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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

48 owner complaints analyzed

14 distinct recall campaigns

49,123 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 22 of 48 complaints (45.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues1225.0%
Engine operation816.7%
Transmission and shifting48.3%
Braking behavior48.3%
Steering behavior36.3%
Fuel system concerns12.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
22
Electrical System
9
Unknown Or Other
9
Power Train
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
3
Service Brakes
3
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine22
Electrical System9
Unknown Or Other9
Power Train4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking3
Service Brakes3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection2

Engine: 22; Electrical System: 9; Unknown Or Other: 9; Power Train: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
4
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0004
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2021
4
2022
4
2023
4
2024
8
2025
19
2026
9
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20214
20224
20234
20248
202519
20269

2021: 4; 2022: 4; 2023: 4; 2024: 8; 2025: 19; 2026: 9

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11391145 · 2021-02-02 (February 2, 2021)

WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLE -2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 - ON JANUARY 12TH AND THREE DAYS LATER WE NOTICED THAT HALF OF THE MBUX DUAL SCREEN WAS BLACK AND INOPERABLE. THE CAR WAS IN SERVICE 10 DAYS. TODAY, 02,1, 2021 THE CAR STOP, THE ENGINE AND LIGHTS, CONTROL, ON HIGHWAY!!!??? I CALL POLICE TO PROTECT ME. MERCEDES DEAD. NO HAZARD LIGHTS. I STAY IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC ONE HOUR FOR MERCEDES ROAD ASSISTANCE. I CALL FROM MY CEL PHONE, NO ENERGY IN THE CAR?! AFTER ONE HOUR THE LIGHTS OF CAR START??!!! THIS WAS AT 6:45 AM (NIGHT). AFTER 7 MINUTES, THE CAR…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11391145 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11404630 · 2021-03-24 (March 24, 2021)

WHILE THE CAR IS IN PARK AND IDLING, THE VEHICLE WILL NUDGE FORWARD REPEATEDLY. THE CAR DEALERSHIP APPEARS RATHER CAVALIER ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT IT LEADS TO LITTLE TRUST WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MINDSET IS THAT AT SOME POINT THE VEHICLE MAY PROPELL MORESO THAN A NUDGE UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11404630 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11431504 · 2021-09-02 (September 2, 2021)

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the sunroof abruptly fractured while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied. The fractured glass was retained by the sunroof cover. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11431504 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11435125 · 2021-10-01 (October 1, 2021)

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the rear brake lights did not function properly when the brake was applied. The contact was made aware of the failure when he noticed that after slowing down to stop, other vehicles from behind were stopping close to the rear of his vehicle. The contact tested the rear brake lights and noticed that they did not illuminate as soon as the brake pedal was depressed. There were also other failures where the tailgate would open about 6 inches and the moonroof would open about 3 in…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11435125 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11449194 · 2022-01-27 (January 27, 2022)

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The digital dashboard (MBUX) screen that driver is dependent on, all of a sudden go blank with no access to heaters, no display, with no GPS and no dash heater. This screen is controlled by a control unit which is right under the passenger seat and is very sensitive even to few water droplets. Yes, the component is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? With such a control unit that is sensitive to f…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11449194 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11479876 · 2022-08-17 (August 17, 2022)

I can be driving on a flat surface with out the car been on eco mode and the car shuts off for no reason without and light on the dash board I have to wait a few secs to restart the car ,brakes don't stop like they should very loud grinding noise and comes. I have report this problem lots of times and my car was not fix it stay more in the shop then with me the car senc don't work the light up red like if someones next to me

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11479876 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11484818 · 2022-09-16 (September 16, 2022)

There is water ingress on the driver side front door/seat area. There are growing water stains and a mildew smell. We are concerned the water ingress could cause and electrical issue and fire.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11484818 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11493300 · 2022-11-12 (November 12, 2022)

Driver side window detached inside door and will not come up.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11493300 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

14 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

20V089000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2020-02-14 (February 14, 2020)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V671000 · Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2020-10-30 (October 30, 2020)

Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V071000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc):Control Module:Software

Reported: 2021-02-12 (February 12, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V509000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 2021-07-02 (July 2, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V832000 · Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear

Reported: 2021-10-22 (October 22, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.

Consequence: Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V680000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 2022-09-12 (September 12, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

Consequence: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V936000 · Steering:Critical Fasteners

Reported: 2022-12-16 (December 16, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Consequence: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V177000 · Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System

Reported: 2023-03-17 (March 17, 2023)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Consequence: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V835000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Reported: 2023-12-08 (December 8, 2023)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

Consequence: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V880000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2023-12-21 (December 21, 2023)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V724000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2024-09-27 (September 27, 2024)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.

NHTSA campaign record ↗