Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Complaints

681 consumer complaints on file.

#11699818November 17, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cylinder head. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699182November 13, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The main multimedia screen in the car has failed and is malfunctioning. Rear view parking camera only works some of the time. No access to temperature control. No access to navigation. No access to multimedia. The lack of functioning camera system has put myself and others at risk during parking and driving. This has been reported as a recall in the past (NHTSA 21V354, MBUSA Campaign 2021080009) and has been reportedly completed. My concern is that this repair/fix dis not sufficiently address the root of this issue and now the problem has returned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698792November 11, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The panel between the windshield and the sunroof shattered with cracks going the full width of the roof at the top and bottom of the glass panel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697813November 6, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle has issues maintaining power and attempts to stall in traffic. It also shakes violently at idle. It was diagnosed by the dealership and determined that the cylinder head was damaged and needed to be replaced for $7200.00 since there was no warranty. Vehicle was purchased used and the Issue was noticed 6 months after purchase at 70-80 thousand miles. After researching the issue, this appears to be a known problem with the 4 cylinder Mercedes vehicles, but only specific models were covered under the extended warranty for replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698005November 6, 2025
ENGINE
While driving, the vehicle’s serpentine/fan belt snapped. The loose belt struck and pulled out a sensor plug. Immediately the engine shut down and was later found to be seized. The vehicle had no prior warnings or known issues and was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. There were no other warning signs ahead, the car is always maintained. I have records of all the maintenance, and there was not a single Check engine light, or any other kind of issue. Consequence: Engine seized, vehicle not drivable, substantial repair or replacement required. •Condition & maintenance: All services up-to-date, regular oil changes, no previous related issues. •Supporting documentation: Mechanic’s inspection report, service records, tow bill, photos of belt damage and sensor plug. •Impact: Unexpected catastrophic failure at low mileage; potential defect in belt/pulley/auxiliary-system interface posing risk of sudden breakdown. •Request: Investigation of whether this is an isolated failure or a possible defect pattern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697756November 5, 2025
ENGINE
Check engine light came on September 2025 and the initial diagnosis was for mixture formation (cylinder 3) is irregular. Issue with the GLE 350 years 2020 to 2022 (from what I saw online) is the engine has an issue with a faulty cylinder head. This issue while driving causes the car to shake. This faulty cylinder has been confirmed by the Mercedes Benz service shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696713October 31, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Cylinder Head Failure on CPO Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Vehicle Information: •Make: Mercedes-Benz •Model: GLE 350 •Year: 2020 •Mileage at time of issue: 90,000 Summary of Complaint: The vehicle experienced a premature cylinder head failure, resulting in significant engine damage and repair costs. There were no prior warning lights or diagnostic codes indicating a problem before the failure occurred. The malfunction caused sudden performance issues, including rough idling, misfiring, and loss of power. Details of the Incident: While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the engine began to run roughly and lost power unexpectedly. Diagnostic testing revealed that the cylinder head had failed, which appears to be a mechanical or manufacturing defect rather than wear and tear. The repair estimate from the dealership was approximately $8,900, which is disproportionately high for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Safety Concerns: This type of failure could lead to sudden engine shutdown or loss of power while driving, posing a safety risk to occupants and other drivers on the road. Manufacturer Case Reference: This issue has also been reported to Mercedes-Benz under case number 18281587. Additional Information: After research, it appears that other Mercedes-Benz GLE owners have reported similar issues related to engine component failures, suggesting this may be a broader quality or manufacturing issue that warrants investigation. Requested Action: Requesting that NHTSA investigate potential defects in the engine or cylinder head assembly for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and determine whether a recall or service bulletin is appropriate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696337October 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
WHILE DRIVING ON AN INSIDE ROAD AT 35 MPH WITH NO TRAFFIC, THE CAR APPLIED SUDDEN BRAKES. MANY MESSAGES/SYMBOLS POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN WHICH I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE . CAR ALMOST CAME TO SUDDEN STOP AND IT CLEARED UP AGAIN WITHIN SECONDS AND CAR STARTED MOVING AGAIN. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO CAR OR THE DRIVER. AT HIGH OR IN TRAFFIC, IT MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE INSIDENT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 28, 2025 BETWEEN 1:00 PM TO 1:10 PM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696116October 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has already issued Recall No. 23V177000 (March 2023) for improperly installed A/C drain hoses in 2020–2021 GLE/GLS models, which created water intrusion, electrical shorts, fire risk, and failures of critical systems (eCall, unlocking, limp mode). In addition, a Mercedes-Benz Technical Bulletin dated August 5, 2024 (NHTSA MC-11000597-0001) specifically identifies evaporator refrigerant leaks as a frequent cause of A/C failure. Safety Concerns Loss of cabin cooling in hot weather poses risk of driver fatigue or heat-related illness. Defogging/defrosting may fail in humid conditions, creating visibility hazards. Prior related A/C defects have been tied to short circuits and electrical risks. Consumer Impact This defect has created significant hardship. The A/C failure occurred far earlier than expected for a premium vehicle, leaving me with high out-of-pocket repair estimates. The lack of cooling makes the car unsafe and uncomfortable to drive in hot weather, and the inability to properly defog/defrost windows compromises visibility. I purchased a Mercedes-Benz with the expectation of reliability and safety, and this known defect has undermined that trust. Requested Action Mercedes-Benz should cover the repair costs for affected vehicles, and NHTSA should investigate whether an expanded recall is necessary to include A/C evaporator refrigerant leaks as part of the broader HVAC system defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696132October 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. While driving home recently, without any warning, I heard a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. In an instant, shattered glass fell throughout the interior of the car, covering my daughter, grandson, and me. Fortunately, the only other vehicle nearby was at a considerable distance; otherwise, the outcome could have been catastrophic. Our car swerved sharply as a result of the shock. We came to realize that the sunroof had exploded and completely shattered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695606October 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Wire harness need to be replaces car is under 100k miles and the same issue has been recalled cla250 gla models with the same engine. Current model GLE is not under recall but has the same issue with the electrical issue “oil pump vavle connector fault” which cause engine light .