2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC

Since shortly after the vehicle's purchase, I have experienced a persistent, recurring, and unresolved defect in the vehicle's brake hydraulic system. Specifically, after the vehicle has been stationary at a traffic light or stop for a period of time with the brake pedal depressed, the brake pedal progressively sinks and travels to the floor under steady foot pressure, causing the vehicle to roll forward against my intent. This condition occurs under normal static brake application — not during active braking maneuvers. Normal braking function appears unaffected during active driving, but the pedal sink and fade condition under sustained static pressure constitutes a loss of hydraulic brake holding force that creates an immediate and serious risk of collision.

NHTSA ID

11770791

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

I am reporting a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect involving the panoramic sunroof on my 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. While my wife was driving the vehicle southbound on [XXX] at approximately 6:30 AM, the panoramic sunroof suddenly and catastrophically exploded/blow out without warning. The vehicle was traveling approximately 63 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. Weather conditions were clear to partly cloudy, with a temperature of approximately 62°F. At the time of the incident, the panoramic sunroof was fully closed and the interior sunshade was open . There was no known impact, collision, road debris, hail, vandalism, or other event that could have caused the glass to break. No impact sound or object striking the roof was observed before the glass failed. The glass appears to have failed suddenly and under pressure the spontaneous, pressurized blowout forced the initial blast upward and outward onto the freeway. The shattered glass remaining in the frame then fell downward into into the vehicle and onto my wife's head and creating an immediate safety hazard for the driver. A spontaneous panoramic glass roof failure at highway speed could cause driver distraction, impaired visibility, loss of vehicle control, and serious injury. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for inspection. I have also reported the incident to Mercedes-Benz USA and have an open customer-care case regarding the matter. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident and determine whether the panoramic sunroof/glass assembly on the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 presents a safety defect or pattern of premature/spontaneous failure. I believe this incident should be documented and investigated before a similar failure results in serious injury or a highway crash. I can provide photographs, dealership documentation, Mercedes-Benz correspondence, and additional information regarding the incident upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11769414

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Tour AS, Tire Size: 275/50/R20, DOT Number: 1B9RF011X0925. While the contact's wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle drove over a speed bump and the rear tires jumped away from the vehicle 10–12 inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the issue was normal for the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no fix for the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a safety hazard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 15.

NHTSA ID

11758251

Incident

May 9, 2025

Mileage

15 mi

We were driving on Interstate 4 in Orlando and our sunroof exploded at 80 MPH

NHTSA ID

11747053

Incident

Jun 28, 2026

The turn signal flasher sound is so low that it is practically inaudible while driving and sometimes left on without notice. This confuses the cars from behind. Even worse, it confuses cars at the opposite direction in city driving. I have had a couple of incidents at busy intersection that the opposite direction car drivers thought I want to make a left turn but really not. The situation is getting more dangerous on highway driving. With the turn signal left on without hearing the audible sound, cars from behind would think that I want to change lane. Some good drivers would slow down but some aggressive drivers would speed up and pass at very high speed. One would ask the turn signal lights should be flashing. Yes, it is but its position are at the top corners on the dashboard and blocked by the steering wheel. Most of the time I would stay focused on the road rather than looking at the dashboard. I had complained this to the Mercedes dealer at Princeton NJ as well as Mercedes itself in NJ but they said that it is designed as is and the volume of the turn signal cannot be adjusted.

NHTSA ID

11730521

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4-Matic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the heads-up display was continuously flashing and failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two days after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a dashboard mat coating failure. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was an engineering failure, and only the engineers could repair the vehicle. The dealer met with the engineers and was informed that the vehicle could be repaired in the first quarter of 2026. The contact stated that the failure persisted for a year. The contact had previously purchased a similar vehicle that the manufacturer had repurchased under the Lemon Law due to the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75.

NHTSA ID

11715209

Incident

May 21, 2025

Mileage

75 mi

Transmission. Transmission has very rough, "jerky" shifting when downshifting and upshifting. There was a bad 'jerk" when downshifting from 5 to 4th gear. Dealer acknowledged the problem and provided a transmission software upgrade. The problem was somewhat alleviated but the transmission still exhibited rough shifting, both down and up shifting. More concerning occasionally, when turning a corner and coasting, sometimes the vehicle would surge ahead moderately because of shifting. Some criticism state that the brakes will "grab' occasionally. I originally assumed that this problem was the brakes, but after some experience realized that the rough and "jerky" shifting was responsible. I've owned many cars over my 80 years, and this is, by far, the worse performing transmission that I've experienced.

