43 of the
338 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLE 350
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
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.
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.
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.
CASE NUMBER: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 --- EMAIL EXCHANGE TEXT --- From: [XXX] Sent: 1/14/2026, 12:11 PM To: cs.usa@mercedes-benz.com Subject: Re: Message From Mercedes-Benz USA: Case Number [XXX] Dear Ken, I want to clarify that my concern is not about support for “older technology” in a general sense, but about the confirmed retirement of factory-installed emergency and crash-response systems that were standard safety equipment on my vehicle at the time of sale. As previously noted, the mbrace system on my 2018 GLE-Class includes SOS/Emergency Call and Automatic Collision Notification functionality intended to contact emergency services in the event of a crash or airbag deployment, particularly where the driver may be incapacitated. These are safety systems, not discretionary convenience features. Your replies confirm that these safety functions are being permanently disabled, that no retrofit or replacement solution exists, and that the vehicle will continue to operate without the emergency communication capability it was originally sold with. I appreciate your acknowledgment, and I am documenting Mercedes-Benz USA’s position that these safety systems have been retired with no alternative provided. Sincerely, [XXX] On Jan 14, 2026, at 09:02, Mercedes-Benz USA cs.usa@mercedes-benz.com wrote: Dear [XXX] , I’m very sorry that these older technology features have been retired. Mercedes‑Benz is currently focused on supporting our present and next‑generation technologies, which unfortunately means that the former mbrace system is no longer maintained. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I would be more than happy to assist. Best Regards, Ken C. Mercedes-Benz USA (800) 367-6372 Mercedes-Benz Customer Care, 1 Mercedes-Benz Drive. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11738453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Case: XXX My concerns has been denied and overlooked by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC multiple times since Jan 2026--interims of defective electric system causing sudden locking of steering wheel and shut down car , due to malfunctioning electric system resulting in car crash into another parked car on the street, took car to auto body shop who diagnosed gas gauge misread as empty gas tank even though tank was 3/4 full , due to this car was totally locked out when driving on the street and hit another parked car due to loss of control. i have been in communication with Mercedes and they stated car was functioning fine and there was no defect or malfunction ,which i don't agree, as a results my wife into crash and sustained injuries I need your help to resolve this issue thx [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11733079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Wire harness need to be replaces car is under 100k miles and the same issue has been recalled cla250 gla models with the same engine. Current model GLE is not under recall but has the same issue with the electrical issue “oil pump vavle connector fault” which cause engine light .
NHTSA complaint #11695606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen was black and there was no image displayed, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who indicated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11694682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle started to display failures with the air conditioning system blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken for inspection at a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures due to water entering the footwells, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air conditioning was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11685763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel pump has been failing and shutting off and has been hesitant when taking off. It can leave you stranded in the middle of the road or if you turn left in front of people the car may stall and can cause a crash. Yes and independent dealer and the dealer both know it’s a problem. I took the vehicle into a Mercedes dealer and the fuel pump had a recall on it and the dealer refused to replace it although I had a engine code that they could pull up referring them to the fuel pump and the fuel pump not priming as it should in every start up. The failure happened a few months ago and I took it in and the dealer drilled a home in the rear of my car and failed to replace the fuel pump, which was covered under the warranty. And the dealer admitted there was water in the trunk area which corroded the fuel pump.
NHTSA complaint #11685152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While driving at about 55mph on road with one lane going each way, the car engine shut off, all instrument displays went off. There was no check engine light, warning or noise. I was almost rear ended by a car behind me. The car behind me swerved barely missing me, but almost hit oncoming traffic. Once car was on side of road it would not start. I tried to jump car battery with NOCO jump starter and it did not work. Instrument display did not come on, car transmission stuck in Drive. After testing battery with digital voltmeter it showed 12.6V, but car would still not come on nor would instrument display. Car had to get towed to dealer where it's currently at being diagnosed. This was very dangerous and could have been fatal.
NHTSA complaint #11672109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that water intrusion through the sunroof had damaged the batteries. The mechanic replaced both batteries. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the water intrusion failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11662540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact initially stated that the air conditioner failed to function as needed and the vehicle was taken to dealer and was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving 70 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the burning odor was coming from the floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with contaminated filters. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11636498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There had been multiple incidents where the battery dies. We had issues where the vehicle would not start. We do not get any warning error message before this happens. We make sure all doors are closed and all lights are off. We’ve had to tow the vehicle multiple times when the battery fails. This has left us stranded on multiple occasions. In addition we have taken it for service at the Mercedes dealership and they state that there is nothing wrong with the battery or the vehicle. They have suggested to replace the battery in 2022. At the moment the vehicle does not turn on and we have to find other transportation options to get around.
NHTSA complaint #11630388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watch this report: [XXX] There was less than 1/2 a pound of refridgerant in my vehicle. The dealership - Mercedes Benz of Boerne inspected it. They extracted the refridgerant from the vehicle and hooked up leak system and monitor the gas to see if there is a leak and picked up in the center vent and the hose that goes to the vehicle's AC evaporator. There is a leak from the evaporator. This is a recurring problem that has popped up due to a recall in 2019: "The issue stems from air-conditioner drain hoses that may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the footwells may cause corrosion or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. Furthermore, the emergency call feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. And as a final consequence, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash. To fix this potentially long-reaching issue, dealers will inspect and reinstall the drain hoses, as necessary, for free. Owner notification letters will be sent May 16, but those with further questions can contact Mercedes at 800-367-6372, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11603189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.