2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC Problems

The engine/check-engine and cold-start noise problems have recurred despite multiple dealer repairs. In July-August 2025 the dealer documented misfire codes and a loud screech after cold starts. Its Aug-Sept repair order recorded the check-engine light returning one day after coil work, coolant entering a cylinder, and head-gasket/injector work. The dealer reported a completed test drive Sept. 17, 2025; the owner reported the vehicle broke down again Sept. 24 after only a short period of use. The service manager later described coolant/oil mixing and damaged crankshaft bearings, but said the precise cause/timing could not be determined; an engine rebuild was performed. In January 2026 the vehicle again had misfire codes, engine knocking, very low compression in one cylinder and leaking valve seats, leading to a new cylinder head under a warranty extension. A screeching startup noise has again been reported in 2026, including a recent noise when moving/reversing. The current source is unknown. The concern is possible recurrence of an engine-related failure that could disable the vehicle in traffic. There was no reported crash, fire or injury. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection; the dealer has been asked for a documented cold-start diagnosis. This report does not claim the current noise has been diagnosed as a manufacturer defect.

The vehicle repeatedly had a check-engine light and the same engine-related complaint during multiple repair visits. The dealer attempted repairs several times, including an engine rebuild and later cylinder-head work. Despite those repairs, the engine later failed. The same loud screeching noise has now returned on cold start and lasts about 7-10 seconds. This is the same recurring problem that brought the vehicle in for repair. I believe the repeated failure to correct the condition led to the engine failure; the cause of the current screech has not yet been independently diagnosed. I am concerned about another engine failure and possible loss of power while driving. No crash, fire, or injury is being reported with this recurrence.

The central MBUX display has gone completely blank- no communication with control panel head unit. It is not receiving data because the MBUX is frozen. Technician tried to perform a software flash update, but Mercedes own server-side security is locked. The technician attempted to reload the software, but it was explicitly blocked by Mercedes own security software. His findings were that this is failure caused within their own propriety software ecosystem and not normal wear and tear. There is no water damage or outside influence. Because the central display remains black, the backup camera is completely non-functional the rear-view backup camera fails while in reverse posing an immediate hazard to pedestrians and surrounding property. I am losing access to vital driving metrics. My 2021 Mercedes GLE350 exhibits identical safety MBUX failure as shown in NHTSA campaign 21V345000 and 20V089000. I am formally requesting that NHTSA evaluate this defect to expand the scope of recall to initiate a formal safety inquiry into 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 MBUX Screen failures. Vehicle Purchased December 30, 2024, milage, 35,925. MBUX blacked out July 14, 2026 @61,933 milage. Mercedes-Benz has failed to take responsibility for system failure.

​1. The Factory Assembly Defect ​During production of the 2020–2021 GLE and GLS line (V167 platform), Mercedes-Benz factory assembly workers improperly secured or seated the air conditioning evaporator condensation drain hoses. Because condensation water could not drain out underneath the vehicle, it emptied inside the vehicle—pooling silently underneath the heavy soundproofing foam, carpeting, and floor pans. ​2. The Resulting Hidden Damage ​Underneath the floorboards of the GLE sits critical electrical infrastructure, including the main vehicle wiring harnesses, CAN-bus junctions, and sensitive electronic control modules. ​As water accumulated, it submerged and corroded these electrical connectors. ​This failure caused severe symptoms documented by NHTSA: sudden engine stalls, loss of drive power (limp-home mode), failure of the eCall crash system, locked doors, and fire hazards from electrical short circuits. ​Because the foam soaked up gallons before dampness was ever felt on top of the carpet, the vehicle had zero symptoms during the factory warranty period—the damage developed silently out of sight. ​3. The Regulatory Recalls ​Mercedes-Benz AG was forced to issue multiple safety recall campaigns with NHTSA—most notably NHTSA Campaign ID 23V-177 (MBUSA Recall Campaigns 2023030014 and 2023030015), covering over 61,000 vehicles. ​4. Why MBUSA Denied Your Buyback / Referral ​The Warranty Expiration Trap: Once you crossed the 4-year/50,000-mile mark without a repair recorded inside the original warranty window, MBUSA’s legal team categorized your file as outside strict state Lemon Law statutes. ​The "Hose-Only" Position: MBUSA's executive customer assistance desk uses the recall remedy to limit financial liability: they authorize dealers to reinstall or reseat the rubber hose, but refuse to voluntarily pay the massive out-of-pocket costs to replace corroded wiring harnesses, control modules, and moldy sub-flooring. Returned from trip car wont start. Towed mercedes

