RoadVitals

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350D

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Jan 18, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 11, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350D, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 107 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine342.9%
  • Fuel system228.6%
  • Brakes114.3%
  • Driver assistance114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Apr 11, 2017
58,323 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
The risk: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2017050013View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Dec 15, 2016
47,799 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.
The risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2016120004View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2025

Multiple engine ignition coils have failed on this low mileage vehicle. History of failures are as followed. 1/18/2022 Mileage 39,246 Ignition Coil #4 6/16/2022 Mileage 40,915 Ignition Coil #2 3/16/2023 Mileage 43,866 Ignition Coil #6 and #2 4/23/2023 Mileage 44,275 Ignition Coil #1 1/15/2025 Mileage 51,560 Ignition Coil #4 Mercedes Benz advises immediate shutdown and service to prevent total engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11636782
Incident
Jan 18, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 22, 2021

MY 2016 MB GLE 350 WITH 57750 MILES STALLED IN THE DRIVE THRU LANE AT STARBUCKS. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES. NOTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. RE-STARTED THE ENGINE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE HOME. VECHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. TOWED TO MB DEALER. THIS WAS THEIR ASSESSMENT: VERIFIED COMPLIANT. CONNECTED SDS AND RAN SHORT TEST. FOUND FAULT CODES FOR FUEL PUMP TO HAVE OPEN CIRCUIT & SHORT CIRCUIT. CHECKED POWER AT CONNECTOR TO FUEL PUMP TO FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT. NO PWM SIGNAL FOUND COMING FROM FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT. CHECKED FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT. FOUND FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT WET DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO BACK OF VECH. PERFORMED WATER LEAK TEST. FOUND WATER SLOWLY LEAKING INSIDE OF REAR HATCH AT BOTTOM OF MIDDLE SECTION OF REAR HATCH. TO START RECOMMEND REPLACING REAR HATCH SEAL, RECHECKING TO SEE IF WATER LEAK HAS BEEN STOPPED THEN REPLACING FAULTY FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE (IF LEAK HAS BEEN CORRECTED INSIDE OF VECH AND WET ITEMS WILL NEED TO BE AIR DRIED) 4.50 HOURS LABOR. COST $1106.90 TOTAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE 5 OTHER SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE FOR THE EXACT SCENARIO. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE EXITING A SHOPPING MALL ON A BUSY SATURDAY WHEN THE TRAFFIC WAS SLOW AND DESPITE THE LARGE NUMBERS OF VECHICLE SURROUNDING US WE WERE NOT INJURIED. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED SHOULD THIS HAVE OCCURRED AT A HIGHER SPEED OR IF WE HAD CROSSED THE INTERSECTION. MAY HAVE BEEN DEADLY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION THOROUGHLY AS THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY WATER OR MOISTURE ENTERING THE VECHICLE IN ANY FASHION. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM WOULD BE EXPOSED TO WATER OR MOISTURE SUCH THAT IT WOULD BECOME INCAPACITATED ABRUPTLY. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS CONCERN SO THAT OTHERS MAY NOT BE INJURIED.

NHTSA ID
11404284
Incident
Mar 22, 2021
Mileage
57,750 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2021

OUR 2016 GLE350 WITH 67K MILES STALLED AT 5:45 P.M. ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH HIGH TRAFFIC VOLUME. THERE WAS NO INDICATION BEFORE STALLING EXCEPT A RAPID LOSS OF POWER AND DOWNSHIFTING. IT WAS DUSK AND THE VEHICLE STALLED PARTIALLY IN LANE AS THERE WAS NO ROOM WITH WATER DRAINAGE DITCH. DEALER IDENTIFIED A SEAL IN THE LIFT GATE BEING DEFECTIVE ALLOWING WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA IN PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL PUMP. FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING. DEALER SHARED MERCEDES WOULD NOT ADDRESS NOR COVER THE $1600 COST TO REPAIR. WHAT VEHICLE ACCUMULATES ENOUGH WATER TO FILL A SPARE TIRE AREA AND IT OVERFLOWS SHORT OUT A NEARBY FUEL PUMP MODULE AND SOAKING THE INSULATION OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND SERVICED AS DETERMINED BY THE ON BOARD COMPUTER. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE IN THAT IF WE HAD BEEN ON A FREEWAY THERE IS NO WARING AND THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER QUICKLY LEAVING NO ROOM TO MOVE OUT OF HARMS WAY.

NHTSA ID
11399214
Incident
Feb 27, 2021
Mileage
67,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 12, 2021

WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED EVERY TIME, THE MESSAGE "COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE. CHECK THE MANUAL" IS APPEARING. THERE ARE NO KNOWN DAMAGES AND IT APPEARED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AFTER PARKING(IN STATIONARY). NO KNOWN CAUSES FOR DAMAGE OF THE SENSOR. DEALER IS ASKING FOR CHECKING THE ISSUE $157 AND MOSTLY SAYS IT IS A SOFTWARE GLITCH. WHY AS A CUSTOMER I SHOULD PAY FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT?

NHTSA ID
11387667
Incident
Dec 30, 2020
Mileage
5 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 1, 2020

MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED BRAKE FLUID CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO BE SOFT AND HIT THE FLOOR.

NHTSA ID
11352671
Incident
Aug 29, 2020
Mileage
40,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2020

WHITE SMOKE DURING STARTUP

NHTSA ID
11318956
Incident
Mar 10, 2020

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

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).

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

LI82.85-P-080507

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"

PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/22

POWER TRAIN; STRUCTURE:BODY

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, 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 no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned 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.

PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/15

POWER TRAIN; SUSPENSION

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 no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.