RoadVitals

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
+4 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Dec 12, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC, most frequently naming the seat belts, interior & seats and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 231 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Seat belts422.2%
  • Interior & seats316.7%
  • Electrical316.7%
  • Driver assistance316.7%
  • Powertrain (other)15.6%
  • Engine15.6%
  • Brakes15.6%
  • Body & structure15.6%

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

1 campaign 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.gov

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Dec 12, 2025
82 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 GLE 350 4MATIC vehicles. The center rear seat belts may have been installed without the child seat protection function and fail to lock a child restraint properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and FMVSS number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk: In the event of a crash, an insufficiently restrained child has an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 19, 2025. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026010003.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2026010003View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Oct 22, 2026

In the past 1 year, my car has had about 6-7 incidents where the car abruptly breaks and seatbelts tighten. This has been at speeds of 30- 40mph more or less. NOTE: There was NO reason for the hard breaking as there were NO cars and NO pedestrians in sight. Most recently, I was almost rear ended by the car behind me - thankfully they swerved into the swale/shoulder. I have also had a few incidents while driving on I-75 at 70mph where the car quickly slows to 30mph. It seems the car may have interpreted a nearby exit. The BIGGER concern for me is the full-on hard breaking as that is certainly a safety issue. I have had passengers in my car during the several hard-stops. I just returned from the dealership service department where, after having the car for 2.5 days, say "we found nothing wrong". Of course, there IS SOMETHING WRONG and I am certain it will happen again, yet the service department just brushed me off.

NHTSA ID
11772983
Incident
Sep 29, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Oct 20, 2026
Fire reported

On XXX, at about 3:30 PM, my wife was driving our 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (under 10,000 miles) home with our [XXX] son in the front passenger seat. Smoke began coming from the seat belt area and from under the front passenger seat, and the vehicle caught fire while being driven. The fire started under the passenger seat where my son was sitting; he got out in time and was not injured, but he could have been seriously burned. We called [XXX] and the fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle is a total loss. Mercedes-Benz USA opened case #XXX; after almost two months the case remains 'under review' with no findings, and the assigned case manager has not returned calls. We also continue to be billed about $1,149/month on the lease for a vehicle that burned and cannot be driven. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect: a fire originating under the front passenger seat / seat belt area of a nearly new vehicle while in normal operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11772326
Incident
Aug 17, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Oct 17, 2026
Fire reported

On XXX, at about 3:30 PM, my wife was driving our 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (under 10,000 miles) home with our [XXX] son in the front passenger seat. Smoke began coming from the seat belt area and from under the front passenger seat, and the vehicle caught fire while being driven. The fire started under the passenger seat where my son was sitting; he got out in time and was not injured, but he could have been seriously burned. We called [XXX] and the fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle is a total loss. Mercedes-Benz USA opened case #XXX; after almost two months the case remains 'under review' with no findings, and the assigned case manager has not returned calls. We also continue to be billed about $1,149/month on the lease for a vehicle that burned and cannot be driven. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect: a fire originating under the front passenger seat / seat belt area of a nearly new vehicle while in normal operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11771810
Incident
Aug 17, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Oct 17, 2026
Fire reported

On XXX, at about 3:30 PM, my wife was driving our 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (under 10,000 miles) home with our [XXX] son in the front passenger seat. Smoke began coming from the seat belt area and from under the front passenger seat, and the vehicle caught fire while being driven. The fire started under the passenger seat where my son was sitting; he got out in time and was not injured, but he could have been seriously burned. We called [XXX] and the fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle is a total loss. Mercedes-Benz USA opened case #XXX; after almost two months the case remains 'under review' with no findings, and the assigned case manager has not returned calls. We also continue to be billed about $1,149/month on the lease for a vehicle that burned and cannot be driven. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect: a fire originating under the front passenger seat / seat belt area of a nearly new vehicle while in normal operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11771809
Incident
Aug 17, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 17, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding my Mercedes-Benz GLE350 with VIN [XXX] . I have brought the vehicle in for service on multiple occasions—October, January, March, May, and November—due to recurring transmission-related issues. These issues include jerking, delayed acceleration, and irregular shifting. Each time, the dealer did not confirm a definitive fault but performed software updates or adaptations. While the symptoms temporarily disappeared, they repeatedly returned. I am concerned that the root cause remains unresolved, and I seek a proper resolution. Supporting documentation is attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11718478
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 11, 2025

