accelration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11527851June 20, 2023
WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while entering the dealer, the over-the-thread detector provided an alert. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead (2799 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305) where it was diagnosed that the brake pads had separated and were not engaged. The brake pads and rotors were replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side wheel was scraping and there was an abnormal pattern on the rotor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 37,873.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11527450June 16, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that after his wife placed the key fob in the interior of the vehicle and closed the door, the vehicle inadvertently locked the doors. As a result, the contact stated that his young child was locked inside the vehicle with no way for his wife to remove him from the vehicle. The contact’s wife was able to instruct the toddler how to unlock the vehicle using the key fob. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 7,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11527139June 15, 2023
POWER TRAIN
vehicle shifts in to neutral while driving causing loss of control...had to pull over and restart the vehicle to get it back into the drive mode...it has done this twice.....last week the most severe ...very dangerous on a crowded highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526646June 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound of moving water underneath the front seats. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that rainwater had leaked into the body of the vehicle due to a clogged sunroof drainage tube. The contact stated that several electrical components were submerged in the water and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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