2021 GLE350 - 4JGFB4KB7MA355768 purchased December 30, 2024 with 35,000. miles. Current milage 61,933. There is a critical electrical/software defect in the MBUX system which has completely blacked out. This VIN# has not been placed on recall but it is suffering the same failure as previous models (Including NHTSA campaign #21V354 and #26V281000 and I believe it warrants further investigation. The display failure creates significant safety hazards. Loff of Rear View Camera. Loss of Driver Instruments Warning. Essential driver information, including speed, safety warnings and system alerts while the vehicle is in motion, which creates a safety hazard. I have reached out to Mercedez corporate office, dealership, the issue remains unresolved. I request that NHTSA log this safety complaint and evaluate whether further enforcement or expended recall action is required to ensure Mercedes remedies this defect at no cost to vehicle owners.

I purchased my vehicle 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 from Mercedes Dealership in Ontario, and had it for only about 4 months before it catching on fire while parked at the doctors office. I purchased it [XXX], and it caught fire on [XXX] while at the doctors. I didn't drive much since I work from home. Primary reason for purchase was to have a working and safe vehicle to transport family to their doctor appointments. Mileage at purchase was 59982. Last mileage 60,292. Insurance currently has the vehicle at Copart in Colton while doing their investigation for the claim I filed. I have the police report and fire report as well. At the time of purchase, I asked if there was anything wrong or if any know issues with vehicle, I was reassured no issues. Reviewing the insurance CCC report, I come to find out the vehicle has 3 recalls with possibility of fire incidents. The carfax provided doesn't say that either recall issue was performed as another recall issue with the fuel pump was performed and disclosed. Beyond devastated that I have no vehicle now and that I expected this one to last much much longer. There was no indication of anything wrong with the vehicle, no warning lights nor check engine. Fire was indicated to start in engine compartment on the passengers side by the fire investigator. This incident affected 3 families. As a teacher, I find everyone's life precious and its sickening to know that my life and other lives were in danger. Had I waited 5 more minutes in the vehicle, I fear that this message may not have existed at all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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)

​1. The Factory Assembly Defect ​During production of the 2020–2021 GLE and GLS line (V167 platform), Mercedes-Benz factory assembly workers improperly secured or seated the air conditioning evaporator condensation drain hoses. Because condensation water could not drain out underneath the vehicle, it emptied inside the vehicle—pooling silently underneath the heavy soundproofing foam, carpeting, and floor pans. ​2. The Resulting Hidden Damage ​Underneath the floorboards of the GLE sits critical electrical infrastructure, including the main vehicle wiring harnesses, CAN-bus junctions, and sensitive electronic control modules. ​As water accumulated, it submerged and corroded these electrical connectors. ​This failure caused severe symptoms documented by NHTSA: sudden engine stalls, loss of drive power (limp-home mode), failure of the eCall crash system, locked doors, and fire hazards from electrical short circuits. ​Because the foam soaked up gallons before dampness was ever felt on top of the carpet, the vehicle had zero symptoms during the factory warranty period—the damage developed silently out of sight. ​3. The Regulatory Recalls ​Mercedes-Benz AG was forced to issue multiple safety recall campaigns with NHTSA—most notably NHTSA Campaign ID 23V-177 (MBUSA Recall Campaigns 2023030014 and 2023030015), covering over 61,000 vehicles. ​4. Why MBUSA Denied Your Buyback / Referral ​The Warranty Expiration Trap: Once you crossed the 4-year/50,000-mile mark without a repair recorded inside the original warranty window, MBUSA’s legal team categorized your file as outside strict state Lemon Law statutes. ​The "Hose-Only" Position: MBUSA's executive customer assistance desk uses the recall remedy to limit financial liability: they authorize dealers to reinstall or reseat the rubber hose, but refuse to voluntarily pay the massive out-of-pocket costs to replace corroded wiring harnesses, control modules, and moldy sub-flooring. Returned from trip car wont start. Towed mercedes