2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3431.2%
- Electrical2220.2%
- Driver assistance1715.6%
- Brakes65.5%
- Powertrain (other)65.5%
- Fuel system65.5%
- Visibility43.7%
- Airbags32.8%
- Body & structure32.8%
- Other / unspecified21.8%
- Suspension21.8%
- Seat belts10.9%
- Steering10.9%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
- Interior & seats10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.
Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area
To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and respectfully requesting review of a serious infotainment and electronic system failure that occurred at approximately 49,000 miles. Prior to the failure of the MBUX infotainment system, the vehicle began exhibiting abnormal electrical behavior. On multiple occasions, the right headlight remained illuminated even after the vehicle had been completely turned off and locked. The only temporary way to resolve this was to restart the vehicle and shut it down again. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery was very low and required charging. Soon after these electrical issues appeared, the MBUX infotainment system became stuck on the Mercedes-Benz startup logo screen and has remained nonfunctional since. Although the backup camera still partially functions, the infotainment system itself will not boot properly or operate normally. The authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership documented the following diagnostic fault codes: • B14D913 – Internal hard disk malfunction/open circuit • B14F900 – Internal hard disk full According to the dealership service report, guided tests, MOST ring reset procedures, and hard resets of the control unit were all performed without resolving the issue. The dealership ultimately recommended complete replacement of the MBUX head unit at a very significant cost. This situation is especially concerning because the vehicle has relatively low mileage, has been properly maintained, and recently underwent Service B and 12V battery replacement through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership immediately after the battery warning appeared. A major infotainment head unit/internal storage failure at this mileage is not something we reasonably expected from a luxury vehicle. While researching this issue further, I discovered numerous online reports from other Mercedes-Benz owners — particularly owners of 2020–2023 GLE models —
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.
My 2020 GLE 350 first displayed a problem with left indicator on front left hand head lamp. I took an appointment with my Mercedes dealer for repair. Then it started showing all kinds of safety problems on the screen -like blind spot monitoring, collision warning etc not working. I parked it in my garage, shut off the engine, locked it and in a couple minutes, it started a blower like sound. I called Mercedes service center and described the problem. They sent a tow truck. While waiting for tow truck, the blower would automatically start every 3 to 4 minutes in a standing, switched off car which can be very dangerous. After diagnostics the authorized service center found the root cause to be a worn out seal which let condensation in the lamp assembly and the water entered in the electrical module. I have taken up the issue with Mercedes corporate. While they are investigating, I wanted to file this complaint so that if there are similar complaints in this model, it may be a manufacturing defect that needs a recall to fix the bad sealing
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
When operated with driver assist and stop and go assist, the car, often slams the brakes for no reason in the middle of the highway. I have reported this problem multiple times to the dealership and the dealership has kept the car in for investigation multiple times sometimes for more than two weeks. They were able to replicate the problem, but they had absolutely no solution. It’s been a few years now and it keeps happening. This is a liability issue us cars behind me are at risk to collide.
I was driving and came to a stop sign. When I was getting ready to pull off my entire vehicle automatically went into park and shut off. I was almost rear ended by the vehicle behind me. People were blowing at me. I just restarted the vehicle after a few attempts it started and I drove off. Also my entire dash went black while I was driving. I also felt water on my feet why on the passenger side ( like a light mist).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission keeps going into neutral when you put into drive or reverse
After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing my safety at risk. I was required to keep my foot on the brake and ultimately place the vehicle in the park position. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. Following diagnostic testing, the dealership confirmed a transmission solenoid valve fault in the control unit and recommended replacement of the transmission valve body and park pawl solenoid, along with a transmission service. The condition was confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning messages, indicator lights, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son’s graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. A few days later we found a 2nd tow truck that agreed to bring the vehicle several hundreds of miles back to our home city. This car is a 2020 model, and has around 55,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained by a certified Mercedes mechanic. There were no issues with the car and no indication that there might be a problem. Our mechanic has thoroughly inspected the vehicle and said that the engine has completely seized and the only option is to replace it. We have no idea why this happened. If requested, the vehicle is available for inspection.
