2022 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 problems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11756224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11756224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I got gas the estimated range indicated 308 Miles. We traveled approximately 134 Miles the estimated range was at 86 Miles it was dropping rapidly but average miles indicated 26.5 MPG. The next day we added fuel again and we were at 382 Miles. Then we drove 70 miles and the fuel indicator was showing that our range only decreased 15 Miles. During the trip the range increased multiple times and between the two days we traveled we did not know how much fuel was left in the car. The first trip it showed that we burned half a tank and the second day it showed we hardly burned any gas. This particular model has Open Recall for fuel pump system issues and display software. We were afraid that we were running out out of gas and would not be able to complete our trip or run out of gas in the middle of the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11710490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When I got gas the estimated range indicated 308 Miles. We traveled approximately 134 Miles the estimated range was at 86 Miles it was dropping rapidly but average miles indicated 26.5 MPG. The next day we added fuel again and we were at 382 Miles. Then we drove 70 miles and the fuel indicator was showing that our range only decreased 15 Miles. During the trip the range increased multiple times and between the two days we traveled we did not know how much fuel was left in the car. The first trip it showed that we burned half a tank and the second day it showed we hardly burned any gas. This particular model has Open Recall for fuel pump system issues and display software. We were afraid that we were running out out of gas and would not be able to complete our trip or run out of gas in the middle of the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11710490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Check engine light came on. Called dealership on a Thursday and again on Monday after it stayed on all weekend. Was told to bring in vehicle for diagnostics and to have a ride home. Half way to the dealership the car spuddered and I had to coast to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, I restarted the vehicle and drive slowly to the dealership, barely making it it the shop. The service advisor indicated it could be the cylinder head even before running diagnostics because it had happened to numerous other customers. It was a defective cylinder head. The repair bill was over $10,000 but Mercedes offered a $3,500 assistance credit. After doing some research on the internet, this appears to be a widespread issue.

NHTSA complaint #11707431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting a few minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine while driving. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA complaint #11705385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving down the interstate at normal speed, normal road conditions, clear weather conditions when my panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded with all of the glass coming down on me and inside my vehicle. The sound was similar to a gunshot

NHTSA complaint #11704934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11692261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at 65 mph on Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91) at approximately 5:30 PM EST, the panoramic sliding sunroof panel (Mercedes-Benz part #167-780-20-00) spontaneously shattered without any impact or warning. Conditions were partly cloudy. No vehicles, debris, or construction were nearby. A loud explosive sound occurred overhead, followed by glass shards falling onto the roof and rear spoiler. The roller sunshade was open, and the operable glass section was closed. No glass entered the cabin. Startled by the sound and visible debris, I instinctively braked and swerved, almost losing control. Post-incident inspection showed a large portion of the panel was missing, and scratches and paint damage were visible behind the failure point. The vehicle was brought to a Mercedes-Benz dealership the next morning. Staff immediately acknowledged similar failures and stated they had seen and repaired multiple panoramic sunroof issues across the lineup, especially in hot weather. Although this type of failure is typically covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, it was denied due to the vehicle’s mileage (58,099). Replacement is estimated at $2,700 and is pending due to part backorder. The incident was independently confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer, an independent repair shop, an auto glass facility, and an insurance representative. The auto glass technician noted that Mercedes-Benz uses thin tempered glass rather than laminated or thicker alternatives, which may increase the risk of spontaneous failure. This failure created significant safety risks including driver distraction, potential for secondary collisions, potential injuries from airborne glass, and road debris hazards. If the operable glass section had been open, glass shards may have entered the cabin, further increasing the risk of injury to myself, other vehicle occupants, or other road users. I request that NHTSA investigate the design and failure rates of this sunroof panel and similar components.

NHTSA complaint #11689304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

While driving at 65 mph on Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91) at approximately 5:30 PM EST, the panoramic sliding sunroof panel (Mercedes-Benz part #167-780-20-00) spontaneously shattered without any impact or warning. Conditions were partly cloudy. No vehicles, debris, or construction were nearby. A loud explosive sound occurred overhead, followed by glass shards falling onto the roof and rear spoiler. The roller sunshade was open, and the operable glass section was closed. No glass entered the cabin. Startled by the sound and visible debris, I instinctively braked and swerved, almost losing control. Post-incident inspection showed a large portion of the panel was missing, and scratches and paint damage were visible behind the failure point. The vehicle was brought to a Mercedes-Benz dealership the next morning. Staff immediately acknowledged similar failures and stated they had seen and repaired multiple panoramic sunroof issues across the lineup, especially in hot weather. Although this type of failure is typically covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, it was denied due to the vehicle’s mileage (58,099). Replacement is estimated at $2,700 and is pending due to part backorder. The incident was independently confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer, an independent repair shop, an auto glass facility, and an insurance representative. The auto glass technician noted that Mercedes-Benz uses thin tempered glass rather than laminated or thicker alternatives, which may increase the risk of spontaneous failure. This failure created significant safety risks including driver distraction, potential for secondary collisions, potential injuries from airborne glass, and road debris hazards. If the operable glass section had been open, glass shards may have entered the cabin, further increasing the risk of injury to myself, other vehicle occupants, or other road users. I request that NHTSA investigate the design and failure rates of this sunroof panel and similar components.

