27 of the
156 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLE350
are about the fuel system —
17% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while opening the door, a cracked fuel injector was spraying gasoline. When the door handle was pulled, an aftermarket module ignited the fuel, causing an explosion and heavy smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously for the same issue, but the dealer dismissed the information and returned the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the failure reoccurred and was recorded. The vehicle had been at the dealer for two months, and the dealer blamed the failure on an aftermarket part, even though the dealer had installed the parts. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure and was associated with the aftermarket parts that were installed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11730479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has previously been reported, but NHTSA email indicated I needed to file formal complaint. Fuel injector(s) leaked while vehicle parked overnight in driveway. ECU detected fuel and subsequent ignition/spark caused "explosion' blowing out engine intake manifold (appx 50-75 pieces found). All 6 injectors and intake manifold required replacement. Mercedes Benz does have recall notification for failed/leaking fuel injectors, which includes both my model, and model year- but has claimed my VIN is not covered. MB recall campaign # 2022030003, dated 04/22/2022. I have retained engine intake manifold (main piece) for inspection. Fuel injectors were returned to MB. Safety risk is relatively obvious due to "explosion" and potential fire. Independent service agency (German Motors, Lakewood, CO- in business for over 25 years as MB only repair agency) diagnosed and performed repairs. Further, they informed me that in the investigation, they an other independent repair agencies/shops have in fact seen this before. No warnings, lights, or other symptoms were evident prior to injectors leaking.
NHTSA complaint #11644620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle sitting in driveway. Fuel injector leakage and resultant engine control unit detecting fuel set off spark which resulted in explosion under hood. Completely destroyed engine intake manifold (over 100 pieces found), and requires all (6) new fuel injectors. Due to core return value, I will NOT be keeping injectors, but they have been inspected by certified mechanic where repairs are being done. Safety/risk is obvious- fire danger, explosion danger, etc. Vehicle was towed to German Motors, Lakewood CO. for repair. No warning indicators, no lights. Mechanics did inform me that this issue has been seen on other vehicles. Network of MB mechanics have been aware. MB USA is also aware of fuel injector leakage issues, and have issued a Safety & Emissions Recall Campaign (# 2022030003, dated 8/22/2022) for this model year and vehicle model type (GLE). MB USA however asserts that my specific VIN is not included in recall- but offers no reason. Currently, due to MB inability to provide replacement parts (engine intake manifold unavailable until Sept. 2025!), vehicle is still in repair facility. Invoices and write up will be available after repairs completed (using reclaimed intake manifold along with new injectors).
NHTSA complaint #11643433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
car has caught on fire due to (as diagnosed by certified MB mechanic) leaking from fuel injector(s). Issue is known to many MB mechanics. Issue DOES have a recall for other (non GLE350) models in this same year (2016). Request recall issued! Request assistance with having MB warranty/repair problem
NHTSA complaint #11642591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was running normally then check engine light illuminated and car shut off. Was able to coast to roadside. Car would not restart. Diagnosed by professional authorized Mercedes repair shop as fuel injector failure. No parts available after the repair for inspection. Because of shut off while being driven in busy traffic, I was at serious risk of a different vehicle hitting my vehicle. Also emergency brake would not disengage since car would not start so could not be pushed further off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11616686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where a water drain plug was installed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle later that day, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated while driving the following day, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that water accumulation in the spare tire wheel well had damaged the fuel pump control unit, causing the engine to stall while driving. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the recall had already been marked as completed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where a water drain plug was installed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle later that day, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated while driving the following day, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that water accumulation in the spare tire wheel well had damaged the fuel pump control unit, causing the engine to stall while driving. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the recall had already been marked as completed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear trunk lid seal leaking water in rear cargo compartment caused damage to fuel pump. I was driving on a main busy road when without warning the car shut off. The traffic light was about to change so the person behind me was slowing down luckily. There was no warning light, indicator or sound the car just stopped . It stopped in the middle of the road impeding traffic as it stopped near a 4- way intersection at a busy time of day. The car was towed to dealer after extensive examination it was found to be a leak in rear trunk seal. There was no visible damage to seal or water damage in cargo area. I was told this is problem know to Mercedes as they have issued a bulletin on how to repair it. This has been happening for years without a resolution to this problem. I was told in my case it had been leaking over an extended amount of time and there was know way to discover it until the damage is done. I find that hard to believe that Mercedes would not recall this and find a remedy before it results in a serious accident or death. A car stopping on busy road or highway with a fast speed of traffic following is a tragedy waiting to happen. I had no warning of the potential danger I was in until it happened. The damage it causes is around $1,600 for a rubber piece that gets loose and allows water to damage the fuel pump. And because that piece is not covered under extended warranty the burden is put on the owner which it unfair to say the least.
