2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580

The adaptive cruise on the Mercedes has a habit of harsh braking during stop and go traffic. It's not a natural braking manev8, instead it's jarring and I feel like it could cause a rear end with how jarring it is. Many other users are experiencing the same.

NHTSA ID

11543347

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

The transmission with the Auto Start/Stop 48v system is very clunky and not smooth at low speeds. I'm unable to park in my garage or parallel park with the Auto Start/Stop feature enabled which is by default for reduced emissions. I fear hitting pedestrians/people at crosswalks, causing damage to my house inside my garage when parking, and/or other vehicles when parallel parking because the transmission is so clunky, it causes the vehicle to surge or lurch forward very harshly in such a way that I could cause damage to another vehicle or even hit a pedestrian or person at a crosswalk. There's something inherently wrong with the 48V auto start/stop when it engages and disengages with the transmission causing it to surge or lurch forward uncontrollably and dangerously.

NHTSA ID

11525053

Incident

Apr 28, 2023

THE VEHICLE IS A 2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE 580, WHICH HAS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE. IT HAS STANDARD WHEELS AND TIRES. THE OE TIRES ARE COOPER DISCOVERER SRX LE, SIZE 275/50R20. AT 5,900 MILES, BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES BEGAN CHUNKING, WHERE CHUNKS OF TIRE TREAD BEGAN FALLING OFF. THIS OCCURRED IN THE CENTER OF THE TREAD, AS WELL AS AT THE EDGE OF THE TREAD WHERE IT MEETS THE GROOVE. THE FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED BY MERCEDES AT 5,932 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 6,000 MILES LATER, I NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE CHUNKING AGAIN. THE REAR TIRES WORE OUT AND WERE REPLACED AT ABOUT 10,250 MILES. IF THEY ALSO EXPERIENCED CHUNKING, IT WAS NOT NOTICED.

NHTSA ID

11394571

Incident

Jul 2, 2020

Mileage

5,900 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (E-ABC), WHICH HAS DIFFERENT DRIVE MODES THAT AFFECT TRANSMISSION SHIFT POINTS, STEERING INPUT AND SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE OE WHEELS AND TIRES (COOPER ALL-SEASON TIRES). ONE DRIVE MODE IS DESIGNATED 'CURVE,' WHICH CONTROLS BODY LEAN IN CURVES. DEPENDING ON THE SETTING, CURVE HOLDS THE BODY UPRIGHT OR SLIGHTLY LEANS IT INTO CURVES, LIKE A MOTORCYCLE LEANING INTO A CURVE. WHEN IN CURVE MODE AND DRIVING IN A CURVE, THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY OR ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE MECHANISMS MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INTERVENE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING VEHICLE INSTABILITY AND AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO YAW IN ONE DIRECTION, GIVING THE SENSATION OF SLIDING ON WET OR ICY PAVEMENT, AND THEN THE VEHICLE 'BRAKES' ON ONE SIDE, 'PULLING' THE VEHICLE TO THAT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WILL TIGHTEN AND OCCASIONALLY, THE 'TRACTION' LAMP ILLUMINATES IN THE DASH. THE ROAD SURFACE IS CLEAN, DRY AND FLAT AND NO LOSS OF TRACTION OR POTENTIAL LOSS OF TRACTION OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENS MORE DURING CASUAL DRIVING THROUGH CURVES THAN WHEN AGGRESSIVELY DRIVING THROUGH CURVES. THIS FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE WAS EXITING A CURVE TO THE RIGHT AND THEN ABRUPTLY YAWED TO ONE SIDE AND THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE CENTER LINE, BEFORE STRAIGHTENING AND RECOVERY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS ENTERING A CURVE TO THE LEFT AND IT ABRUPTLY YAWED AND WAS PULLED TOWARD THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD BEFORE STRAIGHTENING AND RECOVERY. THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A DOZEN OTHER INSTANCES. THE ROAD SURFACES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CLEAN, DRY AND FLAT ASPHALT PAVEMENT. ON ONE OCCASION A MERCEDES SHOP FOREMAN WAS IN THE VEHICLE TO WITNESS THE EVENT, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS AN 'INTERVENTION.' THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THESE OCCURRENCES OR TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11394561

Incident

Nov 13, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

I PURCHASED A GLE 580 IN JANUARY 2020 WITH STANDARD 20-INCH WHEELS AND TIRES ON THE FRONT AND REAR. THIS TIRE/WHEEL COMBINATION IS AN AVAILABLE OPTION ON THE GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC AND GLE 450 4MATIC. THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR ALL 2020 GLE MODELS (AND PRESUMABLY FOR EARLIER MODELS) STATES: 1.ROTATE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS ONLY IF THE WHEELS AND TIRES ARE OF THE SAME DIMENSIONS. 2.ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME SIZE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS, ROTATE THE WHEELS ACCORDING TO THE INTERVALS IN THE TIRE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BOOK IN YOUR VEHICLE DOCUMENTS. IF THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE, ROTATE THE TIRES EVERY 3,000 TO 6,000 MILES (5,000 TO 10,000 KM), DEPENDING ON THE WEAR. THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS ARE INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM ONE ANOTHER AND NEITHER IS MARKED 'FRONT ONLY' OR 'REAR ONLY.' BY CHANCE, I DISCOVERED THE REAR WHEELS HAVE AN OFFSET THE FRONT WHEELS DO NOT HAVE, WHICH PLACES THE REAR WHEELS FURTHER OUTBOARD THAN THE FRONT WHEELS. THE OFFSET MAKES ROTATING THE TIRES DANGEROUS. ONLY AFTER I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE DID MERCEDES TELL ME, 'DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE DRIVETRAIN, THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS HAVE DIFFERENT OFFSETS, OFFSET IS THE DISTANCE FROM THE HUB OF THE WHEEL TO THE CENTER LINE OF THE WHEEL. IF YOU PUT THE FRONT TIRE/WHEELS IN THE BACK, IT WILL SIT FURTHER IN AND CAN AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.' HOWEVER, THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL STATES TIRES AND WHEELS OF THE SAME SIZE FRONT AND REAR SHOULD BE ROTATED. THIS OFFSET IS NOT SOMETHING ONE WOULD EXPECT WITH TIRES AND WHEELS OF THE SAME SIZE. I ASKED MERCEDES BENZ TO AGREE TO CORRECT THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR GLE MODELS AFFECTED BY THIS OFFSET AND TO SEND NOTIFICATION OF THE OFFSET ISSUE TO VEHICLE OWNERS AND IT DECLINED MY REQUEST. THIS OFFSET POSES A SAFETY RISK IF GLE OWNERS WITH 20-INCH WHEELS ROTATE THEIR TIRES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

