FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 problems

Owners have filed 131 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.

F

FaultScore 87/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz GLE 350.

How this is worked out

The numbers

131

Complaints

8

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

20,520 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

68%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 55 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLE 350. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
68% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2020 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLE 350

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE 350

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 34 26.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 49,500 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 15,000 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,500 mi

Median failure at 6,615 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 4.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 79,000 mi

Brakes 6 4.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 600 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 4.6%

Median failure at 2,050 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,750 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 3.1%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 2.3%

Median failure at 32,500 miles

Airbags 3 2.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Suspension 2 1.5%

Median failure at 250 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 0.8%
Stability & Traction Control 1 0.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,000 mi

Seats 1 0.8%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.8%
Wheels 1 0.8%

Median failure at 250 miles

Tires 1 0.8%
Steering 1 0.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,000 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Emergency Braking 5 22.7%
Assist 3 13.6%
Adaptive Cruise Control 3 13.6%
Warnings 3 13.6%
Blind Spot Detection 3 13.6%
Body 2 9.1%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 2 9.1%
Warning 1 4.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 14.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 7 20.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 8 23.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 7 20.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 4 11.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 5.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 2.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2019 peak 8 Jul 2026

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Milpitas, CA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

My 2020 GLE350 met with an accident on 1/20/2023. My wife was driving this vehicle on the freeway at about 40-50mph and she rear ended a Toyota Camry that was ahead of her. Mt complaint is two fold - The airbags did not deploy - The Active Brake Assist system failed to work The collision is a major one. You can see from the pictures. The body shop, an approved vendor for my insurance Geico, has prepared an estimate for $25,487. My vehicle has been in the body shop since the day of the accident. On 1/27/23, the estimate was prepared. I have to approve it and they will start the work anytime this week. This high repair cost is an indicator of a major collision. In such a major collision, I'd expect - Airbags should have deployed. The Camry's airbag did deploy, so should have ours. My wife suffered a strong whiplash. She has severe neck, shoulder, elbow pain and headaches. She is scheduled to undergo physical therapy. If the airbags deployed, these injuries could have been avoided. - The Active Brake Assist system should have been activated during the rear end collision. It should have detected and avoided the collision. However, it failed to deploy too. Few times when I back up, this safety feature has been very useful. It will identify moving objects like pedestrians, vehicle crossing and automatically apply the brakes and prevent potential collision. However, when we needed it most, it failed to save us. The automatic braking didn't happen. There were no visual or acoustic warnings prior to the collision. One of the main reasons I bought GLE350 was for this safety feature. I am so disappointed by this catastrophic failure and questioning whether I should drive this Mercedes anymore. Because of these safety failures, I really worry about driving this vehicle and bringing to NHTSA's attention. Please investigate this safety failure. Year: 2020 Make: Mercedes Benz Model: GLE350W4 Mileage: 30K miles approximately

NHTSA complaint #11504347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milpitas, CA Crash 2 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

My 2020 GLE350 met with an accident on 1/20/2023. My wife was driving this vehicle on the freeway at about 40-50mph and she rear ended a Toyota Camry that was ahead of her. Mt complaint is two fold - The airbags did not deploy - The Active Brake Assist system failed to work The collision is a major one. You can see from the pictures. The body shop, an approved vendor for my insurance Geico, has prepared an estimate for $25,487. My vehicle has been in the body shop since the day of the accident. On 1/27/23, the estimate was prepared. I have to approve it and they will start the work anytime this week. This high repair cost is an indicator of a major collision. In such a major collision, I'd expect - Airbags should have deployed. The Camry's airbag did deploy, so should have ours. My wife suffered a strong whiplash. She has severe neck, shoulder, elbow pain and headaches. She is scheduled to undergo physical therapy. If the airbags deployed, these injuries could have been avoided. - The Active Brake Assist system should have been activated during the rear end collision. It should have detected and avoided the collision. However, it failed to deploy too. Few times when I back up, this safety feature has been very useful. It will identify moving objects like pedestrians, vehicle crossing and automatically apply the brakes and prevent potential collision. However, when we needed it most, it failed to save us. The automatic braking didn't happen. There were no visual or acoustic warnings prior to the collision. One of the main reasons I bought GLE350 was for this safety feature. I am so disappointed by this catastrophic failure and questioning whether I should drive this Mercedes anymore. Because of these safety failures, I really worry about driving this vehicle and bringing to NHTSA's attention. Please investigate this safety failure. Year: 2020 Make: Mercedes Benz Model: GLE350W4 Mileage: 30K miles approximately