I purchased my Mercedes-Benz new, and it currently has only 1,800 miles on it. My wife primarily drives the car, and we have experienced several alarming incidents where the vehicle suddenly shuts down while driving. 1.About two weeks after we purchased the car, it stalled at a stop sign. At the time, we ignored it. 2.On two separate occasions afterward, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and stopped while she was driving on the highway. 3.Most recently, two days ago, while driving to work early in the morning on the freeway, the car suddenly stopped in the dark. Thankfully, there were no cars immediately behind her. She attempted to restart the car, but it would not start immediately. After several minutes, it restarted, and she drove back home, very shaken by the incident. I contacted Mercedes-Benz, and I was told this may be a “software issue.” However, given the seriousness of the situation, I strongly believe this requires urgent investigation. A vehicle unexpectedly shutting down on the freeway is a major safety hazard that could easily lead to a serious accident. I request an immediate and thorough safety inspection of this vehicle, as well as a clear explanation of the cause and corrective action. This issue is extremely dangerous, and I need assurance that the vehicle is safe to drive.

NHTSA ID
11686759
Incident
Sep 9, 2025
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 30, 2025

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT tires currently mounted on my 2025 Mercedes‑Benz GLE 350 (VIN [XXX]), of which I am the first owner. I purchased this vehicle new from a Mercedes dealer. Upon beginning to drive the vehicle, I immediately experienced poor grip and traction, especially in wet road conditions and while cornering, leading to reduced handling stability that I believe poses a significant risk to safety. Despite reaching out multiple times to both Mercedes‑Benz USA Customer Care and my local Mercedes-Benz dealership, I have received no response, acknowledgment, or offer to inspect or remedy the issue. After investigating, I discovered that certain Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT tires are subject to NHTSA recall 25T006 due to missing DOT date codes (manufactured in week 05 of 2025, February 2–8, 2025) Tires involved in this recall lack the four‑digit production week/year identifier on the white‑lettered sidewall, violating FMVSS Standard 574 Goodyear will replace affected tires at no cost, including mounting and balancing, and dealers must render removed tires unusable before returning them My vehicle's factory‑equipped tires match the recall's size and product description (LT 275/65R18 LRE Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT), and the symptoms I am experiencing—especially in wet driving and cornering—align with compromised integrity or performance of noncompliant tires. Requested Actions: 1. Please confirm if my vehicle’s tires fall under recall 25T006, and require replacement. 2. I request assistance in securing a safety inspection and tire replacement, if applicable. 3. Please encourage Mercedes‑Benz USA or the dealer network to respond properly to customer safety inquiries without delay. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11677169
Incident
Jul 30, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the rear end of vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rearview camera was inoperable. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 800.

NHTSA ID
11647592
Incident
Mar 11, 2025
Mileage
800 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PSL-NCU Return Parts10/30

EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE:BODY

Dear Dealer Partners, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is Thursday, November 19th, 2026. After November 19th, we will no longer accept returns of these parts. Return these parts via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

LI49.10-P-080201

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Complaint Check engine light illuminated, or previously on One of the below Exhaust Flap fault codes stored in PTCU N127: P13C273 P13C278 P140473 Cause Various Remedy 1. Thaw exhaust system if ice is present. 2. Update software of N127 PTCU. 3. Check the exhaust flap for free movement. 4. Replace exhaust flap actuator. (P13C273 and P13C278‑ Right side flap, P140473‑ Left side flap). Ensure anti‑rattle spring is installed in correct position. 5. Clear fault codes and check exhaust flap for free movement via actuation. If fault code reoccurs: ‑Replace muffler with exhaust flap actuator. Note: For vehicles with two exhaust flap actuators, the left and right actuator have different part numbers. Installing two of the same side part number will cause fault codes due to missing LIN messages.

