2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the center digital screen failed to function as intended while attempting to use the safety features. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the command control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,340.

While driving our 2017 MB GLE 350-4matic at about 40 mph, it spontaneously downshifted to M1. We were in traffic, so this was a very dangerous for us and for the people behind us. We limped to our destination, not knowing what had happened or what to do. When we re-started the car the next day, it seemed ok. But after driving some distance, it spontaneously downshifted to M1 again. We stopped the car, turned it off and re-started it. My mechanic checked the car with his analyzer, which showed that the transmission was not transmitting/displaying gear changes. I am taking my car to another repair shop tomorrow that has a more sophisticated analyzer. When I first explored this problem on the web, there was discussion on a MB website about similar problems. Today, I saw that there is an NHTSA probe into 2015-17 Ford 150 pick-ups having a similar problem to mine, i.e., spontaneous downshifting. Maybe there is a chip problem in the transmission control module for cars of those years. This is a significant safety issue. Thank God we were going 40 mph and not 60 or 70 when this happened.

Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was no warning. The car accelerated. The car bounces back and forth when brakes are on, and again last year stopped in the middle of traffic. Water damage was leaking in as well after 8 months having this car. First major incident was December 2024, but rocking and began one month after purchasing vehicle in August of 2024. Acceleration incident; December 2024: 4 months after purchase; vehicle stopping in traffic: April 2025 8 months after purchase. Apparently new tires were put on. Almost had a blow out within 1 year and 4 months of purchase and found out when getting oil changed this past December 2025. Lights and radio randomly shut off, and gas’s tank is often locked or will not close. This car is scary, and has had problems that someone has covered up for a very long time. I have papers claiming everything was checked upon delivery; However; two incidences alone could have ended in multiple fatalities. Someone is responsible for hiding something something here, and this needs to be reported before someone or multiple people die that is due to a defect in the car. MCC 478-877-5740 478-737-2010

The contact owned a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while slowing at approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn to pull into a driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a fence and came to a stop. The contact had not sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fence was damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure but was taken to be repaired. The contact then stated that approximately a year later while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, into ongoing traffic at a cross street. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact also attempted to turn off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact swerved right, and side swiped a fence, and the vehicle went through a front lawn of a house, striking some plants, and then struck a light post. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact had not sustained any injuries, but the passenger of the vehicle sustained injuries to the back, knees, legs, arms, scrapes on the head, and general aches all over the body. The passenger was taken to the Emergency Room and medical attention was provided. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,541.

I purchased a 2017 MB GLE 350 in 2022. But it’s only recently where I’ve noticed that my halogen headlights do not provide enough light on the road during night time driving. Especially in the rain. I’ve researched a bit and see that MANY consumers have complained about the headlights, but there is no solution as MB does not offer an aftermarket upgrade. I either have to drive with my high beams on,or not drive at night. The other alternative is to buy another car which is ridiculous. For the price of this car, the exterior lighting should be better.

Low beam Headlights will not adjust properly

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where a water drain plug was installed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle later that day, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated while driving the following day, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that water accumulation in the spare tire wheel well had damaged the fuel pump control unit, causing the engine to stall while driving. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the recall had already been marked as completed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Rear trunk lid seal leaking water in rear cargo compartment caused damage to fuel pump. I was driving on a main busy road when without warning the car shut off. The traffic light was about to change so the person behind me was slowing down luckily. There was no warning light, indicator or sound the car just stopped . It stopped in the middle of the road impeding traffic as it stopped near a 4- way intersection at a busy time of day. The car was towed to dealer after extensive examination it was found to be a leak in rear trunk seal. There was no visible damage to seal or water damage in cargo area. I was told this is problem know to Mercedes as they have issued a bulletin on how to repair it. This has been happening for years without a resolution to this problem. I was told in my case it had been leaking over an extended amount of time and there was know way to discover it until the damage is done. I find that hard to believe that Mercedes would not recall this and find a remedy before it results in a serious accident or death. A car stopping on busy road or highway with a fast speed of traffic following is a tragedy waiting to happen. I had no warning of the potential danger I was in until it happened. The damage it causes is around $1,600 for a rubber piece that gets loose and allows water to damage the fuel pump. And because that piece is not covered under extended warranty the burden is put on the owner which it unfair to say the least.

