STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and driver assistance categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 144 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 2 |
| Dec 2023 | 2 | 4 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 5 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 6 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Body & structure116.7%
- Brakes116.7%
- Driver assistance116.7%
- Electrical116.7%
- Tires & wheels116.7%
- Visibility116.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
8 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen went blank. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753286
- Incident
- Jul 20, 2026
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
When removing my vehicle out of Park the gear shifted to Neutral and then it began heavy jerking when switching gears. The vehicle would stall and stay in neutral then it would shift gear and go back into neutral which is dangerous and almost caused a collision of me possiblly being rear ended in drive thru
- NHTSA ID
- 11603541
- Incident
- Jul 18, 2024
The vehicle accelerated on its own after a stop in front of the garage after stopping. It was so fast that it ramped into the building and destroyed it until a pillar put it to a stop.
- NHTSA ID
- 11562286
- Incident
- Dec 26, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27th 2023 at approx 6pm. While enroute on Interstate 81 South at Hagerstown VA in heavy rain, darkness and heavy traffic at highway speed the windshield wiper arm on the passenger side (right) suddenly collided with the drivers side arm - the wiper blade flew off and was lost the wiper arms then became entangled and ceased to operate. I believe I was quite fortunate to find an opening between trucks to get to the right side shoulder and pull the vehicle off the road. On investigation I found that the right side wiper arm was rotating freely and not operating - obviously having suffered a mechanical failure. I could not determine any immediate cause. The left side wiper arm seemed to operate normally and after waiting for the rain to subside I was able to continue the journey to an overnight stop. In my view this is an event that should never occur - the right side wiper arm is a complex mechanical linkage which operates at high velocity to sweep the area. This resulted in a complete loss of visibility at 55mph. There could have been very serious consequences. There was no warning, sound or sign of an impending failure. I will record a video of the current state of the wiper arms. I will be giving the vehicle to the Mercedes Dealer in Naples, Florida for inspection and repair. It is my judgement that given reasonable weather my trip can be completed safely.
- NHTSA ID
- 11562202
- Incident
- Dec 27, 2023
I have a 2017 Mercedes AMG GLE 43 Coupe SUV. In just over a year both my rear OE Cross Contact LX Sport 315/40R-21 111 H Continental tires have blown out while driving. This past Christmas the 2nd one blew at highway speed limit (55-60 MPH) almost causing a tragic accident to my family. One tire had apprx 32K miles and the 2nd apprx 39K. Both tires disintegrated around the inside rims. I was unaware of any recall of some Continental tires at the time and can't find my tires on the list and understand the deadline was last August '21. Without knowing of the recall I subsequently purchased 2 OE replacement tires at a installed cost of about $700. The tire shop that installed the new tires stated it looked to be a manufacturing issue. While the tires were removed and I assume recycled or something by the tire shop, I do have a few pictures of the damage. I have also submitted a complaint today to Continental Customer Service.
- NHTSA ID
- 11446217
- Incident
- Dec 27, 2021
THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO MY 10/1/18 REPORT TO NHTSA: 2/21/19 UPDATE: I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MB DATED 2/13/19 STATING THAT AFTER A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER, "THE VEHICLE'S ACTIVE BRAKE SYSTEM (ABA) IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED". ON 11/12/18 I TRADED THIS CAR IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE (NOT MB). I TOOK THE RESPONSIBLE ACTION TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS SINCE MB WAS NOT CAPABLE OF DELIVERING A CAUSE AND SUBSEQUENT REPAIR OF THEIR OWN VEHICLE'S SERIOUS DEFECT. THE LETTER WENT ON TO SAY "THAT THERE IS NO BASIS FOR ANY CLAIM AGAINST MBUSA". THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH LITIGATION THAN MANUFACTURING AND SERVICING A VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I WAS FULLY EXPECTING THAT MB WOULD WANT TO GET THIS VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND AT THE VERY LEAST REMOVE THE PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE THAT CAUSED THIS INCIDENT. INSTEAD THEY SENT ME THE ATTACHED LETTER THAT SOMEHOW MADE THE ISSUE MINE BY SAYING THAT ABA "IS AN ASSIST SYSTEM THAT IS INTENDED TO AID BUT NOT REPLACE THE DRIVER". AT NO TIME WAS I IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT DECIDED TO DO A 4 WHEEL LOCKUP. FOR THESE REASONS I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THE BRAND. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED WITH A BRAND THAT I BELIEVED TO BE A PREMIUM VEHICLE FROM A MANUFACTURER THAT TOOK DRIVER SAFETY SERIOUSLY. I WILL REPRODUCE THIS EMAIL IN THE EVENT THAT SOME 3RD PARTY WANTS DOCUMENTATION THAT I HAVE WARNED MBUSA OF THEIR PRODUCT DEFECT AND THAT THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO PROTECT OR WARN THE PUBLIC ABOUT THIS ISSUE. AS I HAVE STATED IN THE PAST, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT AN ISOLATED ANOMALY. YOU ARE ACTING RECKLESSLY IN NOT TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION.