NHTSA complaint #11689304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Check engine warning light came on. Called dealership and they could not do a remote diagnostic so they made plans to pick up the car which was about 2 weeks after the problem was alerted. See attached repair invoice. The problem was a known issue with the cylinder head compression leakage. “Removed cylinder head and disassembled to find excessive play in exhaust valve guides and abnormally worn exhaust value seats. Replaced cylinder head.” This issue impacted engine performance, including vibration and lack of acceleration. See attached letter to Mercedes which we have received no response.

NHTSA complaint #11678733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11667728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving on two occasions at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11658877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I dropped my [XXX] to a class and was driving the car to run an errand, when I experienced a sudden and total brake failure. The first couple of times I hit the brakes, it felt a little too squishy, but I could still stop the car. Within two minutes, by the time I got to the next traffic light, I was unable to stop the car. Luckily I was at low speed and was able to turn into a residential neighborhood immediately and somehow stop the vehicle within a reasonable distance. Fortunately, the street I turned into, had no cars parked nearby. This was a frightening experience and could have ended very badly for my family had we been on the freeway. Please note - My car was serviced by Park Place Mercedes in Dallas only 2 days earlier, I had not even driven it 50 miles after it was serviced, when the brakes failed on me. I had the car towed back to Park Place Mercedes in Dallas, and they told me there was an air pocket that caused this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11656143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I think the injector have problems with the fuel bumps

NHTSA complaint #11655764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

Got a notice of a recall on the Nuna Rava and was told to order a remedy kit right away. I also checked to make sure the harness was locking in place. It was not and the car seat was unsafe to use. I order the remedy kit 2 weeks ago. Was told it was sent out and kept emailing to find out the status. I finally ask to have a supervisor call me as we could not take my [XXX] son in our car anywhere. The supervisor informed me that the remedy kit was not mailed out and that they were back ordered with no ETA in the near term. Now I have a dangerous and defective car seat and the manufacturer will not reimburse me for a new one, send me a new replacement seat, or even provide me with a remedy kit in a timely manner. This is completely unacceptable and I’ve lost complete trust and confidence in this manufacturer’s ability to make a defective dangerous car seat right. The service was awful, stressful, and all together putting my [XXX] life in danger. I’m genuinely hoping that a government agency can be my last chance of hope before I have to go out and spend another $)50 on a new car seat when I just purchased this one 18 months ago. It’s unfair and the way they are treating customers in beyond negligent. Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11652426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I have a 2020 GLE 350 and today, I was turning into a parking on my right. I stopped my car, switched the cameras, so I could see the parking slot on the screen. Just when I took the right turn into the slot, the car accelerated at the same angle and jumped onto the curb. I tried hard to brake, but the brake was not working. I had the presence of mind to press the Park button on the gear lever and then the car stopped. No car damage or no injury, but it was a close call. I called 911 and the Johns Creek police helped me to get the car back in the parking lot,. A police report was not filed

NHTSA complaint #11647751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

CYLINDER HEAD. - THE CAR MISFIRES AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SLOWS DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE. THE CAR ALSO SHAKES WHILE IN IDOL MODE. YES THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. NO THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED THAT I AM AWARE OF - BUT IT SHOULD BE BECUASE I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND MERCEDES HAS SAID 2019-2022 MERCEDES HAVE CYLINDER HEAD RECALLS - IT JUST DOESN'T INCLUDE THE 350GLE MODEL WHICH IT SHOULD BECUASE THE FORUM I AM ON SHOWS THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND ALOT OF CONSUMERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. YES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES THAT HAVE A CYCLINDER HEAD ISSUE NOT JUST THE MODELS THAT HAVE LISTED NOW BECUASE THE ISSUE IS IN MORE THAN JUST THOSE VEHICLES! THE CAR POSES A ISSUE AND A SAFETY ISSUE BECUASE THE CAR CAN STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY CAUSING MAJOR SAFTEY ISSUES! I have photo's I tried to upload but it keeps giving me errors and won't let me upload to this case.

NHTSA complaint #11643905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CYLINDER HEAD. - THE CAR MISFIRES AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SLOWS DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE. THE CAR ALSO SHAKES WHILE IN IDOL MODE. YES THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. NO THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED THAT I AM AWARE OF - BUT IT SHOULD BE BECUASE I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND MERCEDES HAS SAID 2019-2022 MERCEDES HAVE CYLINDER HEAD RECALLS - IT JUST DOESN'T INCLUDE THE 350GLE MODEL WHICH IT SHOULD BECUASE THE FORUM I AM ON SHOWS THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND ALOT OF CONSUMERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. YES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES THAT HAVE A CYCLINDER HEAD ISSUE NOT JUST THE MODELS THAT HAVE LISTED NOW BECUASE THE ISSUE IS IN MORE THAN JUST THOSE VEHICLES! THE CAR POSES A ISSUE AND A SAFETY ISSUE BECUASE THE CAR CAN STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY CAUSING MAJOR SAFTEY ISSUES! I have photo's I tried to upload but it keeps giving me errors and won't let me upload to this case.

