2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Owner Complaints

On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Because Mercedes-Benz chose to mount this sensitive electronic module directly to the top of the hot engine block, it is subjected to extreme thermal cycling and vibration. This predictable thermal degradation causes the internal board layers to delaminate and short out. When this internal short occurs, the ECU instantly dies and shuts down the entire vehicle without warning. This is a severe, life-threatening engineering defect. A safety investigation is urgently needed to address the mounting location and thermal failure rate of M276 ECUs before a sudden high-speed stall results in a fatal collision.

NHTSA ID

11766402

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Because Mercedes-Benz chose to mount this sensitive electronic module directly to the top of the hot engine block, it is subjected to extreme thermal cycling and vibration. This predictable thermal degradation causes the internal board layers to delaminate and short out. When this internal short occurs, the ECU instantly dies and shuts down the entire vehicle without warning. This is a severe, life-threatening engineering defect. A safety investigation is urgently needed to address the mounting location and thermal failure rate of M276 ECUs before a sudden high-speed stall results in a fatal collision.

NHTSA ID

11766401

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz for recall inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of propulsion while driving created a serious safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11762451

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

At 72,000 miles the rear differential failed. Repair required else car could abruptly stop rolling, become uncontrollable and cause a serious wreck. The part is over $5,000

NHTSA ID

11755781

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while opening the door, a cracked fuel injector was spraying gasoline. When the door handle was pulled, an aftermarket module ignited the fuel, causing an explosion and heavy smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously for the same issue, but the dealer dismissed the information and returned the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the failure reoccurred and was recorded. The vehicle had been at the dealer for two months, and the dealer blamed the failure on an aftermarket part, even though the dealer had installed the parts. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure and was associated with the aftermarket parts that were installed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA ID

11730479

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

Mileage

133,000 mi

While waiting for traffic signal to change with foot on break pedal, the suv accelerated suddenly and lurched forward and rear ended the car ahead of me! Luckily, it was a Hummer with a tire mounted on the rear door and damage occurred only to my MB. Front end has severe damage, hood buckled and headlight broken! It was a spooky experience! 'chk breakpad wear' warning light has been coming on lately when starting and I was planning to get breaks chkd. But this was a frightening experience! Is there an issue with MB ECU like this? I'm in the process of filing insurance claim.

NHTSA ID

11678620

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was coming from the steering box. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11651672

Incident

Mar 30, 2025

Mileage

70,000 mi

This has previously been reported, but NHTSA email indicated I needed to file formal complaint. Fuel injector(s) leaked while vehicle parked overnight in driveway. ECU detected fuel and subsequent ignition/spark caused "explosion' blowing out engine intake manifold (appx 50-75 pieces found). All 6 injectors and intake manifold required replacement. Mercedes Benz does have recall notification for failed/leaking fuel injectors, which includes both my model, and model year- but has claimed my VIN is not covered. MB recall campaign # 2022030003, dated 04/22/2022. I have retained engine intake manifold (main piece) for inspection. Fuel injectors were returned to MB. Safety risk is relatively obvious due to "explosion" and potential fire. Independent service agency (German Motors, Lakewood, CO- in business for over 25 years as MB only repair agency) diagnosed and performed repairs. Further, they informed me that in the investigation, they an other independent repair agencies/shops have in fact seen this before. No warnings, lights, or other symptoms were evident prior to injectors leaking.

NHTSA ID

11644620

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Vehicle sitting in driveway. Fuel injector leakage and resultant engine control unit detecting fuel set off spark which resulted in explosion under hood. Completely destroyed engine intake manifold (over 100 pieces found), and requires all (6) new fuel injectors. Due to core return value, I will NOT be keeping injectors, but they have been inspected by certified mechanic where repairs are being done. Safety/risk is obvious- fire danger, explosion danger, etc. Vehicle was towed to German Motors, Lakewood CO. for repair. No warning indicators, no lights. Mechanics did inform me that this issue has been seen on other vehicles. Network of MB mechanics have been aware. MB USA is also aware of fuel injector leakage issues, and have issued a Safety & Emissions Recall Campaign (# 2022030003, dated 8/22/2022) for this model year and vehicle model type (GLE). MB USA however asserts that my specific VIN is not included in recall- but offers no reason. Currently, due to MB inability to provide replacement parts (engine intake manifold unavailable until Sept. 2025!), vehicle is still in repair facility. Invoices and write up will be available after repairs completed (using reclaimed intake manifold along with new injectors).

NHTSA ID

11643433

Incident

Feb 13, 2025

car has caught on fire due to (as diagnosed by certified MB mechanic) leaking from fuel injector(s). Issue is known to many MB mechanics. Issue DOES have a recall for other (non GLE350) models in this same year (2016). Request recall issued! Request assistance with having MB warranty/repair problem

NHTSA ID

11642591

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes GLE350 with a Nuna Car Seat installed, Model Name: Rava, Model Number: CS05107RFD, Manufactured Date: May 05, 2021. The contact stated that on several occasions whenever the harness was tugged on, the harness failed to restrain the child seated in the child seat. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the kits to clean the release button on the bottom of the car seat would be released soon. The car seat was not replaced.