- NHTSA ID
- 11181508
- Incident
- Sep 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 21,089 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STEERING
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
POWER TRAIN
Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for creating a TIPS case. Cause The root cause will vary depending on the complaint. The goal of this document is to provide diagnostic checks and procedures that may help resolve customer complaints without opening a TIPS case. Remedy Before opening a transmission-related TIPS case, the following steps must be performed to ensure all relevant data has been collected and possible remedies (when applicable) have been performed. Please Note: At minimum, the documents below must be collected before proceeding to ensure the data in its original state when the vehicle arrived is captured. - Initial Quick Test w/ Freeze frame data - VGS Control Unit Log - Initial EEPROM data (.txt format) - IPR Result (if applicable. See LI27.00-P-073124 - Transmission diagnosis using the Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) tool) - Transmission Heath Page If the vehicle has previously been repaired for the same concern, note the date, mileage, and TIPS case or RO number, along with a brief description of the prior work performed. IPR Guidance: The IPR recommended repair should be completed prior to following any steps in this LI and prior to case creation. IPR repairs do not require additional warranty approvals or a TIPS case to validate/confirm the results. To ensure efficient case handling, please avoid opening TIPS cases for this reason. For further information regarding IPR please see the following documents: LI27.00-P-073124 - Transmission diagnosis using the Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) tool Oil Pan Condition Evaluation: In some situations, IPR will advise checking the oil pan condition and determining a repair based on the evaluation. Example photos in Xentry can be found in two ways: • Use the blue hyperlink in the IPR result, and it will take you to the Condition check of transmission oil • Navigate to Xentry Bluebook > Help for control unit > Condition check of transmission oil If a different repair that what is recommended by IPR is performed, attaching photo documentation of the complaint vehicle oil pan and the IPR example to the claim is required. Reproducing the Concern: Proper evaluation of transmission concerns generally requires the condition to be reproducible. It is recommended to compare the vehicle to a similar model, if available, to help determine whether the shift behavior is characteristic of the drivetrain or uncharacteristic for the vehicle. If the concern cannot be duplicated: • A test drive with the customer may assist in understanding and reproducing the complaint. • The vehicle shift quality should be compared to a known-good vehicle with identical drivetrain and model year. • Check Shift Quality History (VGS Control Unit > Adaptations > Shift Quality History) Shift Quality History will show the last 5 noticeable harsh shifts and some of the parameters in which it occurred. You can use this to attempt recreation of the operating conditions and increase likelihood of reproducing the complaint. Complaint A: Shift Quality Note: Certain AMG variants may exhibit more firm and noticeable shift behavior as a normal characteristic. Refer to LI27.60‑P‑075147 for additional information. 1. Perform Valve flushing procedure 2. Perform 5 Torque Converter adaptions in a row - Allow the vehicle to warm up naturally, DO NOT power brake as it will increase the temperature in the torque converter. - After the 5th adaptation, collect a screen shot showing all 5 on one page 3. Perform a standstill adaption - collect a screen shot Recheck vehicle operation. If the concern has not improved, driving adaptations should be performed to target specific gear shifts.
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF 236.17 due to a global supply constraint. 236.17 ATF 1L and 5L (PNs: A002989060312 and A002989060313) bottles are out of stock or in limited supply at Zep. This LI has been created with the following intention: - Provide dealers with additional workshop-focused guidance regarding the current ATF 236.17 supply constraint and the planned introduction of ATF 236.18. - Supplement existing communications and address common workshop questions related to maintenance, repairs, and fluid applicability. - Provide technical clarification and practical workshop guidance during the temporary supply constraint period. Dealers should continue to reference the latest News Channel Updates (NCUs) for the most current information regarding availability, ordering processes, supply status, and other related updates. Cause Damage to the Shell production facility has resulted in 236.17 oil supply being reduced to 50% of normal output until the end of 2026. Remedy Please first check Latest NCU updates for latest detailed information. Please continue placing orders through Paragon as normal. Supply is expected to remain reduced and allocation measures are currently in place. We ask for your patience through this restricted supply period. Most orders will be filled in the order in which they were received, as supply is replenished. Those dealers with zero inventory, and pending orders, will receive priority. We expect supply to be stabilized in September 2026. Approved Fluids: Only use transmission fluid from the approved list found on the Mercedes-Benz Operating Fluids website. Non-approved fluid will result in mechanical damage to the transmission and must be avoided. https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/236.17 Approved fluids can be claimed as follows if there is no Mercedes-Benz part number: Part # ATFSUB1L - TRANSMISSION FLUID 1 LITER ATFSUB5L - TRANSMISSION FLUID 5 LITER Dealerships with Zero Inventory AND Grounded Vehicles: If a vehicle is currently grounded for repair at your dealer due to no 236.17 inventory, we may be able to expedite your order. Please open a StarSupport ticket including the following information: (Parts Related Inquiry>National Accounts>Zep) • LI document number • Short explanation of repair needed for grounded vehicle • Current days down of RO Maintenance and Service Interval Guidance Published maintenance intervals remain unchanged. Vehicles should continue to be maintained in accordance with the applicable maintenance schedule. This LI does not revise or extend any published maintenance interval requirements. If all required parts and materials are not available prior to scheduling or beginning a transmission service, dealers should consider postponing routine preventative transmission maintenance until the necessary parts become available. For vehicles that have not yet reached the applicable maintenance interval and do not exhibit transmission-related concerns, there is no need to recommend preventative transmission services prior to the scheduled maintenance interval. When evaluating whether routine transmission maintenance can be deferred until parts become available, dealers should consider: • Overall vehicle condition • Vehicle usage and operating conditions • Presence of transmission-related symptoms or customer complaints • Customer expectations and vehicle operating requirements • Availability of required parts and materials Introduction of New Fluid Specification 236.18 Mercedes-Benz is currently preparing the introduction of ATF 236.18 as an additional approved transmission fluid solution for applicable NAG3 transmissions. At the time of publication of this LI, ATF 236.18 is not yet available for dealer ordering or workshop use in the U.S. market. See attachment for further details.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.