After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing my safety at risk. I was required to keep my foot on the brake and ultimately place the vehicle in the park position. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. Following diagnostic testing, the dealership confirmed a transmission solenoid valve fault in the control unit and recommended replacement of the transmission valve body and park pawl solenoid, along with a transmission service. The condition was confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning messages, indicator lights, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The sunroof cover was not opened. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the sunroof glass had shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
1)Wiper does run smoothly right from the time the car was purchased. 2) recently the glass window of passanger seat at the back opens very slowly when the button is pushed to pull the glass down.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bag warning light
My 2020 GLE350 met with an accident on 1/20/2023. My wife was driving this vehicle on the freeway at about 40-50mph and she rear ended a Toyota Camry that was ahead of her. Mt complaint is two fold - The airbags did not deploy - The Active Brake Assist system failed to work The collision is a major one. You can see from the pictures. The body shop, an approved vendor for my insurance Geico, has prepared an estimate for $25,487. My vehicle has been in the body shop since the day of the accident. On 1/27/23, the estimate was prepared. I have to approve it and they will start the work anytime this week. This high repair cost is an indicator of a major collision. In such a major collision, I'd expect - Airbags should have deployed. The Camry's airbag did deploy, so should have ours. My wife suffered a strong whiplash. She has severe neck, shoulder, elbow pain and headaches. She is scheduled to undergo physical therapy. If the airbags deployed, these injuries could have been avoided. - The Active Brake Assist system should have been activated during the rear end collision. It should have detected and avoided the collision. However, it failed to deploy too. Few times when I back up, this safety feature has been very useful. It will identify moving objects like pedestrians, vehicle crossing and automatically apply the brakes and prevent potential collision. However, when we needed it most, it failed to save us. The automatic braking didn't happen. There were no visual or acoustic warnings prior to the collision. One of the main reasons I bought GLE350 was for this safety feature. I am so disappointed by this catastrophic failure and questioning whether I should drive this Mercedes anymore. Because of these safety failures, I really worry about driving this vehicle and bringing to NHTSA's attention. Please investigate this safety failure. Year: 2020 Make: Mercedes Benz Model: GLE350W4 Mileage: 30K miles approximately
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The GLE350 windows trim bar flew out from the rear window frame . Driving Speed Range (75-82mph). Fortunately no accident or damages occurred. This so so dangerous . If the trim bar flew into vehicle or pedestrian resulting injury or death.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound of moving water underneath the front seats. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that rainwater had leaked into the body of the vehicle due to a clogged sunroof drainage tube. The contact stated that several electrical components were submerged in the water and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V288000 (EQUIPMENT) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALFANO MOTORCARS MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER (1423 CALLE JOAQUIN, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93405, (805) 543-5752) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
EVER SINCE I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2020 I FEEL THE SUV BOUNCES AS THE VEHICLE HITS A POTHOLE CAUSING IT TO SWAY & LOOSE CONTROL WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR ACCIDENT. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE THRICE TO THE DEALERS DURING THIS PANDEMIC, BUT THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED. THIS ALSO HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS, OR CURVES, IT BOUNCES & THERE IS LOSS OF CONTROL, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear shock absorbers failed at approximately 33,000 miles. The issue presented with a rattle in the rear end of the car. A certified mechanic diagnosed the issue as the rear shock absorbers were leaking potentially due to improper sealing of the shock absorbers. The certified mechanic presented a document related to a Recall Campaign that is directly correlated to the rear shock absorber issue (please see attached file). The Recall Campaign specifically mentions the vehicle in question ( 2020 Mercedes GLE350) , but my vehicle VIN is not included in the recall campaign. Therefore, the dealership will not fix the issue under the recall campaign. I would like to investigate the remedies available under the current situation.
EVER SINCE I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2020 I FEEL THE SUV BOUNCES AS THE VEHICLE HITS A POTHOLE CAUSING IT TO SWAY & LOOSE CONTROL WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR ACCIDENT. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE THRICE TO THE DEALERS DURING THIS PANDEMIC, BUT THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED. THIS ALSO HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS, OR CURVES, IT BOUNCES & THERE IS LOSS OF CONTROL, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear seat belts are faulty. I had to pay out of pocket for the rear middle seat belt repair and now the rear right side is faulty and does not budge or move pass a point. I am concerned that each time these do not work, I will be out another thousand dollars for repair. Seat belts on some of my oldest cars continue to work. This should not be happening especially to a newer vehicle. I need help and by that I want Mercedes to cover the cost. It's very stressful. Thank you for hearing my concern.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE DRIVING OUR MERCEDES GLE 350 ON I 80 NEAR MILE MARKER 203.1, OHIO ON 7/11/2020 AT 7 AM. IT WAS RAINING A BIT IN MORNING. THE LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST WAS ON, AND IT WAS TURNING GREEN AND GRAY CONTINUOUSLY. I KEEP LANE ASSIST ON ALL THE TIME FOR SAFETY PURPOSE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE SLOW LANE ON RIGHT MOST LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND STARTED SLIPPING ON THE ROAD. I TRIED TO CONTROL IT, HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT COME UNDER CONTROL. FINALLY THE CAR DRIFTED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT MOST LANE, AND RAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE DIVIDER ON DRIVER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE BAGS INFLATED AND LUCKLY NO ONE WAS HURT SERIOUSLY. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER FROM CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY, AND HAVE WORKED IN AUTO INDUSTRY FOR A FEW YEARS BEFORE. IT ALMOST FELT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS MECHANICALLY WRONG THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO SLIP AND LOOSE CONTROL. MERCEDES GLE 350, 2020 MODEL HAS A HARSH REACTION TO LANE DEPARTURE AND I HAVE A FEELING THAT IT CAUSED THE CAR TO HYDROPLANE BECAUSE THE REACTION IS SO SUDDEN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ISSUE, SO THAT NO ONE GET SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS IS MY FIRST ACCIDENT IN LIFE AND I AM 42 YEARS OLD. I THINK THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM IN MERCEDES DOSEN'T WORK OR NEEDS TO BE FINE TUNED SO THAT IT DOSEN'T CAUSE ACCIDENTS IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED TIRE INFLATION ALERT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SENSOR FOR THE POWER TAILGATE IS NOT SENSITIVE ENOUGH TO OPEN / CLOSE THE TAILGATE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACK AFTER THE WINTER STORM. I BELIEVE IT WAS RELATED TO THE EXTREME LOW TEMPERATURE UNDER MASSACHUSETTS WEATHER. IT IS NOT RELATED TO THE DAMAGE BY THE HIGHWAY ROCKS AS I COULD NOT FOUND ANY DAMAGE OF DENTS ON THE GLASS. THE DRIVER SEAT LEFT SIDE EDGE APPEARED CRACKING AFTER COUPLE MONTHS OF USE. IT IS A MB TEX MATERIAL WHICH IT CLAIMS THAT IT SUPPOSED TO BE MORE DURABLE AND CARE FREE THAN REGULAR REAL LEATHER BUT ACTUALLY IT WASN'T ON MY CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .