2020 Mercedes Benz GLE 450 problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle was in for a normal service to have the spark plugs replaced. However I was told that the engine wiring harness had become brittle (apparently a common and reoccurring problem with my vehicle) and would likely cause misfiring after changing spark plugs. This did indeed happen and if I didn’t elect to have the harness replaced, it would have put myself and my son in danger. It was a very costly repair (over $4000) for something that the vehicle manufacturer is at fault for.

NHTSA complaint #11732609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle was in for a normal service to have the spark plugs replaced. However I was told that the engine wiring harness had become brittle (apparently a common and reoccurring problem with my vehicle) and would likely cause misfiring after changing spark plugs. This did indeed happen and if I didn’t elect to have the harness replaced, it would have put myself and my son in danger. It was a very costly repair (over $4000) for something that the vehicle manufacturer is at fault for.

NHTSA complaint #11732609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine compartment heat causes wiring harness insulation to melt and Electrical shorting while driving. Engine has lack of power and acceleration due to heat damage to the engine harness. Check Engine light came on. This is a potential fire risk and should be address by MBUSA. This is a know issue with this model. Car has only 36,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11716779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine compartment heat causes wiring harness insulation to melt and Electrical shorting while driving. Engine has lack of power and acceleration due to heat damage to the engine harness. Check Engine light came on. This is a potential fire risk and should be address by MBUSA. This is a know issue with this model. Car has only 36,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11716779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has already issued Recall No. 23V177000 (March 2023) for improperly installed A/C drain hoses in 2020–2021 GLE/GLS models, which created water intrusion, electrical shorts, fire risk, and failures of critical systems (eCall, unlocking, limp mode). In addition, a Mercedes-Benz Technical Bulletin dated August 5, 2024 (NHTSA MC-11000597-0001) specifically identifies evaporator refrigerant leaks as a frequent cause of A/C failure. Safety Concerns Loss of cabin cooling in hot weather poses risk of driver fatigue or heat-related illness. Defogging/defrosting may fail in humid conditions, creating visibility hazards. Prior related A/C defects have been tied to short circuits and electrical risks. Consumer Impact This defect has created significant hardship. The A/C failure occurred far earlier than expected for a premium vehicle, leaving me with high out-of-pocket repair estimates. The lack of cooling makes the car unsafe and uncomfortable to drive in hot weather, and the inability to properly defog/defrost windows compromises visibility. I purchased a Mercedes-Benz with the expectation of reliability and safety, and this known defect has undermined that trust. Requested Action Mercedes-Benz should cover the repair costs for affected vehicles, and NHTSA should investigate whether an expanded recall is necessary to include A/C evaporator refrigerant leaks as part of the broader HVAC system defect.

NHTSA complaint #11696116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has already issued Recall No. 23V177000 (March 2023) for improperly installed A/C drain hoses in 2020–2021 GLE/GLS models, which created water intrusion, electrical shorts, fire risk, and failures of critical systems (eCall, unlocking, limp mode). In addition, a Mercedes-Benz Technical Bulletin dated August 5, 2024 (NHTSA MC-11000597-0001) specifically identifies evaporator refrigerant leaks as a frequent cause of A/C failure. Safety Concerns Loss of cabin cooling in hot weather poses risk of driver fatigue or heat-related illness. Defogging/defrosting may fail in humid conditions, creating visibility hazards. Prior related A/C defects have been tied to short circuits and electrical risks. Consumer Impact This defect has created significant hardship. The A/C failure occurred far earlier than expected for a premium vehicle, leaving me with high out-of-pocket repair estimates. The lack of cooling makes the car unsafe and uncomfortable to drive in hot weather, and the inability to properly defog/defrost windows compromises visibility. I purchased a Mercedes-Benz with the expectation of reliability and safety, and this known defect has undermined that trust. Requested Action Mercedes-Benz should cover the repair costs for affected vehicles, and NHTSA should investigate whether an expanded recall is necessary to include A/C evaporator refrigerant leaks as part of the broader HVAC system defect.

NHTSA complaint #11696116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread defect. NHTSA has already issued Recall No. 23V177000 (March 2023) for improperly installed A/C drain hoses in 2020–2021 GLE/GLS models, which created water intrusion, electrical shorts, fire risk, and failures of critical systems (eCall, unlocking, limp mode). In addition, a Mercedes-Benz Technical Bulletin dated August 5, 2024 (NHTSA MC-11000597-0001) specifically identifies evaporator refrigerant leaks as a frequent cause of A/C failure. Safety Concerns Loss of cabin cooling in hot weather poses risk of driver fatigue or heat-related illness. Defogging/defrosting may fail in humid conditions, creating visibility hazards. Prior related A/C defects have been tied to short circuits and electrical risks. Consumer Impact This defect has created significant hardship. The A/C failure occurred far earlier than expected for a premium vehicle, leaving me with high out-of-pocket repair estimates. The lack of cooling makes the car unsafe and uncomfortable to drive in hot weather, and the inability to properly defog/defrost windows compromises visibility. I purchased a Mercedes-Benz with the expectation of reliability and safety, and this known defect has undermined that trust. Requested Action Mercedes-Benz should cover the repair costs for affected vehicles, and NHTSA should investigate whether an expanded recall is necessary to include A/C evaporator refrigerant leaks as part of the broader HVAC system defect.

