2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450E 4MATIC

**2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e — Sudden Power Loss During Highway Driving** I purchased the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e, VIN [XXX], on XXX. On its first trip after purchase, the check-engine light appeared and cruise control became inactive. It lost propulsion at a stop after approximately 200 miles of highway driving. The vehicle was unmovable for over 30 minutes. In an attempt to place the car in neutral and move it from the road-way the car did restart and I was able to move it to a safe location for towing. The car was serviced but no identifiable cause of the error was found. My experience has undermined my confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. I am in the process of reversing the sale rather than continuing to own a vehicle that has experienced this problem. I am sharing this firsthand experience so prospective buyers can research this issue and ask specific questions about powertrain faults, software updates, service history, and available remedies before purchasing a GLE 450e. I hope Mercedes-Benz investigates these incidents thoroughly and provides owners with a clear explanation and a reliable resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773722

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Vehicle: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e Plug-In Hybrid Purchase Date: May 6, 2026 On October 12, 2026, while driving my 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e on the highway from Maine to Massachusetts at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly displayed a warning stating "Performance Extremely Limited." The check-engine light and turtle-shaped warning indicator illuminated, electric driving mode became unavailable, and adaptive cruise control functionality was limited. Most concerning, the vehicle unexpectedly lost acceleration capability and began slowing significantly. Despite pressing the accelerator pedal, I was unable to maintain normal highway speed or accelerate. The vehicle continued operating at substantially reduced power, forcing me to drive at an unsafe speed relative to surrounding highway traffic. Following this incident, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for evaluation and repair. The service department confirmed that the vehicle had entered "limp mode" but was unable to determine the underlying cause. I was advised that no mechanical problem had been identified. The dealership performed several software updates and returned the vehicle to me, instructing me to monitor its performance. On October 18, 2026, while driving on the highway at approximately 70 mph, the same malfunction occurred again. The vehicle displayed a warning stating "Performance Extremely Limited," the check-engine light and turtle-shaped warning indicator illuminated, and electric driving mode became unavailable. This is now the second occurrence of this serious malfunction within six days, despite the vehicle having been evaluated by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and receiving multiple software updates. The recurring malfunction presents a significant safety risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. The dealership has been unable to identify the root cause.

NHTSA ID

11771963

Incident

Oct 12, 2026

Air conditioning system blows very warm air constantly , non stop, at start up when parked under sun, afternoons, even with thermostat settings to low/cool. Restarting engine, still same issue.

NHTSA ID

11751982

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

I am a consumer protection attorney representing Ms. [XXX] . This vehicle was sold to my client with an open safety recall and the dealership refuses to take it back without imposing onerous terms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735126

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

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.