2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Gle350
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with the "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.

The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the W163 M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. The second-generation M-Class (W164) moved to a unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating.

Since April 2015, the M-Class has been renamed to the GLE with the release of the facelifted W166 model, in an effort to harmonize Mercedes-Benz SUV nameplates by aligning it with the E-Class.

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Common 2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350 problems

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 has been reported to have a few common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the main issues is related to the engine, specifically the 4-cylinder engine. Some owners have reported that their GLE350 suddenly starts shaking at idle, loss of power, and shaking while driving. In one case, the cylinder head needed to be replaced at only 14,000 miles.

Another issue reported by owners is related to the technology in the GLE350. Some owners have mentioned that Mercedes makes things more complicated than they have to be, with the car's technology allowing for the same thing to be done from multiple sources. This can lead to confusion and frustration for some drivers.

There have also been reports of issues with the fuel system in the GLE350. In December 2022, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles due to a potential issue with the air conditioner drain hoses. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

In addition to these issues, there have been reports of problems with the structure and body of the GLE350. In December 2023, MBUSA announced a recall of certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles due to a potential issue with the front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof. The front panel may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

There have also been reports of issues with the electrical system in the GLE350. In April 2022, MBUSA announced a recall of certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles due to a potential issue with a ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat. The ground cable bolt may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

Overall, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is a luxury SUV with many positive features, there have been reports of common problems related to the engine, technology, fuel system, structure and body, and electrical system. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and to have their vehicles serviced as needed to ensure safe and reliable operation.

How reliable is the 2021 Mercedes GLE?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Are Mercedes GLE350 reliable?

Quality and Reliability 81.0/100

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.

Is GLE 350 expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is $1,194. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

Is GLE 350 safe?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for its achievement of the top score of “Good” in five individual crash tests, and a “Superior” rating for its use of crash prevention features.

2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the 2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350.

2023-12-21

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, and October 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.

2023-12-08

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Consequence: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2023-03-17

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Consequence: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

2022-12-16

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Consequence: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.

2022-09-12

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
Consequence: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

2022-05-20

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

2021-10-22

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
Consequence: Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2021-07-02

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2021-05-14

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

2021-02-12

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

2021-02-05

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

2020-10-30

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.

2020-02-14

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Mercedes-benz Gle350 problems:

Lots of problems with GLE350 | Mercedes GLE Forum

https://www.mercedesgleforum.com/threads/lots-of-problems-with-gle350.4334/

Aug 5, 2023 ... I've had a 2021 350GLE Coupe for a year now, but I've never been in the garage as much as with this car! many problems with the MBUX system, ...

2021 GLE350 Cylinder Head Failure??!!? - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/851954-2021-gle350-cylinder-head-failure.html

Oct 20, 2022 ... The straight 6 engines are experiencing cracked wiring harnesses for the ignition coils which can cause the engine ECU to short circuit and fail ...

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/gle/2021/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Brakes · Climate System · Transmission Minor · Transmission Major · Noises And ...

2020 GLE 350 Quality Issues - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/827556-2020-gle-350-quality-issues.html

Oct 31, 2021 ... Personally I've had 3 Mercedes with it, done over 100,000 miles in them and no issues. mikapen's Avatar. mikapen , 10-31-2021 01:11 PM.