NHTSA complaint #11696116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both left and right headlamp/turn signal/marker light assemblies and control modules have been replaced. One under warranty in 2023, the second in 2025. Infotainment system displays error messages Messages may increase as assembly/control module becomes increasingly dysfunctional.

NHTSA complaint #11683243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The rear shock absorbers have failed on my vehicle. The vehicle makes sounds when going over bumps in the road. There is an active recall on other GLE 2020 450 models but not my specific VIN. The vehicle has less then 30,000 miles on it before the shock absorbers went out.

NHTSA complaint #11672426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

48V battery issue cause the car not able to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11650369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water intrusion. It rained, water leaked into driver seat floor. The water then made it to the electrical parts underneath the driver seat. This seems identical to the recall I am seeing online with the number: 23V-177

NHTSA complaint #11628758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Water intrusion. It rained, water leaked into driver seat floor. The water then made it to the electrical parts underneath the driver seat. This seems identical to the recall I am seeing online with the number: 23V-177

NHTSA complaint #11628758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable. The message "Active parking Assist and Parktronic inoperative - See Operator's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wiring harness had experienced an electrical short due to water entry underneath the floorboard. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not available. The failure mileage was 26,994.

NHTSA complaint #11607283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable. The message "Active parking Assist and Parktronic inoperative - See Operator's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wiring harness had experienced an electrical short due to water entry underneath the floorboard. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not available. The failure mileage was 26,994.

NHTSA complaint #11607283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

This is a known issue with GLE 450 48v batteries over heating and causing loss of power and all function to control the vehicle. , For an unknown reason my vehicle was not part of a recent recall and probably should have been. I experienced the issue today and escaped tragedy. My battery light came on, then off, then a bright red battery light came on across the dashboard…then all of a sudden, my car lost all power with no warning. All while driving on the freeway 394! Luckily traffic was light and I was able to coast halfway up an off ramp. Then I got an overheating message. Reports show all cars were recalled, however mine wasn’t part of the recall!! I would like an investigation to include all cars in the years and models not just some of them.

NHTSA complaint #11603504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This past week, I went to the dealer for an intermittent engine light issue. The problem was minor and was fixed (faulty charcoal sensor). I asked to have my spark plugs replaced as well. The service department called me, and said that the engine harness is brittle and if they accessed.. it could break. This was not considered an immediate issue. Quote was $7300 to replace it. This seemed like a defect rather than an standard wear issue (even though I drive a lot, @ 170K highway miles). My car drives like new, and has had no major issues whatsover. In fact, it is only now that I need to have my rotors replaced. Had I not mentioned that I wanted new spark plugs, the issue would not have came up during the service. I hope that you can look into this, as other Mercedes GLE 450 owners make have the same issue as I. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11583127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

There were two incidents that had similar symptoms: one before the dealership said they fixed and one afterwards. The issue is that while driving I would get three warning, all at the same time: coolant too hot, 48v battery malfunction, shut the engine off. The first time it happened immediately after I turned on the vehicle and within 5 minutes of leaving a parking lot. The second time it happened after about 3 hours of driving at highway speeds. After the first time it happened dealership said they fixed the issue by upgrading the software (battery software?). Both times it happened on the highway. The first time on the uphill, and vehicle immediately shut off and could not make it up the ramp. The second time in the tunnel on the flat road, could not make it to the exit. Both times created extremely dangerous situation as I had no time to take the exit and vehicle shut off about 30 seconds after warning popped up. The second time in the tunnel was especially dangerous as there was no shoulder and i had to stop in the middle of the right lane as cars were going at 60 mph by me. I was really worried for myself and my family. I have to trust that Mercedes is capable of fixing the issue and providing a reliable vehicle I can depend on and trust for the safety of my family.

NHTSA complaint #11575432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There were two incidents that had similar symptoms: one before the dealership said they fixed and one afterwards. The issue is that while driving I would get three warning, all at the same time: coolant too hot, 48v battery malfunction, shut the engine off. The first time it happened immediately after I turned on the vehicle and within 5 minutes of leaving a parking lot. The second time it happened after about 3 hours of driving at highway speeds. After the first time it happened dealership said they fixed the issue by upgrading the software (battery software?). Both times it happened on the highway. The first time on the uphill, and vehicle immediately shut off and could not make it up the ramp. The second time in the tunnel on the flat road, could not make it to the exit. Both times created extremely dangerous situation as I had no time to take the exit and vehicle shut off about 30 seconds after warning popped up. The second time in the tunnel was especially dangerous as there was no shoulder and i had to stop in the middle of the right lane as cars were going at 60 mph by me. I was really worried for myself and my family. I have to trust that Mercedes is capable of fixing the issue and providing a reliable vehicle I can depend on and trust for the safety of my family.