NHTSA ID

11712618

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Dear Dealer Partners, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is Thursday, November 19th, 2026. After November 19th, we will no longer accept returns of these parts. Return these parts via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

Complaint Harsh upshifts, downshifts, or jolting in lower gears when accelerating. Cause Incorrectly installed (rotated) rotational speed sensors on the EHS (VGS Control Unit) can cause abnormalities in signals. As a result, poor adaptation values are stored and harsh gearshifts are felt. This only affects vehicles with VGS control units produced between days 185‑296 of 2025 (July 4, 2025‑ October 23, 2025). It is possible to check the production date of the VGS through the EEPROM .txt file (Figure 1) or on the VGS hardware (Figure 2). Remedy If the production date is or is within 25185‑25296 (07/4/25‑10/23/25): IPR will recognize these cases and advise updating of VGS software. Please ensure your XENTRY has all the latest Addons installed before proceeding. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended steps • update VGS software • perform standstill adaptation Hardware replacement is no longer necessary for this root cause! 2. Perform 5‑7x driving adaptations of 3‑4 upshift and 5‑4 downshift • use the attached guide and steps below, (also found in Startek NG > Passenger > Drivetrain) for the 5‑4 downshift: ‑ Start the coast or braking from a higher engine speed (if the vehicle shifts into 6th, restart the acceleration up to 5th gear) • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport while coasting • 5‑7 downshifts in Comfort with consistent light to medium braking • 5‑7 downshifts in Sport with consistent light to medium braking If the production date is outside of this range: This LI is not applicable. 1. Perform IPR and follow recommended instruction

Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. *NOTE ‑ Use of tracer DYE for leak checks is not approved. Only approved leak check procedures as per WIS are approved. Cause Possible refrigerant leak. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* ‑ Photo documentation requirement is no longer in effect as of 10/1/2025. Remedy 1: Replace Evaporator (Only applies to vehicles produced PRIOR to April 15, 2022 and has NOT had the evaporator replaced previously) 1. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS before condemning the evaporator. 2. If no other leaks are found, replace the evaporator 3. *Important* ‑ when you get the new evaporator, check the expansion valve bracket to see if there are any bends (see attachment "Bent Bracket"). a. If bent, remove the expansion valve and bracket and check for damage to the flange (see attachment "Flange Damage"). i. If damage is found, order another evaporator and claim the part under parts warranty. The warranty claim MUST include a photo of the damage found. ii. If no damage is found, flip the bracket and torque to 7Nm. Check the evaporator for proper sealing before fully installing. b. If no bends are found, the evaporator should be installed in the vehicle. Note ‑ *If the evaporator housing has been opened or the evaporator or housing has been tampered with, the claim will be debited. Remedy 2: (Applies to all vehicles produced on or AFTER April 15, 2022 up to August 1, 2025) 1. Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . 2. If no leaks were found AND the system came in with no cooling/low charge, OR the evaporator is suspected of leaking: 3. Replace ONLY the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00, in accordance with the procedure outlined in WIS document AR83.30‑P‑5520ME. 4. IF THE PRODUCTION DATE IS BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2023 AND JULY 1, 2024, REPLACE THE DRYER AS WELL. (NOT THE CONDENSER) 5. After, charge the system and perform a few drive cycles. 6. Recheck the vehicle for leaks. 7. If no leaks are found, the vehicle can be released. 8. If a minor leak is detected that is less than 50ppm, then perform the following steps: • If a leak is detected, fill the system with forming gas • Close all doors and windows for 10 minutes. • Vehicle off with no blower activation. • Open the driver's door and measure ppm detection as soon as the door is open and the sniffer goes into the vehicle. • If no leaks are measured, fill the system and release. • If you still feel the evaporator is needed/leaks are still detected, a TIPS case is required for replacement. Provide all documentation listed in Remedy 3. Remedy 3: (Only applies to vehicles produced AFTER August 1, 2025) Ensure that the entire AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS . If no leaks are found or the expansion valve has been found to be leaking, remove the expansion valve and check the bracket. If the bracket is bent, replace the expansion valve bracket, seals, and bolts as supplied in kit A 167 832 47 00. In the warranty submission, include photos of both sides of the bracket and a side profile so it can be seen that the bracket is bent. If the bracket is NOT bent or leaks from other locations are found, then open a TIPS case with the following: 1. Initial Quick Test 2. Create a short video of the actual pressures via AC machine, showing the engine running, and hold a copy of the VIN/RO in view as well. 3. OBS recording of XENTRY AC actual values of compressor request to be on and current value. (Instructions in Attachments) 4. Video recording of the leak being found via sniffer at the R/F AC drain after removing the under dash panel if the evaporator is suspected. (see attached videos) 5. If the evaporator is found to be leaking via sniffer, another video needs to be uploaded (or a continuation if only making the video after checks

Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. Cause Directional control valve may stick. Remedy 1‑ Read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2‑ Perform approx. 10‑15 engine starts, then clear fault codes. 3‑ Perform road test with vehicle. If fault code reoccurs during road test: Install new directional control valve.

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.