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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
89
Latest Jul 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
4

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%
  • 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.

34
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11753409 · filed Jul 29, 2026

Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area

NHTSA ID 11746844 · filed Jun 26, 2026
All 34 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area

NHTSA ID 11746844 · filed Jun 26, 2026

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 —

NHTSA ID 11739765 · filed May 24, 2026
All 22 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11753409 · filed Jul 29, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11707529 · filed Dec 29, 2025
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11650987 · filed Mar 27, 2025

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).

NHTSA ID 11515152 · filed Apr 3, 2023

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission keeps going into neutral when you put into drive or reverse

NHTSA ID 11737136 · filed May 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11707704 · filed Dec 30, 2025

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.

6
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11739738 · filed May 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11707704 · filed Dec 30, 2025

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.

4
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11721031 · filed Feb 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11578490 · filed Mar 20, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag warning light

NHTSA ID 11691953 · filed Oct 7, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11504347 · filed Jan 30, 2023

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.

3
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11542785 · filed Sep 5, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11526646 · filed Jun 12, 2023

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11416111 · filed May 11, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 11405262 · filed Mar 28, 2021

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11619167 · filed Oct 10, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11405262 · filed Mar 28, 2021

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11658932 · filed May 5, 2025

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.

1
report

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).

NHTSA ID 11340617 · filed Jul 21, 2020

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED TIRE INFLATION ALERT.

NHTSA ID 11497972 · filed Dec 19, 2022

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11385550 · filed Dec 30, 2020

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

Data on this page last refreshed .