NHTSA complaint #11575432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There were two incidents that had similar symptoms: one before the dealership said they fixed and one afterwards. The issue is that while driving I would get three warning, all at the same time: coolant too hot, 48v battery malfunction, shut the engine off. The first time it happened immediately after I turned on the vehicle and within 5 minutes of leaving a parking lot. The second time it happened after about 3 hours of driving at highway speeds. After the first time it happened dealership said they fixed the issue by upgrading the software (battery software?). Both times it happened on the highway. The first time on the uphill, and vehicle immediately shut off and could not make it up the ramp. The second time in the tunnel on the flat road, could not make it to the exit. Both times created extremely dangerous situation as I had no time to take the exit and vehicle shut off about 30 seconds after warning popped up. The second time in the tunnel was especially dangerous as there was no shoulder and i had to stop in the middle of the right lane as cars were going at 60 mph by me. I was really worried for myself and my family. I have to trust that Mercedes is capable of fixing the issue and providing a reliable vehicle I can depend on and trust for the safety of my family.

NHTSA complaint #11575432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in traffic, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated along with the message to "Do not Drive Vehicle". The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank and fuel delivery module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V572000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 29,201.

NHTSA complaint #11562001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

I receive a passenger airbag warning message every time I start the vehicle. Took to Mercedes dealer 2/10/2023 and they diagnosed the airbag problem as being caused due to the failure of the weight sensor in the passenger seat. NO ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled (vehicle is still under factory warranty period). Have returned the vehicle to the dealer again on 4/20/2023 and 5/30/3023 to try and expedite a fix but both times was told there was no ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled. I opened an escalation with Mercedes Benz USA (ERM - Executive Referral Management team) on 7/7/2023 and they called the Mercedes dealer to confirm the airbag issue and tie to the bad weight sensor in the seat. The dealer re-confirmed with Mercedes Benz USA that they do not have an ETA to fix the passenger seat weight sensor, hence no way to fix the airbag malfunction. As I submit this on 8/14/2023 I still do not have a functioning passenger airbag and no ETA to get this issue resolved, despite trying for over 6 months. This has and continues to pose an incredible safety concern for passengers that ride in this vehicle as the airbag won't deploy if in an accident. Another unintended consequence is that the chime/ding to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt is disabled as it's also tied to the malfunctioning weight sensor in the seat. This is my only vehicle and I don't have any alternatives given I cannot sell this vehicle without a working airbag.

NHTSA complaint #11538406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

I receive a passenger airbag warning message every time I start the vehicle. Took to Mercedes dealer 2/10/2023 and they diagnosed the airbag problem as being caused due to the failure of the weight sensor in the passenger seat. NO ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled (vehicle is still under factory warranty period). Have returned the vehicle to the dealer again on 4/20/2023 and 5/30/3023 to try and expedite a fix but both times was told there was no ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled. I opened an escalation with Mercedes Benz USA (ERM - Executive Referral Management team) on 7/7/2023 and they called the Mercedes dealer to confirm the airbag issue and tie to the bad weight sensor in the seat. The dealer re-confirmed with Mercedes Benz USA that they do not have an ETA to fix the passenger seat weight sensor, hence no way to fix the airbag malfunction. As I submit this on 8/14/2023 I still do not have a functioning passenger airbag and no ETA to get this issue resolved, despite trying for over 6 months. This has and continues to pose an incredible safety concern for passengers that ride in this vehicle as the airbag won't deploy if in an accident. Another unintended consequence is that the chime/ding to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt is disabled as it's also tied to the malfunctioning weight sensor in the seat. This is my only vehicle and I don't have any alternatives given I cannot sell this vehicle without a working airbag.

NHTSA complaint #11538406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1. After coming to a stop, foot placed on the pedal to accelerate through a neighborhood security gate, the car would not accelerate despite how hard I depressed the gas pedal. After approximately 3-4 seconds the car finally accelerated. 2. When coming to a stop the vehicle has a very hard “clunk” in the transmission to stop. Vehicle was taken to the dealership but they could not replicate the problem at the time so car was given back to me with “non replicable” issues.

NHTSA complaint #11488292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. After coming to a stop, foot placed on the pedal to accelerate through a neighborhood security gate, the car would not accelerate despite how hard I depressed the gas pedal. After approximately 3-4 seconds the car finally accelerated. 2. When coming to a stop the vehicle has a very hard “clunk” in the transmission to stop. Vehicle was taken to the dealership but they could not replicate the problem at the time so car was given back to me with “non replicable” issues.

NHTSA complaint #11488292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1. FIRST MESSAGE: 48V BATTERY MALFUNCTION 2. SECOND MESSAGE: STOP THE VEHICLE COOLANT IS NOT WORKING VEHICLE IS OVERHEATING. 3. LOST POWER, I COULD ONLY DRIVE 10 MILES PER HOUR. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A SEMI TRUCK. THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE OCCURRENCES REPORTING THESE SAME MESSAGES. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN A VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. MERCEDES AWARE OF A BULLETIN WITH THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11476213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.