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes GLE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V574000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

While traveling at approximately 45 MPH in multi-lane highway traffic, WITHOUT WARNING the vehicle's power steering suddenly failed. Concurrently a red display message appeared in the instrument cluster stating "Power Steering Malfunction - See Owner's Manual". ALL steering assistance was lost at that point and the vehicle had to be maneuvered with great effort out of traffic to a safe offroad location. Vehicle is a 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 (166 chassis) with 22,000 miles. Initial inspection of the vehicle by a Mercedes mechanic revealed a fault in the EPS (electrical power steering), and the presence of fault code P063500. Subsequent inspection of the vehicle by the local Mercedes dealer revealed the same fault code along with the advisory that the vehicle is "technically not safe to drive..." and that a new electric power steering rack is required. Service advisor further offered the comment that "1-2 vehicles present like this monthly." Online search of Mercedes Xentry Tips for fault code P063500 reveals topic number LI46.35-P-0555436 (dated 01-12-2017), with the acknowledgement of power steering malfunction occurrences in model 204, 207 and 212 vehicles. No reference is made to model 166 vehicles. Mention is made of performing a software update of the electric power steering control unit via "Adaptations" in the 204, 207 and 212 vehicles.

Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was no warning. The car accelerated. The car bounces back and forth when brakes are on, and again last year stopped in the middle of traffic. Water damage was leaking in as well after 8 months having this car. First major incident was December 2024, but rocking and began one month after purchasing vehicle in August of 2024. Acceleration incident; December 2024: 4 months after purchase; vehicle stopping in traffic: April 2025 8 months after purchase. Apparently new tires were put on. Almost had a blow out within 1 year and 4 months of purchase and found out when getting oil changed this past December 2025. Lights and radio randomly shut off, and gas’s tank is often locked or will not close. This car is scary, and has had problems that someone has covered up for a very long time. I have papers claiming everything was checked upon delivery; However; two incidences alone could have ended in multiple fatalities. Someone is responsible for hiding something something here, and this needs to be reported before someone or multiple people die that is due to a defect in the car. MCC 478-877-5740 478-737-2010

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was in the hold brake position while at a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle independently moved forward twice. The contact stated that the failure caused her to rear-end the vehicle in front. A police report was filed. The contact also stated that damage was done to both vehicles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,300.

Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was no warning. The car accelerated. The car bounces back and forth when brakes are on, and again last year stopped in the middle of traffic. Water damage was leaking in as well after 8 months having this car. First major incident was December 2024, but rocking and began one month after purchasing vehicle in August of 2024. Acceleration incident; December 2024: 4 months after purchase; vehicle stopping in traffic: April 2025 8 months after purchase. Apparently new tires were put on. Almost had a blow out within 1 year and 4 months of purchase and found out when getting oil changed this past December 2025. Lights and radio randomly shut off, and gas’s tank is often locked or will not close. This car is scary, and has had problems that someone has covered up for a very long time. I have papers claiming everything was checked upon delivery; However; two incidences alone could have ended in multiple fatalities. Someone is responsible for hiding something something here, and this needs to be reported before someone or multiple people die that is due to a defect in the car. MCC 478-877-5740 478-737-2010

Was at a red light turning right, as soon as I turned right the engine lost power, and the car would not move. Since I am pressing the gas pedal all I can hear is revving noise, but the car was not moving. Since my foot was on the gas and not the brakes the person behind me was not aware that my car was not moving forward. The car behind me was barely able to avoid crashing into me and swerved around me. The driver behind me was lucky that there were no cars on his left. The service technician at the dealer informed me that the problem with the engine type that I have is very common. I called Mercedes and was told there is nothing they can do. They should issue a voluntary recall or at least warn drivers and compensate them for repairs needed or was done. There is a flaw in the design of the V167 2.0 engine and Mercedes is aware of it. MBUSA Case# 13095274

The sunroof exploded spontaneously and shattered without warning while driving on a highway (I20 ) from Tyler TX to DFW airport around 10 AM bright sunny Tuesday morning.I was terrified and now feeling unsafe to drive this car with this kind of unsafe sunroof product henceforth. I called Mercedes Benz USA and said the car is out of warranty and did not want to check and investigate this safety failure and be responsible to make good to replace the sunroof in order to ensure it is safe to drive this car again. We want to report this incident to you. We also informed them that there were previous same issue of there older model but they said there is nothing they can do. They are not interested in investigating this safety issue either.

The sunroof rails are damage from wind force while driving. Sunroof is unusable and not covered by warranty. Cheap plastic parts used. Heard of issues where sunroof flipped back. Now am paranoid to use it. There are so many reports available online of problems that there should be a recall.