NHTSA complaint #11643905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

CYLINDER HEAD. - THE CAR MISFIRES AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SLOWS DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE. THE CAR ALSO SHAKES WHILE IN IDOL MODE. YES THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. NO THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED THAT I AM AWARE OF - BUT IT SHOULD BE BECUASE I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND MERCEDES HAS SAID 2019-2022 MERCEDES HAVE CYLINDER HEAD RECALLS - IT JUST DOESN'T INCLUDE THE 350GLE MODEL WHICH IT SHOULD BECUASE THE FORUM I AM ON SHOWS THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND ALOT OF CONSUMERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. YES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. MERCEDES SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES THAT HAVE A CYCLINDER HEAD ISSUE NOT JUST THE MODELS THAT HAVE LISTED NOW BECUASE THE ISSUE IS IN MORE THAN JUST THOSE VEHICLES! THE CAR POSES A ISSUE AND A SAFETY ISSUE BECUASE THE CAR CAN STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY CAUSING MAJOR SAFTEY ISSUES! I have photo's I tried to upload but it keeps giving me errors and won't let me upload to this case.

NHTSA complaint #11643905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving on the HWY the vehicle started to loose acceleration and make some strange noises. When I tried to give it gas I heard a loud pop and smoke starting coming out of the hood of the car and the exhaust.The car shut off in the middle of the hwy. With the moment left I got the car over 3 lanes to the shoulder. There were two of in the car that were at risk if this failure would have caused an accident. When I heard the car making noise and before the loud pop. I went through the cars on board computer to see if there were any maintenance messages or if the car had low oil or tire issues. All the on board messages were good and nothing indicated there was an issue. Then the pop and car shut down came suddenly. I had the car towed to a Mercedes dealership. The car is 10k over the standard 50k warranty. The Mercedes dealership indicated that a rod went through the engine the car needs a full engine replacement and new front axle. They asked me to provide them with proof of car maintenance which I did. The car was serviced regularly for oil changes and filter changes though with Mercedes parts. The manufacturer is unwilling to look if there is a defect that caused this since it is out warranty and wants the repairs paid out of pocket.

NHTSA complaint #11619864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving on the HWY the vehicle started to loose acceleration and make some strange noises. When I tried to give it gas I heard a loud pop and smoke starting coming out of the hood of the car and the exhaust.The car shut off in the middle of the hwy. With the moment left I got the car over 3 lanes to the shoulder. There were two of in the car that were at risk if this failure would have caused an accident. When I heard the car making noise and before the loud pop. I went through the cars on board computer to see if there were any maintenance messages or if the car had low oil or tire issues. All the on board messages were good and nothing indicated there was an issue. Then the pop and car shut down came suddenly. I had the car towed to a Mercedes dealership. The car is 10k over the standard 50k warranty. The Mercedes dealership indicated that a rod went through the engine the car needs a full engine replacement and new front axle. They asked me to provide them with proof of car maintenance which I did. The car was serviced regularly for oil changes and filter changes though with Mercedes parts. The manufacturer is unwilling to look if there is a defect that caused this since it is out warranty and wants the repairs paid out of pocket.

NHTSA complaint #11619864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Even when new several times I was unable to start the car through the app or even physically. The self driving failed, but was repaired and about 2 months ago I got a recall notice to immediately take the vehicle , stop driving it until fixed. Feldman Motors in Bloomington MN was who I immediately contacted. The man I spoke to said simply that despite the recall the dealer would not have the parts available for at least 2 months despite the letter from Mercedes stating that they were already available. He refused to schedule an appointment. I have only that vehicle and he also refused a loaner at Mercedes expense. To date I have never been contacted again but today I got another recall notice . I simply do not know what to do except complain. Another dangerous situation happened when the powered tailgate to the SUV opens for no reason and it let to the rear contents falling on the highway. I had to stop at considerable danger to myself but Feldman motors claimed that they won’t do anything unless it happened in front of them. Simply put it happens suddenly, not all the time and I obviously cannot replicate the issue in front

NHTSA complaint #11613281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving in a rainstorm, the front windshield wipers would not properly clear the windshield, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the wiper arms and wiper blades, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to abruptly even though there were no other vehicles or objects nearby, and the audible alarm erroneously activated with no other vehicles nearby. The dealer reprogrammed the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who realigned the front suspension, but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 2,731.

NHTSA complaint #11602879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving in a rainstorm, the front windshield wipers would not properly clear the windshield, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the wiper arms and wiper blades, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to abruptly even though there were no other vehicles or objects nearby, and the audible alarm erroneously activated with no other vehicles nearby. The dealer reprogrammed the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who realigned the front suspension, but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 2,731.

NHTSA complaint #11602879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.