LI27.00-P-080462

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Harsh upshifts, downshifts, or jolting in lower gears when accelerating. Cause Incorrectly installed (rotated) rotational speed sensors on the EHS (VGS Control Unit) can cause abnormalities in signals. As a result, poor adaptation values are stored and harsh gearshifts are felt. This only affects vehicles with VGS control units produced between days 185‑296 of 2025 (July 4, 2025‑ October 23, 2025). It is possible to check the production date of the VGS through the EEPROM .txt file (Figure 1) or on the VGS hardware (Figure 2). Remedy If the production date is or is within 25185‑25296 (07/4/25‑10/23/25): IPR will recognize these cases and advise updating of VGS software. Please ensure your XENTRY has all the latest Addons installed before proceeding. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended steps • update VGS software • perform standstill adaptation Hardware replacement is no longer necessary for this root cause! 2. Perform 5‑7x driving adaptations of 3‑4 upshift and 5‑4 downshift • use the attached guide and steps below, (also found in Startek NG > Passenger > Drivetrain) for the 5‑4 downshift: ‑ Start the coast or braking from a higher engine speed (if the vehicle shifts into 6th, restart the acceleration up to 5th gear) • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort with consistent light to medium braking • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport with consistent light to medium braking If the production date is outside of this range: This LI is not applicable. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended instruction

LI83.30-P-077763

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. *NOTE ‑ Use of tracer DYE for leak checks is not approved. Only approved leak check procedures as per WIS are approved. Cause Possible refrigerant leak. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* ‑ Photo documentation requirement is no longer in effect as of 10/1/2025. Remedy 1: Replace Evaporator (Only applies to vehicles produced PRIOR to April 15, 2022 and has NOT had the evaporator replaced previously) 1. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS before condemning the evaporator. 2. If no other leaks are found, replace the evaporator 3. *Important* ‑ when you get the new evaporator, check the expansion valve bracket to see if there are any bends (see attachment "Bent Bracket"). a. If bent, remove the expansion valve and bracket and check for damage to the flange (see attachment "Flange Damage"). i. If damage is found, order another evaporator and claim the part under parts warranty. The warranty claim MUST include a photo of the damage found. ii. If no damage is found, flip the bracket and torque to 7Nm. Check the evaporator for proper sealing before fully installing. b. If no bends are found, the evaporator should be installed in the vehicle. Note ‑ *If the evaporator housing has been opened or the evaporator or housing has been tampered with, the claim will be debited. Remedy 2: (Applies to all vehicles produced on or AFTER April 15, 2022 up to August 1, 2025) 1. Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . 2. If no leaks were found AND the system came in with no cooling/low charge, OR the evaporator is suspected of leaking: 3. Replace ONLY the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00, in accordance with the procedure outlined in WIS document AR83.30‑P‑5520ME. 4. IF THE PRODUCTION DATE IS BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2023 AND JULY 1, 2024, REPLACE THE DRYER AS WELL. (NOT THE CONDENSER) 5. After, charge the system and perform a few drive cycles. 6. Recheck the vehicle for leaks. 7. If no leaks are found, the vehicle can be released. 8. If a minor leak is detected that is less than 50ppm, then perform the following steps: • If a leak is detected, fill the system with forming gas • Close all doors and windows for 10 minutes. • Vehicle off with no blower activation. • Open the driver's door and measure ppm detection as soon as the door is open and the sniffer goes into the vehicle. • If no leaks are measured, fill the system and release. • If you still feel the evaporator is needed/leaks are still detected, a TIPS case is required for replacement. Provide all documentation listed in Remedy 3. Remedy 3: (Only applies to vehicles produced AFTER August 1, 2025) Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . If no leaks are found or the expansion valve has been found to be leaking, remove the expansion valve and check the bracket. If the bracket is bent, replace the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00. In the warranty submission, include photos of both sides of the bracket and a side profile so it can be seen that the bracket is bent. If the bracket is NOT bent or leaks from other locations are found, then open a TIPS case with the following: 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures via AC machine, showing the engine running, and hold a copy of the VIN/RO in view as well. 3. OBS recording of XENTRY AC actual values of compressor request to be on and current value. (Instructions in Attachments) 4. Video recording of the leak being found via sniffer at the R/F AC drain after removing the under dash panel if the evaporator is suspected. (see attached videos) 5. If the evaporator is found to be leaking via sniffer, another video needs to be uploaded (or a continuation if only making the video after checks

OTA- Comm. Mod. SW Upd.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

LI27.00-P-073124

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.

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

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026630—
2025Viewing101059.1
2024141052.7
2023100—
2022600—
2021800—

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.