26 of the
122 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLE 450
are about the engine —
21% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
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 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.
My wife was driving on [XXX] going ~70mph. Without warning the engine shut down and the vehicle decelerated. A message popped up saying “48 volt malfunction”. A google search indicated the car should not be driven as it could result in a fire. Note the Mercedes dealer in Centerville Ohio completed recall campaign: 2024040002 in May, 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11637585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway, restarted the vehicle, and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After driving the car about 5 miles at about 10 miles per hour while decelerating the transmission shifted into neutral requiring me to need to pull over to the side of the road, put the car in park, turn it off and back on again, this has now happened 3 times in the span of about 1 week.
NHTSA complaint #11588071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Vehicle fails to accelerate when the accelerator is pushed all the way to the floor. Maximum acceleration is 20-25 mph. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is greatly put at risk in normal traffic conditions due to the inability to accelerate. I am also unable to drive on the highway or anywhere requiring higher rates of speed. I am also unable to quickly remove myself from a dangerous traffic situation where acceleration is required. The dealer confirmed the problem but has been dishonest about the source of the problem and whether it has truly been repaired. First they said it was a software problem that they could not fix. Then they said it was a hardware problem. They replaced the hardware, but have never confirmed that it was not also a software problem. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. The engine light came on. This first appeared about 3 days before the problem started.
NHTSA complaint #11559494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine does while driving; when accelerator pressed there is often a delay of several seconds before the car speed will increase as the engine will rev but the transmission will not engage for several seconds. This is occurring sporadically but with increasing regularity. Dealer cannot find any error codes. Seems like it’s a fuel pump and/or computer chip issue.
NHTSA complaint #11541807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving down a multi-lane highway at 70 mph, a 48V battery malfunction warning goes off as well as the yellow check engine light. A few seconds later a ‘coolant’ error alert pops up. SUV loses acceleration with power dropping from 70 mph to 55 mph to 35 mph. Another message displayed on screen warning me to “Pull over and turn the engine off.” Narrowly missing being hit from the back, I was able to coast to an upcoming exit into a store’s parking lot before the car stalled completely.
NHTSA complaint #11536714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the Engine problem While driving the car there was a warning about the battery and asked to check the manual, immediately after that another warning was coolant too hot and the car shut down in the middle of the road For the transmission problem While driving the gear went to Neutral by itself. I put it back in drive about 4 minutes later it went back to neutral by itself and I had to put it back in drive No dashboard warning
NHTSA complaint #11511088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving this vehicle on the way to Los Angeles, the engine suddenly stalled without warning. I was in the left most lane going about 70MPH. The car began to slow and I almost got hit four times while trying to make my way over to the shoulder. I could've been seriously injured or killed. This vehicle is brand new and I've only had it three weeks. There was no warning indicator or lights that came on. The engine just stalled without warning and wouldn't restart. It was a miracle I made it to the side of the road as vehicles including tractor trailers whizzed by. Once on the side of the road, the vehicle would restart momentarily and the whole car would shake and then shut off. The vehicle had to be towed to a Mercedes dealer. Incredible safety risk. I don't feel comfortable driving this vehicle again. I'm going to pursue getting my money back.
NHTSA complaint #11502971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speed, 48V system malfunction warning light illuminated, then vehicle coolant/overheat light. Vehicle lost all power, or possible entered a "limp" mode, and I was able to coast to a stop. Turned off vehicle. Checked underhood. No obvious overheating or leaks or other problems. Vehicle immediately restarted and has run fine since. This occurred in March 2022 with about 3500 miles on vehicle. Now has about 7500 miles. No further occurrence. I have not had the vehicle examined by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11483261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the battery malfunction warning light illuminated along with other unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and coasted to a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into park(P) and restart the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence; however, after turning the vehicle off, the contact touched the hood and noticed that the hood was very hot. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,600.
NHTSA complaint #11483005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle independently stopped without driver input. The contact stated that the seat belt locked the two rear passengers in securely. Several unknown warning lights flashed quickly and then disappeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,535.
NHTSA complaint #11466374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2021 MB GLE 450 bought in April 2021, now approximately 8000 miles with two separate events of not starting. Cannot jump. Once 48V battery system updated (3 months ago), required tow to dealer. Now again at dealer with the same issue and recommended for battery change (last time was software update). Very unsafe, happened first time in public garage at night with no start, and second time in the morning when I was trying to go to work. Based on various blogs and class action law suit against MB in NJ, seems like MB is aware of 48V battery problem, and installed a bad batch of batteries. Frustrating to purchase $80000 car and learn that it is not safe at all, with possible malfunction at any time.
NHTSA complaint #11461858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was driving down a 2 lane road at about 55 MPH, and a warning light message appeared on the dash and said "battery no longer charging" then another message that said "coolant overheating vehicle shutting down" appeared. And the car would no longer accelerate. So I had to pull over on a busy 2 lane road and turn off my car and turn it back on, and then the car was working normally again. This could have been very bad if it was on a multi-lane highway. My safety was put at risk. I took the Vehicle in, and they said they cleaned some engine contact points and this was because the car lost contact with the engine
NHTSA complaint #11459441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
48 V BATTERY MALFUNCTIONED, I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS NOT CHARGING. WHICH LED TO ADDITIONAL MESSAGES INCLUDING THE CAR WAS NOW OVERHEATING, TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND NOT DRIVE IT. AT THAT POINT I LOST ENGINE POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR UP A SLIGHT HIM.
NHTSA complaint #11449255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.