NHTSA ID

11376251

Incident

Nov 2, 2020

Mileage

10,130 mi

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 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P012800 "The Coolant Temperature is Below the Specified Temperature" active and/or stored in the ME (N3/10). There are no drivability concerns related to this complaint. Cause Root cause varies Remedy Prior to performing any repairs for this complaint: With a cold engine, pressurize the high temp coolant circuit and while it's under pressure, release the cap on the low temp coolant circuit and check if the pressure drops right away or not. If the pressure drops, the lower coolant hoses are swapped. Correct this, fill, bleed and test drive the vehicle. If the complaint returns, then continue with the steps below. IMPORTANT: Use VMI to check for the following emission extended warranty –> Engine Thermostat (incl. software update) MY19-23, Various Models and Platforms (167, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 223, 232, 253, 290, 463) If the vehicle is covered under the above emission extended warranty, please perform steps outlined in the accompanying NCU prior to those outlined in this document. If vehicle is not covered under the above emission extended warranty or the complaint continues to occur, then proceed as follows: Check for available software updates to the ME (N3/10). If updated software is available, perform the update, clear the DTC and the perform each of the "WARM START" and "COLD START" test drives listed below twice. If the code does not re-appear then release the vehicle. If there is no new software available OR the DTC returns after the test drives then perform the following steps: • Drain the coolant through a fine mesh sieve and check for signs of debris. Additionally, inspect the coolant reservoir for debris. If any debris is found take pictures of the reservoir and the mesh filter and "flush" the system at least 2-3 times to clear as much of the debris as possible • Replace the thermostat and bleed the system as outlined in AR20.00-P-1142-04A, evacuate the system for 20-30 minutes instead of the 5 minutes specified in step 22 • NOTE: Please use all the tools specified in the AR document. The DTC will continue to populate if the circuit is not properly bled • NOTE: There are two valid thermostats to choose from in the parts section of this LI. Please verify which PN is applicable for the vehicle being worked on via XENTRY Parts Information • After bleeding the system clear the DTC and perform each of the "WARM START" and "COLD START" test drives listed below twice. If the DTC does not reappear after the tests, release the vehicle If the ME (N3/10) software is up to date, the thermostat has already been replaced, and the complaint persists open a TIPS case and attach the following documents: • Initial quick test • ME (N3/10) control unit log • The results of an R48 test from a “yes” response and from a “no” response • Pictures of the coolant reservoir and mesh sieve (mentioned above) WARM START · Begin with the engine coolant temperature at approximately 50 degrees C · Activate the AC system, if defrost is not in use open the windows · Drive the car normally until a coolant temperature of 75 degrees C is achieved · Depress the accelerator pedal 50% for ~5 seconds (partial acceleration) · Let off the accelerator pedal and let the car coast for ~10 seconds · Continue to drive the car normally COLD START · Drive for ~7 miles (normal driving) · Shut off the engine in a parking lot (or similar), wait 30 seconds, then restart and continue driving · Depress the accelerator pedal 50% for ~5 seconds (partial acceleration) · Let off the accelerator pedal and let the car coast for ~10 seconds · Continue to drive the car normally

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.

Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line. Remedy In the event of a customer complaint and fault code in IDC control unit: U186B29 in IDC223 or fault code U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1 in IDC213 or fault code in HOSWD control unit: B1E7614 Check: Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. Please flash the new SW and perform the SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (N179/1) (available from July 2026). The software can be flashed onto all HOSWD213 with HW number A0009011522 and all HOSWD223 with HW number A0009011422. Please also flash the SW for the IDC control unit (N62/4), if possible (only applies to HOSWD223). Erase fault memory Remedy: Turn on the ignition or start the engine without touching the steering wheel. If, after 10 seconds without touching the steering wheel, one of the three fault messages appears on the instrument cluster: Check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, crimp connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage -> replace the steering wheel rim. If a yellow message does not appear on the instrument cluster within 10 seconds: Grasp the steering wheel fully with both hands, including the chrome molding at the 6 o'clock position (see picture 1). If the fault is triggered by grasping the steering wheel rim or pressing the clip at the 6 o'clock position, check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, kinked connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage: Replace the steering wheel rim. Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. A TIPS case should be created if fault profile is unclear. In the event of a customer complaint and a further fault code in HOSWD: B1E7713: Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). B1F1F04: Check the control unit of the hand detection system; if necessary, replace this with the control unit from a donor vehicle (make sure that the hardware part numbers are identical).

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).