NHTSA complaint #11584632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2016 Mercedes GLE350 that was repaired under a safety recall involving failure of a fuel pump due to water intrusion into the spare wheel well. Mercedes Benz "fixed" the car under the safety recall however, several months later, my vehicle experienced the same exact issue - water intrusion entered the rear wheel well causing the fuel system to fail. Mercedes Benz currently has my vehicle and cannot locate the water leak (they are saying it is in the hatch area of my car). They are currently trying to charge me $890 to find the leak. However, the original safety recall on this vehicle states, "the cause of the defect may vary due to a development deviation in combination with production tolerances and possible customer influences when loading and unloading items from the rear hatch. Each cause could lead to a different issue and water intrusion. Therefore, the tightness in the rear area might not meet specifications." I understand that my vehicle is not the first to experience this issue and I believe this is a defect with this make/model/year. I am hopeful this will be looked into further as I believe this issue goes past the recall. I should not be required to pay for this and my safety should not be compromised due to this.
NHTSA complaint #11578145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car losses acceleration power all of sudden while driving. The engine light comes on and car starts shaking. Once you turn off the car and restart it, the engine light goes away and car starts functioning normal. This is dangerous as you are on highway, among fast moving traffic. This has been going for over a year.
NHTSA complaint #11577594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine light on dashboard turned on in beginning of Feb 2024 … bought vehicle to dealer for assessment … was told right side catalytic converter has malfunctioned and will need to be replaced … vehicle has about 66,000 miles and it was a 2016 vehicle … apparently warrantly had expired in Nov 2023 … this does not seem right. Also, there are no right side catalystic converter available nationwide (not from Mercedes Benz manufacturer or off market). Wonder if this is a widespread issue … would like advisement.
NHTSA complaint #11574826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle had a recall to place a water drain in the rear truck section to drain water if it somehow entered the vehicle to prevent the fuel pump module from failing. This vehicle suddenly stalled and was towed to the dealer. The dealer reports the vehicle had water Intrusion as reported by the dealer and subsequently the fuel pump module was exposed to water and failed which the recall was to prevent if occurred requiring repair and replacement of the fuel pump control module not covered by the dealer
NHTSA complaint #11568346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This letter is an attempt to connect to the correct channels seeking resolution regarding a recent recall. My 2017 Mercedes GLE350 stalled in the rain and I subsequently had to get it towed to the dealership for repairs. And upon completion of the repairs, I received a recall notice about the specific issue that was just addressed. Pursuant to the recall notice, I sought a reimbursement for the repairs in which I was directed to Mercedes Customer Care and received a case number. The dealership is being a little hard-nosed regarding the reimbursement so I’m seeking recourse through official channels. I’ve attached the recall notice, invoice of repairs, and all other pertinent information regarding this issue. An expedient resolution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.
NHTSA complaint #11510233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown module was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that after a rainstorm there was water in the spare tire wheel well. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where unknown repairs were completed. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,831.
NHTSA complaint #11509527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown module was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that after a rainstorm there was water in the spare tire wheel well. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where unknown repairs were completed. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,831.
NHTSA complaint #11509527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated a week later the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the coil pack to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated a week later the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the coil pack to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the dealer was notified prior to the failure and the contact was informed that no appointments were available for another 6 weeks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning; however, the contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at normal speeds, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights then illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that an appointment could be scheduled 6 weeks away. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11508864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.