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695392October 24, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle was skipping. The contact immediately veered towards an exit ramp. The contact noticed knocking sounds coming from the engine, and the vehicle stalled on the exit ramp. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had imploded and sustained a hole. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer took the engine apart and informed the contact that the cause of the engine implosion could not be determined even with the assistance of the engineers. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact then brought an independent mechanic to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic inspected the engine and informed the contact that the failure had occurred due to a lack of engine oil; however, the contact stated that the dealer had performed an oil change on the vehicle 27 days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the repair. The manufacturer informed the contact that the engineers had not yet determined the cause of the engine implosion. The failure mileage was 69,100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695417October 24, 2025
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the floor mats were wet after it had rained, and mold had formed on the floor mats. The rear hatch door occasionally unlocked unintendedly, and the radio would change stations independently. The contact stated that other electrical malfunctions occurred suddenly and intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the sunroof drains were clogged and caused the water to build up, which then caused the electrical shortages inside the vehicle. The contact learned that the failure occurred due to the ends of the drainage system for the sunroof being tapered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 49,200. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694682October 21, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen was black and there was no image displayed, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who indicated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694478October 20, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a safety recall on prior models of the GLE Front stationery sunroof panel Campaign# 2021070010 NHTSA ID 21V197 Campaign desc 21P7790003 This is exactly what occurred to me on a 2024GLE 450 The glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered… Nothing hit it… It just spontaneously shattered.. Spontaneously shattering glass in an automobile is a safety concern In my opinion… There was no warning … no sound no nothing., no evidence of anything hitting my car nor that section of the roof There was no police report as I noticed the damage when I got to my destination… I immediately drove home so that the impending rain would not further damage any components and brought it to the Mercedes dealer to keep in the garage The vehicle is now at the dealership and they are not claiming any responsibility and want to charge me $600 to diagnose the problem… Clearly they are not helping
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694542October 20, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to express serious concern regarding a potentially dangerous mechanical issue with my Mercedes GLE 350. The vehicle has experienced a complete cylinder head failure, requiring an estimated $7,000 repair. Both an independent service center and an authorized Mercedes service center have confirmed this diagnosis. During the inspection process, Mercedes conducted two diagnostic tests—one costing $250 and a second costing $700—before determining that the cylinder head must be replaced. I was informed by the Mercedes service advisor that the company is aware this issue has affected other GLE 350 vehicles; however, no recall has been issued to date. This failure presents a significant safety risk. The vehicle suddenly loses power without warning, and acceleration becomes severely limited, often not exceeding 20–40 mph even when pressing the accelerator fully. The check engine light illuminates at the time of power loss, leaving the driver unable to maintain safe highway speeds or merge with traffic—posing a serious hazard to both the driver and others on the road. Given that this appears to be a known issue, I am requesting immediate review and investigation by Mercedes-Benz. A recall or formal service campaign should be considered to address this potentially dangerous defect and to ensure the safety of all affected drivers. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694138October 17, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693640October 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the vehicle moved independently whenever the parking brake was not activated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact stated that the ABS module was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was working with the contact to get into a newer vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 28,852.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693255October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Location: Dallas, TX – Woodall Rodgers Freeway near North Hall Street exit Mercedes-Benz USA Case #: 18469650 What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s 48-volt electrical architecture appears to have failed, specifically the DC/DC converter or Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) that provides 12-volt power to all control modules. When this component failed, it caused a total loss of propulsion and electrical power. The vehicle is currently at a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Dallas and available for inspection upon request by NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz USA (case #18469650). How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving approximately 50 mph on the Woodall Rodgers Freeway with my family in the car, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power and throttle response without warning. The accelerator stopped responding, and the engine stalled completely within seconds. I was able to coast partially onto an exit ramp, but once stopped, the car would not restart and could not be shifted into Neutral. We were stranded in live traffic with limited steering assist and no way to move the vehicle, placing my family and other motorists at serious risk of collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The vehicle is currently at a Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer, and the failure has been logged with Mercedes-Benz USA under case #18469650. Initial findings point to a malfunction of the DC/DC converter or 48-volt system. Full STAR diagnostic data and fault codes are pending. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mercedes-Benz USA has been notified and opened case #18469650. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership’s certified technicians and is awaiting official diagnostic reporting and possible engineering review through Mercedes’ Technical Assistance
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693374October 14, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle stopped and wouldn’t start back up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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