2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 E

My Mercedes Benz GLE450e Hybrid SUV has had a persistent but sporadic safety issue that suddenly causes the vehicle to go into "turtle mode" with a "performance extremely limited" warning when trying to accelerate quickly or sometimes when breaking quickly. In turtle mode, the car quickly loses acceleration, drops in speed and is then unable to accelerate properly. The sudden drop in speed and inability to accelerate causes a major safety issue while driving - particularly on roads with other vehicles also travelling at high speeds. Last Friday, I was driving with my family on Interstate 95 when a tractor trailer truck did not see me beside it and started to switch into my lane. I tried to quickly accelerate to get out of the way before it hit us but my car went into "turtle mode" and the speed suddenly dropped by 15 or 20mph and would no longer drive correctly. Luckily, I was in the right lane and able to swerve onto the shoulder of the highway and narrowly avoid the large truck. Otherwise, if I had been in a middle lane, I would have either been hit by the truck or likely hit another car next to me. This issue has been sporadically occurring with my car for about 5 months now. I have had it into the Mercedes dealer three times and, each time, they say they think they fixed the issue. But, each time the same issue has returned. They said that Mercedes USA knows it is a big issue with their new hybrid SUVs but Mercedes doesn't yet know how to fix the problem and has been unwilling to publicly acknowledge the problem or offer it's customers any assistance. Doing a quick Google search online for "Mercedes hybrid performance extremely limited" also quickly brings up different online forums where other owners of this same car have had the exact same issue that Mercedes has been unable to fix or resolve. Driving a car that can suddenly lose the ability to accelerate is a major safety hazard and I would sincerely appreciate if the NHTSA would help to address it

NHTSA ID

11726723

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

We've had this car on lease for 23 months, and it has had an escalating pattern of electronic, mechanical and brake issues. Earlier today, on January 5, the car started to slow down and started shaking on the highway today and when I used the brakes the full body of the car started rattling and the brakes were far less responsive than they should have been taking far longer to decelerate than safe. There was an alarm with a turtle warning me to move over. On January 4, We parked our car in a parking lot and went into a store, when we returned all of the windows were lowered and the moonroof's window was also retracted. The car was beeping and making loud noises and then had issues starting. Prior to both of these issues, the car has taken to Mercedes repeatedly for locking passengers into the vehicle and blaring alarms, not allowing passengers to leave and the seatbelts will not retract. The airbag system has also malfunctioned during these periods. Mercedes has repeatedly been informed of these issues and has claimed that there were bugs in the car's code that they had fixed; however, each time they have fixed the issue a new issue has arisen. In late November 2025, a representative from Mercedes corporate asked for us to take the vehicle back to dealer for further inspection after which the dealership said they had carried out major updates and returned the car in early December. After that the car had been hardly driven until this week. This was the first major drive of over 60 miles.

NHTSA ID

11708972

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

There is a safety recall on prior models of the GLE Front stationery sunroof panel Campaign# 2021070010 NHTSA ID 21V197 Campaign desc 21P7790003 This is exactly what occurred to me on a 2024GLE 450 The glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered… Nothing hit it… It just spontaneously shattered.. Spontaneously shattering glass in an automobile is a safety concern In my opinion… There was no warning … no sound no nothing., no evidence of anything hitting my car nor that section of the roof There was no police report as I noticed the damage when I got to my destination… I immediately drove home so that the impending rain would not further damage any components and brought it to the Mercedes dealer to keep in the garage The vehicle is now at the dealership and they are not claiming any responsibility and want to charge me $600 to diagnose the problem… Clearly they are not helping

NHTSA ID

11694478

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

At 3000K miles, vehicle spontaneously slowed from 60 mph to 10 mph with no warning. Message: PERFORMANCE EXTREMELY LIMITED, Engine light, turtle sign. Tractor trailer truck behind us swerved and narrowly avoided hitting our vehicle. Car towed to MB Dealership. Over 5 weeks, they were unable to replicate the problem, asked us to pick the vehicle up. (they claimed they consulted with MB engineers) One week after getting vehicle back, same incident occurred, also narrowly averting a MV accident. Vehicle towed to another dealership who finally after 2 months they stated that the vehicle is not reparable. MB is re-purchasing this vehicle, as there is a software issue they cannot repair. I have been made aware from Mercedes Benz dealership, that 100 or more of these vehicles have the exact same issue. There have been NO recalls. MB USA is not forthcoming with information. The problem is dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11639956

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

"While driving on the highway, my new Mercedes GLE450e, it suddenly stalled, and a 'turtle' symbol appeared on the dashboard. This indicated that the vehicle had entered 'limp mode.' At that point, I lost acceleration and had minimal power, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The dealership claims they have fixed the issue, but I am reporting this as a safety concern in case it affects other vehicles."