NHTSA complaint #11504347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milpitas, CA Crash 2 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My 2020 GLE350 met with an accident on 1/20/2023. My wife was driving this vehicle on the freeway at about 40-50mph and she rear ended a Toyota Camry that was ahead of her. Mt complaint is two fold - The airbags did not deploy - The Active Brake Assist system failed to work The collision is a major one. You can see from the pictures. The body shop, an approved vendor for my insurance Geico, has prepared an estimate for $25,487. My vehicle has been in the body shop since the day of the accident. On 1/27/23, the estimate was prepared. I have to approve it and they will start the work anytime this week. This high repair cost is an indicator of a major collision. In such a major collision, I'd expect - Airbags should have deployed. The Camry's airbag did deploy, so should have ours. My wife suffered a strong whiplash. She has severe neck, shoulder, elbow pain and headaches. She is scheduled to undergo physical therapy. If the airbags deployed, these injuries could have been avoided. - The Active Brake Assist system should have been activated during the rear end collision. It should have detected and avoided the collision. However, it failed to deploy too. Few times when I back up, this safety feature has been very useful. It will identify moving objects like pedestrians, vehicle crossing and automatically apply the brakes and prevent potential collision. However, when we needed it most, it failed to save us. The automatic braking didn't happen. There were no visual or acoustic warnings prior to the collision. One of the main reasons I bought GLE350 was for this safety feature. I am so disappointed by this catastrophic failure and questioning whether I should drive this Mercedes anymore. Because of these safety failures, I really worry about driving this vehicle and bringing to NHTSA's attention. Please investigate this safety failure. Year: 2020 Make: Mercedes Benz Model: GLE350W4 Mileage: 30K miles approximately

NHTSA complaint #11504347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bonita Springs, FL Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

The Brakes Failed - At Mercedes Dealership for Over a Month My Wife could have been killed on the highway going 70MPH with no brakes The car was towed by Mercedes over a month ago and never returned. No one will talk to me. Mercedes will not speak with me. Nor have they contacted the dealer - Letter Enclosed No warning - Just brake failure. Prior to that we got a "Your cameras are not working message" a week prior and the car would warn you another car was there. But there was no car.

NHTSA complaint #11479258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bonita Springs, FL Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The Brakes Failed - At Mercedes Dealership for Over a Month My Wife could have been killed on the highway going 70MPH with no brakes The car was towed by Mercedes over a month ago and never returned. No one will talk to me. Mercedes will not speak with me. Nor have they contacted the dealer - Letter Enclosed No warning - Just brake failure. Prior to that we got a "Your cameras are not working message" a week prior and the car would warn you another car was there. But there was no car.

NHTSA complaint #11479258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peyton, CO Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When my wife got into vehicle first thing in the morning after it sitting all night in the garage, she smelled a foul smell. As she was driving, she opened all the windows to dissipate the smell and turned in the heater because wit was cold that morning. After about ten to twelve minutes of driving, she noticed the check engine light came on and the car started shaking. She pulled over and exited vehicle. As soon as she got out the vehicle started smoking and caught fire. The vehicle is a total loss.

NHTSA complaint #11435476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Long Beach, CA

ENGINE

I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.

NHTSA complaint #11753409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.

NHTSA complaint #11753409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manhattan Beach, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The a/c unit failed and is available for inspection upon request. Being in an over-heated car can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. I was nauseous and dizzy while driving, putting myself and my passengers at risk. Upon taking my car to a independent service dealer, it was revealed that their is a leak and the evaporator must be replaced. It has not been inspected by a Mercedes dealer yet. No warning messages.

