2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11756224

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

When I got gas the estimated range indicated 308 Miles. We traveled approximately 134 Miles the estimated range was at 86 Miles it was dropping rapidly but average miles indicated 26.5 MPG. The next day we added fuel again and we were at 382 Miles. Then we drove 70 miles and the fuel indicator was showing that our range only decreased 15 Miles. During the trip the range increased multiple times and between the two days we traveled we did not know how much fuel was left in the car. The first trip it showed that we burned half a tank and the second day it showed we hardly burned any gas. This particular model has Open Recall for fuel pump system issues and display software. We were afraid that we were running out out of gas and would not be able to complete our trip or run out of gas in the middle of the highway.

NHTSA ID

11710490

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

Check engine light came on. Called dealership on a Thursday and again on Monday after it stayed on all weekend. Was told to bring in vehicle for diagnostics and to have a ride home. Half way to the dealership the car spuddered and I had to coast to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, I restarted the vehicle and drive slowly to the dealership, barely making it it the shop. The service advisor indicated it could be the cylinder head even before running diagnostics because it had happened to numerous other customers. It was a defective cylinder head. The repair bill was over $10,000 but Mercedes offered a $3,500 assistance credit. After doing some research on the internet, this appears to be a widespread issue.

NHTSA ID

11707431

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting a few minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine while driving. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11705385

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

Mileage

57,000 mi

I was driving down the interstate at normal speed, normal road conditions, clear weather conditions when my panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded with all of the glass coming down on me and inside my vehicle. The sound was similar to a gunshot

NHTSA ID

11704934

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11692261

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

While driving at 65 mph on Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91) at approximately 5:30 PM EST, the panoramic sliding sunroof panel (Mercedes-Benz part #167-780-20-00) spontaneously shattered without any impact or warning. Conditions were partly cloudy. No vehicles, debris, or construction were nearby. A loud explosive sound occurred overhead, followed by glass shards falling onto the roof and rear spoiler. The roller sunshade was open, and the operable glass section was closed. No glass entered the cabin. Startled by the sound and visible debris, I instinctively braked and swerved, almost losing control. Post-incident inspection showed a large portion of the panel was missing, and scratches and paint damage were visible behind the failure point. The vehicle was brought to a Mercedes-Benz dealership the next morning. Staff immediately acknowledged similar failures and stated they had seen and repaired multiple panoramic sunroof issues across the lineup, especially in hot weather. Although this type of failure is typically covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, it was denied due to the vehicle’s mileage (58,099). Replacement is estimated at $2,700 and is pending due to part backorder. The incident was independently confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer, an independent repair shop, an auto glass facility, and an insurance representative. The auto glass technician noted that Mercedes-Benz uses thin tempered glass rather than laminated or thicker alternatives, which may increase the risk of spontaneous failure. This failure created significant safety risks including driver distraction, potential for secondary collisions, potential injuries from airborne glass, and road debris hazards. If the operable glass section had been open, glass shards may have entered the cabin, further increasing the risk of injury to myself, other vehicle occupants, or other road users. I request that NHTSA investigate the design and failure rates of this sunroof panel and similar components.

NHTSA ID

11689304

Incident

Sep 14, 2025

Check engine warning light came on. Called dealership and they could not do a remote diagnostic so they made plans to pick up the car which was about 2 weeks after the problem was alerted. See attached repair invoice. The problem was a known issue with the cylinder head compression leakage. “Removed cylinder head and disassembled to find excessive play in exhaust valve guides and abnormally worn exhaust value seats. Replaced cylinder head.” This issue impacted engine performance, including vibration and lack of acceleration. See attached letter to Mercedes which we have received no response.

NHTSA ID

11678733

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •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’).

Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2-3 key cycles. The vehicle can be released back to the customer.

Complaint Noise from front end attributable to steering gear. Cause During diagnostics of a front end noise, workshop is under the impression the noise is coming from the steering gear. Remedy Workshop diagnostics point to the steering gear as the root cause of the noise and the below LI's and items have been ruled out. • LI46.35-P-067339 - "Rattling or Humming Noise When Steering" • LI46.35-P-071461 - "Check Tie Rod Outer Joint of Steering Gear" • LI46.10-P-077391 - "Knocking Noise In The Area Of The Steering Gear or Steering Column Tube When Braking Or Moving Off; The Steering Wheel Can Also Be Felt To "Crack"" • If the noise is described as "clacking" or "knocking" and the thrust element in the steering rack has NOT been checked yet, please perform a check and subsequent adjustment, if necessary, as detailed in AR46.20-P-0601ME. If the above has been completed and the noise is still present, please continue with the below: • Video underneath the vehicle with clearly audible noise. • Video inside the vehicle with clearly audible noise. • Vehicle checked for history of collisions. • List of other checked components (suspension, drive line components, wheel bearings, etc...). • Check integrity of dust boots and dust boot clamps. Ensure no water has entered into the steering rack. • Along with the audible noise, does the feel/noise change through only a certain part of the steering arc sweep? • Provide the thrust element before and after readings. If the above is completed and no findings are noted, please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox.

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. • Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: • Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. • This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reasons for this concern: 1. Country code information stored incorrectly at a particular geographic latitude range. 2. Incorrect reference data when the vehicle is started and a GPS signal is not immediately available. Remedy Do not replace parts. Please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox but read the below carefully: • The vehicle must be exhibiting the concern as shown in the attachment videos. • The vehicle DOES NOT need to be at the dealer, nor does it need to be brought into the dealership. • If the geographic location is known, it is very important that it is provided. • Provide any pictures or videos, if available. A new software for the head unit is scheduled for tentative release in Q3 2026.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.