2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC

On April 2, 2026, while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of forward propulsion without warning. Engine RPMs increased with no corresponding acceleration, consistent with catastrophic transmission slipping. The vehicle could not maintain safe speed. I coasted to a stop and was able to limp at low speed to a parking area. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer (Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, Vienna, VA) by Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a broken propeller shaft inside the transmission requiring replacement. No root cause explanation has been provided. The vehicle had approximately 2,455 miles and was 45 days from the lease date of February 16, 2026. This vehicle uses the Mercedes-Benz 9G-TRONIC (725.0) 9-speed automatic transmission with 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid system — the same platform and powertrain covered by NHTSA Recall 24V-118, which addressed transmission-related loss of propulsion in over 105,000 MY2020–2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11730660

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

The contact leased a 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an unknown warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The speed limit was displayed and was flashing. The contact turned off the feature, but the light continued to flash on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on two occasions, where an unknown diagnostic result was provided. The manufacturer was working on an update for the fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was mailed a letter, and a subject matter expert contacted and informed the contact that there would be a fix within the first quarter of the year. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11728321

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

While driving on a limited-access highway at 65 mph with cruise control engaged, the vehicle unexpectedly reduced speed to 50 mph without any driver input under steady traffic and road conditions. No braking was applied by the driver, and no warnings or alerts were displayed prior to or during the speed reduction. Separately, the vehicle’s displayed speed-limit information was unstable during highway driving. The display repeatedly changed between the correct posted speed limit, a blank display, and “---” under consistent conditions, without changes in roadway, signage, or map context. This behavior was observed multiple times and was captured on video recording. The unexpected reduction in speed created a safety risk due to loss of speed relative to surrounding traffic.

NHTSA ID

11712886

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

I am writing to lodge a complaint regarding my brand new vehicle, which has been in the shop for over a 3 months since its purchase on [XXX]. I picked up my 2026 Mercedes GLE 450 from Baker Mercedes Benz in Charleston, and it started malfunctioning about 20 minutes into the trip home. The following day I brought it into my local Mercedes dealership, Myrtle Beach Mercedes Benz, for inspection. The first available appointment was 10 days away, so I was unable to drive the vehicle for that period after the purchase. I brought the car in on October 10th, and a few hours later, I received a call stating that it was ready, and it was just an upgrade that needed to be installed. However, upon returning to the vehicle at the service department, I noticed the engine light was still illuminated. They were unable to diagnose the issue at that time. The dealership contacted me a week later, informing me that Mercedes was opening a case, and there was no estimated timeframe for resolution. In the meantime, I have been provided with a loaner vehicle that does not have a tow package, which was the primary reason for purchasing the vehicle. Consequently, I have been unable to boat or jet ski for the past 3 months. Our summer season has largely ended, and I have missed at least 60 days of pleasant boating weather due to my new Mercedes being inoperable since my delivery date of [XXX]. The vehicle was sent to a local body shop called Darrell's where it has sat for at least 10 weeks. The problem is that the main ground for all the electronics was never tightened or welded. It burnt all the carpet in the back and could have easily caught fire with my family inside . I smelled something burning on the way home but wasn't sure what it was. The auto body place said we were lucky that the vehicle didn't catch fire with my family inside. MBUSA is only willing to compensate me for the price I paid for the car but not for all the additional expenses incurred since inception. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA ID

11706556

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

I was driving in I75 highway south in Michigan and heading to Ohio. I had around 70 mil/hr ish speed and was trying to pass a commercial truck. I Just turned on rear window wiper to clean it and once it started to work, the vehicle had a very hard brake for a couple seconds which the my seat belt pushed me hard to the seat to avoid of my head to go forward to windshield. Fortunately it was very quick brake and didn’t caused any accident, but I was worried that it was repeated again and had a lot stress until I arrived at the destination. I am guessing probably either park brake was engaged without touching it(software or part issue) or the sensors for front and emergency collisions had the bad function.

NHTSA ID

11705424

Incident

Dec 16, 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.

Issue On certain subject vehicles, the transmission control unit (VGS) does not conform to current production specifications. It is possible that the polarities of the magnets in the transmission control unit (VGS) could have been incorrectly installed, leading to potential shift quality issues and gear lockouts. Remedy MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the software of the transmission control unit in the affected vehicles.

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

Subject vehicles were visible and flagged in VMI as “OPEN” under campaign 2026080002 in Netstar-VMI on September 25, 2026. Unrepaired affected vehicles were no longer shown as “OPEN” in VMI as of October 13, 2026. Instructions for remaining unrepaired vehicles will be published in a future campaign. Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Care Center at 1-800-FOR MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).

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.