2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Vehicle: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Component: Electrical System / Electronic Key Detection / Door Locking System My 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has locked with its only electronic key fob inside the vehicle on three separate occasions. Most recently, my dog was trapped inside, and I was left stranded waiting hours for roadside assistance. The key fob has a fresh battery. Mercedes-Benz representatives have repeatedly insisted that this should not be possible. However, Kyle, a manager at W.I. Simonson Mercedes-Benz Service Center in Santa Monica, acknowledged that this sometimes happens when a key is inside a purse and admitted that he had experienced the same problem himself. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic key-detection system and its safeguards against unintended locking. A vehicle that locks with its only key inside can create a dangerous situation, particularly when a child or animal is trapped in extreme temperatures or an emergency. Despite the recurring nature of this problem, Mercedes-Benz has not provided a technical explanation or corrective solution and sought to charge me for emergency unlocking. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader safety defect affecting Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO, review similar consumer complaints, and determine whether corrective action or a safety recall is warranted. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774779

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

Rear view camera fails to initiate when placed in reverse. Screen doesn’t even try to switch to camera view. Exact same issue found in same make and model recalled with different vins. For some reason this one isn’t included in the recall. Car only has about 58,000 miles. Started around 56,000 miles. Note that camera even folds out of lift gate like normal when placed in park.

NHTSA ID

11745532

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

CASE NUMBER: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 --- EMAIL EXCHANGE TEXT --- From: [XXX] Sent: 1/14/2026, 12:11 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Message From Mercedes-Benz USA: Case Number [XXX] Dear Ken, I want to clarify that my concern is not about support for “older technology” in a general sense, but about the confirmed retirement of factory-installed emergency and crash-response systems that were standard safety equipment on my vehicle at the time of sale. As previously noted, the mbrace system on my 2018 GLE-Class includes SOS/Emergency Call and Automatic Collision Notification functionality intended to contact emergency services in the event of a crash or airbag deployment, particularly where the driver may be incapacitated. These are safety systems, not discretionary convenience features. Your replies confirm that these safety functions are being permanently disabled, that no retrofit or replacement solution exists, and that the vehicle will continue to operate without the emergency communication capability it was originally sold with. I appreciate your acknowledgment, and I am documenting Mercedes-Benz USA’s position that these safety systems have been retired with no alternative provided. Sincerely, [XXX] On Jan 14, 2026, at 09:02, Mercedes-Benz USA [email protected] wrote: Dear [XXX] , I’m very sorry that these older technology features have been retired. Mercedes‑Benz is currently focused on supporting our present and next‑generation technologies, which unfortunately means that the former mbrace system is no longer maintained. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I would be more than happy to assist. Best Regards, Ken C. Mercedes-Benz USA (800) 367-6372 Mercedes-Benz Customer Care, 1 Mercedes-Benz Drive. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738453

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The low beam visibility on this vehicle is extremely dangerous. It's as if you have no headlights on. They can inspect anytime. With low night visibility. Driver is not able to see the road or person which causes a delayed response because of visibility. Driver puts on highbeams to be able to see which blinds others or shouldn't be driven at night. Plenty of times, I could have been in an accident or didn't see someone. My eyes are 20/20. Yes, it was reproduced. We tried after market headlights as well, but it's the same issue. Yes, I have complained to manufacturer more than once, but if there is no recall. They want a diagnostic fee and ignore it. This has been ongoing since the car was purchased. Even the GLS 2017 have the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11737144

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Case: XXX My concerns has been denied and overlooked by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC multiple times since Jan 2026--interims of defective electric system causing sudden locking of steering wheel and shut down car , due to malfunctioning electric system resulting in car crash into another parked car on the street, took car to auto body shop who diagnosed gas gauge misread as empty gas tank even though tank was 3/4 full , due to this car was totally locked out when driving on the street and hit another parked car due to loss of control. i have been in communication with Mercedes and they stated car was functioning fine and there was no defect or malfunction ,which i don't agree, as a results my wife into crash and sustained injuries I need your help to resolve this issue thx [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11733079

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a pharmacy parking lot with the hold feature engaged, the driver released the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward approximately 75 feet. The driver attempted to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle continued moving, went over a curb, into a ditch, up a hill, and through a cement block wall before coming to an abrupt stop 5 feet from a house. The driver sustained arm and shoulder injuries, including emotional trauma, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital for medical treatment. The air bags deployed during the crash. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The driver attempted to contact a local dealer but did not receive a response. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ID

11723339

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

Mileage

91,000 mi

Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles were given no meaningful advance warning that core, built-in safety and emergency communication systems would be permanently disabled. No replacement system has been offered, no retrofit path exists, and no alternative emergency solution has been provided. The manufacturer has instead unilaterally orphaned these vehicles by discontinuing backend support required for functionality that was present at the time of sale. These vehicles were manufactured and sold with non-paywalled, standard safety features, including automatic emergency call (E-Call/SOS), crash notification, and airbag deployment communication designed to contact emergency services when a driver may be incapacitated. With the discontinuation of backend services, these safety-critical functions will no longer operate, meaning there will be no automatic communication of airbag deployment, crash events, or emergency assistance requests, despite the physical hardware remaining installed in the vehicle. In addition, connected vehicle functions that support vehicle location, tracking, and remote access—features that can materially assist in emergency response, theft recovery, and post-collision assistance—were removed without explanation, compensation, or transition plan. These systems simply ceased to function, leaving owners without clarity, notice, or recourse. As a result of these actions by Mercedes-Benz, affected vehicles are now materially less safe than when purchased, through no fault or action of the driver or owner. A vehicle originally marketed and sold with integrated emergency response capability has been degraded after sale, creating a safety risk in precisely the situations these systems were designed to address. This issue concerns the post-sale removal of safety-critical functionality, not optional convenience features, subscriptions, or infotainment services.

NHTSA ID

11709827

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

While driving, the vehicle’s serpentine/fan belt snapped. The loose belt struck and pulled out a sensor plug. Immediately the engine shut down and was later found to be seized. The vehicle had no prior warnings or known issues and was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. There were no other warning signs ahead, the car is always maintained. I have records of all the maintenance, and there was not a single Check engine light, or any other kind of issue. Consequence: Engine seized, vehicle not drivable, substantial repair or replacement required. •Condition & maintenance: All services up-to-date, regular oil changes, no previous related issues. •Supporting documentation: Mechanic’s inspection report, service records, tow bill, photos of belt damage and sensor plug. •Impact: Unexpected catastrophic failure at low mileage; potential defect in belt/pulley/auxiliary-system interface posing risk of sudden breakdown. •Request: Investigation of whether this is an isolated failure or a possible defect pattern.

NHTSA ID

11698005

Incident

Nov 6, 2025

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.

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. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • 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!

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!

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("MIL"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.

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!

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.