NHTSA ID

11639487

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

Message appears on dashboard stating “performance extremely limited” vehicle loses power and doesn’t allow you to accelerate properly. For example I stopped at a stop sign then turned onto 55mph road, message appeared. And vehicle wouldn’t accelerate above 35mph. Had to put hazards on to avoid other cars running into me from behind. The vehicle is currently in the Mercedes service department for the fourth time in two months because of this issue. They have had it for 19 days this visit and a total of 35 days for all 4 service visits. I was supposed to receive the vehicle back today after they replaced the second coolant system (I didn’t know there were two) but I received a call this morning stating the issue hasn’t been resolved with the coolant system replacements.

NHTSA ID

11638221

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

Cracked glass roof panel between windshield and sunroof. Wind blow sound a little louder for several days and it cracked today when I drive on highway. It maybe dangerous if the entire panel fly away and hit cars behind.

NHTSA ID

11629741

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

On [XXX] I was backing out of our driveway on a clear day. Normally the 2024 Mercedes Benz GLE 450e would beep when I get near an object in the back. This time, for some reason, there was no beeping or other audible or visual alert at all. As I was backing up, I was looking in the rear view while turning slightly. The rear of the GLE struck a mailbox that was installed in a large, half-wine barrel base. Bothe the wine barrel and the mailbox were hit with the rear of the GLE. In the past the reverse sensors have worked sometimes fine and sometimes they did not work at all. I have brought the GLE to the local Mercedes Benz dealer. They replicated the fault(finding the reverse sensor was not working) and then remedied by installing a software patch and other work described in the work order that I can send to NHTSA. This may be an ongoing issue with the GLS models or other Mercedes models. It is too soon know for sure if the remedy by the local dealer has fixed the reverse sensors issue. To be determined in an exact amount, the GLE suffered thousand dollars(likely above $ 5.000) worth of damage in body work and repairs to the rear as a result of the accident. No injuries fortunately. Please investigate if this is a safety recall or other remedies may be needed for the GLE to keep pedestrians and drivers safe. Thank you. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11629347

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

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 There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Engine vibrations perceived at low rpm. Fault codes for the camshaft position of the intake camshaft (P001100, P001104, P001200) or exhaust camshaft (P001400, P001404, P001500) may be stored. Cause Continuously fluctuating oil pressure in the central valve may lead to damage to the filter screen on the central valve. This can result in damage to the filter screen or the filter screen breaking loose. The resulting loss of oil pressure prevents proper adjustment of the camshaft adjuster. If the filter screen breaks loose, parts of it may settle in the camshaft adjuster or in the camshaft. If there are parts in the camshaft, they can pass through the oil supply bore to the last camshaft bearing (i.e., the first camshaft bearing behind the adjuster) which could cause damage there. Remedy 1. In cases in which only the screen of the central valve is damaged and no metal particles are found in the oil filter, the following parts must be replaced: - Always both central valves - The camshaft adjuster of the damaged central valve 2. In cases where the sieve is completely/partially missing and metal particles are found in the oil filter, the camshaft bearings must be checked. If any damage is visible there, proceed as follows: - Both central valves - The camshaft adjuster of the damaged central valve - The camshaft bearing housing (camshafts are already included here) - Oil change with oil filter

Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units. N45 or N15/7 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present: Process them as per the guided test in Xentry. If no faults are present: 2. Check the transmission oil level If the oil level is correct: 3. Unplug the connector for the transfer cases control unit and reassess the vehicle on a subsequent test drive If the complaint no longer occurs with the control unit disconnected: 4. Perform an oil change of the transfer case according to WIS specifications - Collect an oil sample of the original fluid 5. Complete all transfer case Tech-in processes located under VG Control Unit > Adaptations - Resetting the oil service data - Calibration of N15/7 5. Perform road test of vehicle to bring transmission to operating temperature ( >60C ) 6. Operate vehicle in full circle with steering at full lock - 5x to the left - 5x to the right 7. Perform an extended 200mi road test to ensure the clutches are properly conditioned with the new oil. 8. Reassess the concern and release the vehicle if no longer present. If the concern continues to occur with the control unit disconnected or after the above steps have been performed, please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain inbox with the following information: - Initial quick test with fault freeze frame data - Initial transmission EEPROM data - VGS and Transfer Case Control Unit Log (N45 or N15/7) - Photo of the original oil condition - What color was the fluid drained from the transfer case before the oil change? - Was an oil sample collected, and can you provide a photo of the original fluid? - What color and part number fluid was used during the oil change? - How far was the vehicle driven after?

Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the engine control unit software does not correspond to current production specification. The affected vehicles could exhibit rough engine running and noticeable vehicle vibrations, and misfire during the catalytic heating phase, resulting in check engine Malfunction Indicator (MIL) Lamp to illuminate. Additionally, it is possible that on-board diagnostics and/or exhaust gas emissions requirements may not be fulfilled. MBUSA will conduct an emission service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the engine control unit software on the affected vehicle.