NHTSA complaint #11748669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area

NHTSA complaint #11746844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, IL

ENGINE

Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area

NHTSA complaint #11746844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rossmoor, CA

ENGINE

The engine in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced catastrophic internal failure while driving. No warning lights or check engine indicators came on. Prior to failure, the vehicle began making a loud metallic knocking/rattling sound during acceleration, similar to “rocks shaking in a box.” Shortly afterward, the engine suddenly stalled while driving and would no longer run. The vehicle still had electrical power but the engine would not restart. The vehicle was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas for inspection. The dealer diagnosed the engine as seized and documented metal debris in the oil filter and oil/metal debris underneath the vehicle, indicating catastrophic internal engine damage. The dealer stated that the engine replacement was required.The failed engine and vehicle are currently located at Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas and are available for inspection upon request.The vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven on a public roadway, causing sudden loss of engine power and creating a potentially dangerous traffic situation. The violent shaking and knocking before failure also caused concern that the vehicle could lose control or stop operating completely in traffic, which it ultimately did. A sudden engine seizure and stall while driving creates a significant safety hazard because the driver may lose the ability to accelerate, maneuver safely, or clear traffic. This could increase the risk of collision, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic conditions. Mercedes-Benz of Las Vegas inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The dealer documented that the engine was seized and that metal debris was found in the oil filter and underneath the vehicle. The dealer advised that the engine required replacement and provided an estimated repair cost exceeding $27,000. The dealer has not yet identified the root cause of the failure. No dashboard warning lights, oil pressure warnings, or check engine lights illuminated.

NHTSA complaint #11740729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Leandro, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and respectfully requesting review of a serious infotainment and electronic system failure that occurred at approximately 49,000 miles. Prior to the failure of the MBUX infotainment system, the vehicle began exhibiting abnormal electrical behavior. On multiple occasions, the right headlight remained illuminated even after the vehicle had been completely turned off and locked. The only temporary way to resolve this was to restart the vehicle and shut it down again. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery was very low and required charging. Soon after these electrical issues appeared, the MBUX infotainment system became stuck on the Mercedes-Benz startup logo screen and has remained nonfunctional since. Although the backup camera still partially functions, the infotainment system itself will not boot properly or operate normally. The authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership documented the following diagnostic fault codes: • B14D913 – Internal hard disk malfunction/open circuit • B14F900 – Internal hard disk full According to the dealership service report, guided tests, MOST ring reset procedures, and hard resets of the control unit were all performed without resolving the issue. The dealership ultimately recommended complete replacement of the MBUX head unit at a very significant cost. This situation is especially concerning because the vehicle has relatively low mileage, has been properly maintained, and recently underwent Service B and 12V battery replacement through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership immediately after the battery warning appeared. A major infotainment head unit/internal storage failure at this mileage is not something we reasonably expected from a luxury vehicle. While researching this issue further, I discovered numerous online reports from other Mercedes-Benz owners — particularly owners of 2020–2023 GLE models —

NHTSA complaint #11739765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynchburg, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son’s graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. A few days later we found a 2nd tow truck that agreed to bring the vehicle several hundreds of miles back to our home city. This car is a 2020 model, and has around 55,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained by a certified Mercedes mechanic. There were no issues with the car and no indication that there might be a problem. Our mechanic has thoroughly inspected the vehicle and said that the engine has completely seized and the only option is to replace it. We have no idea why this happened. If requested, the vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11739738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynchburg, VA