NHTSA ID

11633679

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while accelerating and depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was scanned, and the dealer retrieved DTC code: P04200. The contact was informed that the passenger side catalytic converter had failed, causing the Oxygen sensor to run lean. The contact stated that upon further investigation, the failure was linked to Emission Service Campaign: 2022080005; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11617254

Incident

Jul 17, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

Car was running normally then check engine light illuminated and car shut off. Was able to coast to roadside. Car would not restart. Diagnosed by professional authorized Mercedes repair shop as fuel injector failure. No parts available after the repair for inspection. Because of shut off while being driven in busy traffic, I was at serious risk of a different vehicle hitting my vehicle. Also emergency brake would not disengage since car would not start so could not be pushed further off the road.

NHTSA ID

11616686

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

Reporting an issue with 2016 GLE 350 4Matic - 78000 Mileage - Intake Air System Leak - Code P007900 Symptoms: High pitched Whistling noise coming from Engine Impact: Unsafe drivability; safely hazard Defective Part Replaced: Crank case Valve Assembly Customer Expectation: Due to the nature, Mercedes, the car manufacturer should offer an Emission Extended Warranty on this part. The repair expense should be reimbursed by Mercedes, the car manufacturer due to the nature of this issue.

NHTSA ID

11615571

Incident

Sep 6, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11607583

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The console had overheated. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder numbers 1, 2, and 3 was misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11579256

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

118,000 mi

I own a 2016 Mercedes GLE350 that was repaired under a safety recall involving failure of a fuel pump due to water intrusion into the spare wheel well. Mercedes Benz "fixed" the car under the safety recall however, several months later, my vehicle experienced the same exact issue - water intrusion entered the rear wheel well causing the fuel system to fail. Mercedes Benz currently has my vehicle and cannot locate the water leak (they are saying it is in the hatch area of my car). They are currently trying to charge me $890 to find the leak. However, the original safety recall on this vehicle states, "the cause of the defect may vary due to a development deviation in combination with production tolerances and possible customer influences when loading and unloading items from the rear hatch. Each cause could lead to a different issue and water intrusion. Therefore, the tightness in the rear area might not meet specifications." I understand that my vehicle is not the first to experience this issue and I believe this is a defect with this make/model/year. I am hopeful this will be looked into further as I believe this issue goes past the recall. I should not be required to pay for this and my safety should not be compromised due to this.

NHTSA ID

11578145

Incident

Mar 14, 2024

Engine light on dashboard turned on in beginning of Feb 2024 … bought vehicle to dealer for assessment … was told right side catalytic converter has malfunctioned and will need to be replaced … vehicle has about 66,000 miles and it was a 2016 vehicle … apparently warrantly had expired in Nov 2023 … this does not seem right. Also, there are no right side catalystic converter available nationwide (not from Mercedes Benz manufacturer or off market). Wonder if this is a widespread issue … would like advisement.

NHTSA ID

11574826

Incident

Feb 3, 2024

The door hinges are an issue with these cars many many people are expressing the same issues which is the door hinges fail and start popping and cracking. Mercedes isn’t issuing a recall or remedy for this. Also there’s an issue with the passenger airbag weight sensors going bad which is throwing the airbag light off (which this is also happening in my car) the service center I talked to knew about this is agreed it a issue they see time and time again with these cars. Mercedes needs to make this right.

NHTSA ID

11564357

Incident

Jan 9, 2024

When driving, the vehicle suddenly slows down and then the brakes stop working. Vehicle then slows down to a complete stop. Happens randomly. This put me and other drivers at risk as cars behind me would suddenly have to slow down or stop without warning and I would have to steer out of the road to avoid a collision as the car is slowing down. At the same time, a message would appear saying "Collision Prevention Assist Plus Inoperative." I took the vehicle to a mercedes-benz dealer and they confirmed that this problem is due to a fault in the ABS system.

NHTSA ID

11525853

Incident

Apr 3, 2023

We were driving in the street and just suddenly the front of the car was on fire. We stopped the car and we had almost no time to get out because the flames got very big in just minutes. Good thing the doors weren't locked because we safely got out of the car. This incident happened in rush hour and there were lots of cars around us. This put not just the passengers in our car but other people around us in danger. We contacted Mercedes-Benz but they declined out claim and refused to investigate into this issue. Please help us hold Mercedes-Benz accountable.

NHTSA ID

11521871

Incident

Nov 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the messages "Car Not in Park" and " Transmission Not in Park - Chance of Car Rolling" were displayed, and the vehicle independently shifted into park(P) and stopped. The contact moved the gear shifter to park and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the repair was completed again, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred 16 times within 6 years. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist unless the vehicle was successfully diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11520560

Incident

Jan 15, 2017

Mileage

25,000 mi

Vehicle became disabled while owner was driving. Car stopped accelerating and stalled in the roadway. Vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed to the dealership. According to the Mercedes Service technician the rear output shaft bearing went out, tore the splines off of the trans output shaft yolk and 7 bolts then broke off in the case for the intermediate plate. Thus requiring a new transmission.

NHTSA ID

11513461

Incident

Mar 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown module was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that after a rainstorm there was water in the spare tire wheel well. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where unknown repairs were completed. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,831.

NHTSA ID

11509527

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Mileage

59,831 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated a week later the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the coil pack to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11509248

Incident

Feb 23, 2023

Mileage

43,000 mi