The transmission does not shift from first to second and created several dangerous situations in whichI tried to enter the highway. I called the corporate headquarters to make a complaint and was sent to the dealership to file a lemon law complaint. The Transmission specialist at AAMCO said the transmission parts are in good shape, but the problem is that there is too much clearance between the transmission casing and the transmission parts. I told him that this is a defective engineering and these vehicles should be recalled. When I did further research, I found out that I was not alone and that this is a well-documented problem with the Mercedes transmissions. I am reaching out to this agency because I believe that this situation has created a dangerous problem that should be looked into. The following link details these defects. [XXX] The problem with why this has not been reported is that many people that on these cars do not want to look as though they cannot afford the car and just have the vehicle repaired. I truly believe that the government should look into this before someone is seriously hurt because I am not the only one that has had this experience. The repairs/corrections will cost me $7,900 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRONIC SHIFTER STAYS IN NEUTRAL AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND TAKING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHILE PARKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND OFTEN CAUSES A DANGEROUS ROLLING CONDITION AFTER PARKING UNTIL THE DRIVER IS AWARE THE VEHICLE IS NOT STOPPED AND IN PARK. NO AUDIBLE ALERTS OR SAFETY WARNINGS ARE TRIGGED IF YOU DO NOT PRESS PARK. IN ONE CASE OUR VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS A PARKING LOT CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TOTALING $4,213.95 AND COULD HAVE EASILY KILLED SOMEONE.

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an unknown sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V251000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

SINCE LEASING THIS VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 1, 2016, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELT, ERRONEOUS WARNING ALARMS, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. FIRST, WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM IN JANUARY 2017, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER WENT FLYING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. SECOND, WHILE DRIVING ON VARIOUS DATES/TIMES, THE CAR BEGAN SOUNDING AN ALARM AND A MESSAGE APPEARED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED VIDEO. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DURING THE FIRST OCCASION, THE PUSH BUTTON WAS REPLACED. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE CAR DISPLAYS THIS ALARM AT RANDOM TIMES DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE KEY IS IN THE VEHICLE. THE ALARM IS DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. LASTLY, ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE SEAT BELT WENT INTO THE SEAT MECHANISM PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM USING THE SEAT BELT. THIS WAS ALSO REPAIRED BY MERCEDES-BENZ.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. NO INJURIES OCCURRED FROM THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST HOUSTON (1025 HWY 6, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 492-5800) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT A NEW SUN ROOF WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID FOR BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

I am writing to bring to your attention a critical security issue regarding the rear door locks of the 2017 Mercedes GLE model VIN - [XXX] . Upon attempting to lock the vehicle using the key fob, I have encountered a malfunction where the rear door behind the passenger seat fails to secure properly. Despite attempts to engage the locking mechanism, this specific door remains open, triggering the vehicle alarm system when accessed. This issue poses a significant safety risk for both occupants and belongings within the vehicle. As a concerned consumer, I am deeply troubled by the presence of such a critical flaw in a luxury automobile. Given the potential ramifications for driver and passenger security, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of this malfunction. It is imperative that swift action be taken to address and rectify this security vulnerability to ensure the continued safety and peace of mind for Mercedes GLE owners and their families. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When the car seat is in the rear facing position and in the most upright position the rear of the seat can be lifted off the base with very little force. I have videos that show this behavior but photos don't really do it justice.

01/22/2024 NHTSA Complaint – GLE350 4Matic The front suspension, either the control arm or upper arm, feels loose and noise is coming from the front suspension as if a bolt or bolts are loose. Base on recall information for the 2016 GLE350 4Matic, NHTSA campaign ID: 17V081000, REPORT DATE 02/07/2017, the loose bolt(s) may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Vehicle owners are instructed to contact dealer to inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. I request that NHTSA add my vehicle VIN number to the recall and add all GLS 350 4Matic vehicles to the recall for model year 2017. I do not want my wife or I to be involve in a crash as a result of the negligence and poor-quality control of Mercedes Benz. I contacted MBUSA and Hendrik Mercedes of Charlotte, NC on 01/22/2024 and both refuse the inspect and fix the issue without me paying for the resolution. I told them that I refuse to pay to fix a problem that is the result of poor-quality control and quality assurance. I requested that MBUSA pay to fix the issue as they have done for the 2016 GLE350 4MATIC with the same problem. I am fearful for the life of my family. This matter is of very serious concern to my family's life, health and well-being. Please address this matter immediately, as we drive the SUV daily.

The contact owned a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while slowing at approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn to pull into a driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a fence and came to a stop. The contact had not sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fence was damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure but was taken to be repaired. The contact then stated that approximately a year later while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, into ongoing traffic at a cross street. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact also attempted to turn off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact swerved right, and side swiped a fence, and the vehicle went through a front lawn of a house, striking some plants, and then struck a light post. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact had not sustained any injuries, but the passenger of the vehicle sustained injuries to the back, knees, legs, arms, scrapes on the head, and general aches all over the body. The passenger was taken to the Emergency Room and medical attention was provided. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,541.