ENGINE

We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son’s graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. A few days later we found a 2nd tow truck that agreed to bring the vehicle several hundreds of miles back to our home city. This car is a 2020 model, and has around 55,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained by a certified Mercedes mechanic. There were no issues with the car and no indication that there might be a problem. Our mechanic has thoroughly inspected the vehicle and said that the engine has completely seized and the only option is to replace it. We have no idea why this happened. If requested, the vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11739738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynchburg, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We were traveling to our son’s college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle’s warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son’s graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. A few days later we found a 2nd tow truck that agreed to bring the vehicle several hundreds of miles back to our home city. This car is a 2020 model, and has around 55,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained by a certified Mercedes mechanic. There were no issues with the car and no indication that there might be a problem. Our mechanic has thoroughly inspected the vehicle and said that the engine has completely seized and the only option is to replace it. We have no idea why this happened. If requested, the vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11739738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suwanee, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 due to what appears to be a significant air conditioning refrigerant leak. The vehicle rapidly loses refrigerant shortly after being recharged. When the system is operating, a loud seeping/hissing sound can be heard from the HVAC system area, followed by complete loss of cold air within a very short period of time. This issue appears to indicate a major refrigerant system failure and raises concerns about potential defects in the evaporator, condenser, hoses, or related AC components. The leak rate is excessive and ongoing. I am concerned this may be a broader manufacturing defect impacting other Mercedes GLE vehicles. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure occurred under normal operating conditions. Given the frequency of similar complaints online involving Mercedes HVAC refrigerant leaks and evaporator failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation for a potential recall or manufacturer accountability. The failure impacts driver and passenger comfort and visibility in humid or high-temperature conditions due to inability to properly defog windows. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety and defect trends affecting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE platform.

NHTSA complaint #11738600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suwanee, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 due to what appears to be a significant air conditioning refrigerant leak. The vehicle rapidly loses refrigerant shortly after being recharged. When the system is operating, a loud seeping/hissing sound can be heard from the HVAC system area, followed by complete loss of cold air within a very short period of time. This issue appears to indicate a major refrigerant system failure and raises concerns about potential defects in the evaporator, condenser, hoses, or related AC components. The leak rate is excessive and ongoing. I am concerned this may be a broader manufacturing defect impacting other Mercedes GLE vehicles. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure occurred under normal operating conditions. Given the frequency of similar complaints online involving Mercedes HVAC refrigerant leaks and evaporator failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation for a potential recall or manufacturer accountability. The failure impacts driver and passenger comfort and visibility in humid or high-temperature conditions due to inability to properly defog windows. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety and defect trends affecting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE platform.

NHTSA complaint #11738600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pawtucket, RI

POWER TRAIN

Transmission keeps going into neutral when you put into drive or reverse

NHTSA complaint #11737136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glastonbury, CT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The glass between windshield and panoramic sunroof has 2 cracks starting on the drivers side and continuing all the way across to the passenger side. we dont recall an objects hitting the glass.

NHTSA complaint #11729450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Blythewood, SC

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The sunroof cover was not opened. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the sunroof glass had shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11721031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Naples, FL

ENGINE

Cooling system failure due to cracked coolant line beneath intake manifold at 57,000 miles. Part # 264-200-42-01. Sudden coolant loss can cause engine overheating and potential engine stall while driving, posing safety risks. The original part was plastic and has been superseded by manufacturer to metal, suggesting design inadequacy. This was confirmed by Mercedes Benz dealership and also by MB USA. There have been multiple reports by other owners online, indicating this has been a common problem on a 2020 GLE 350. There was also an article in Jan 2022 stating that Mercedes had sent a letter to 800,000 owners informing them of a defect, but no there was no recall due to part shortage. https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2022/01/05/648140.htm Yes, dealership has diagnosed it and confirmed this is the problem. There was a warning lamp/message stating low coolant level, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the dealership. Car has been serviced regularly at the Mercedes dealership. Strong risk of overheating.

NHTSA complaint #11717671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suffern, NY

POWER TRAIN

After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing my safety at risk. I was required to keep my foot on the brake and ultimately place the vehicle in the park position. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. Following diagnostic testing, the dealership confirmed a transmission solenoid valve fault in the control unit and recommended replacement of the transmission valve body and park pawl solenoid, along with a transmission service. The condition was confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning messages, indicator lights, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure.

NHTSA complaint #11707704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suffern, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing my safety at risk. I was required to keep my foot on the brake and ultimately place the vehicle in the park position. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. Following diagnostic testing, the dealership confirmed a transmission solenoid valve fault in the control unit and recommended replacement of the transmission valve body and park pawl solenoid, along with a transmission service. The condition was confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning messages, indicator lights, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure.

NHTSA complaint #11707704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suffern, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing my safety at risk. I was required to keep my foot on the brake and ultimately place the vehicle in the park position. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealership. Following diagnostic testing, the dealership confirmed a transmission solenoid valve fault in the control unit and recommended replacement of the transmission valve body and park pawl solenoid, along with a transmission service. The condition was confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning messages, indicator lights, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure.

NHTSA complaint #11707704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Weston, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2020 GLE 350 first displayed a problem with left indicator on front left hand head lamp. I took an appointment with my Mercedes dealer for repair. Then it started showing all kinds of safety problems on the screen -like blind spot monitoring, collision warning etc not working. I parked it in my garage, shut off the engine, locked it and in a couple minutes, it started a blower like sound. I called Mercedes service center and described the problem. They sent a tow truck. While waiting for tow truck, the blower would automatically start every 3 to 4 minutes in a standing, switched off car which can be very dangerous. After diagnostics the authorized service center found the root cause to be a worn out seal which let condensation in the lamp assembly and the water entered in the electrical module. I have taken up the issue with Mercedes corporate. While they are investigating, I wanted to file this complaint so that if there are similar complaints in this model, it may be a manufacturing defect that needs a recall to fix the bad sealing

NHTSA complaint #11707529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Weston, CT

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

My 2020 GLE 350 first displayed a problem with left indicator on front left hand head lamp. I took an appointment with my Mercedes dealer for repair. Then it started showing all kinds of safety problems on the screen -like blind spot monitoring, collision warning etc not working. I parked it in my garage, shut off the engine, locked it and in a couple minutes, it started a blower like sound. I called Mercedes service center and described the problem. They sent a tow truck. While waiting for tow truck, the blower would automatically start every 3 to 4 minutes in a standing, switched off car which can be very dangerous. After diagnostics the authorized service center found the root cause to be a worn out seal which let condensation in the lamp assembly and the water entered in the electrical module. I have taken up the issue with Mercedes corporate. While they are investigating, I wanted to file this complaint so that if there are similar complaints in this model, it may be a manufacturing defect that needs a recall to fix the bad sealing

NHTSA complaint #11707529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Weston, CT

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

My 2020 GLE 350 first displayed a problem with left indicator on front left hand head lamp. I took an appointment with my Mercedes dealer for repair. Then it started showing all kinds of safety problems on the screen -like blind spot monitoring, collision warning etc not working. I parked it in my garage, shut off the engine, locked it and in a couple minutes, it started a blower like sound. I called Mercedes service center and described the problem. They sent a tow truck. While waiting for tow truck, the blower would automatically start every 3 to 4 minutes in a standing, switched off car which can be very dangerous. After diagnostics the authorized service center found the root cause to be a worn out seal which let condensation in the lamp assembly and the water entered in the electrical module. I have taken up the issue with Mercedes corporate. While they are investigating, I wanted to file this complaint so that if there are similar complaints in this model, it may be a manufacturing defect that needs a recall to fix the bad sealing

NHTSA complaint #11707529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Elgin, SC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was idling low. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to a NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11704672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Navarre, FL

ENGINE

Cylinder head is defective and needs replacing. It is at the dealer for service at the tune of $7700. The car will not accelerate and sounds like it is in the wrong gear. Upon searching the Internet it seems like there are tons as in 1000’s of 2020, 2021 and 2023 Mercedes GLE 350s all having the same problem. There should be a recall as most cars are seeing this problem at 20,000 to 30,000 miles and at times when it is replaced, it turns around and happens again. Starting misfiring in October and continued to get worse.

NHTSA complaint #11701359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Simi Valley, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The main multimedia screen in the car has failed and is malfunctioning. Rear view parking camera only works some of the time. No access to temperature control. No access to navigation. No access to multimedia. The lack of functioning camera system has put myself and others at risk during parking and driving. This has been reported as a recall in the past (NHTSA 21V354, MBUSA Campaign 2021080009) and has been reportedly completed. My concern is that this repair/fix dis not sufficiently address the root of this issue and now the problem has returned.

NHTSA complaint #11699182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.