2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Routine

Owners filed 51 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 9 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
59,831 milesMedian miles at failure

25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering8
000
Fuel/Propulsion System7
030
Unknown or Other5
000
Power Train4
000
Electrical System4
111
Air Bags4
102
Service Brakes3
200
Fuel System, Gasoline2
000
Fuel System, Diesel2
000
Exterior Lighting2
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module22V955000
Filed Dec 23, 2022348,183 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Risk. An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

Communication19V787000
Filed Nov 1, 201924,226 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Suspension › Front18V272000
Filed Apr 27, 20189,725 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk. The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V655000
Filed Oct 17, 20173,620 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the full protective function of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Risk. If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters will be mailed in December 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available in late January 2018. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018020002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System17V241000
Filed Apr 11, 201758,323 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.

Risk. If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Arm17V081000
Filed Feb 8, 201737 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

Risk. The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V079000
Filed Feb 8, 20174 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic and GLS 450 4Matic vehicles. The windshield bonding may be insufficient and, as a result, the windshield may separate from the vehicle in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk. If the windshield detaches in the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may not be supported properly after it deploys, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification16V903000
Filed Dec 15, 201647,799 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.

Risk. If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights16V759000
Filed Oct 20, 20162,215 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, and GLE 400 4MATIC vehicles manufactured October 14, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk. If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 6, 2026NJ

While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz for recall inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of propulsion while driving created a serious safety risk.

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2026NC

At 72,000 miles the rear differential failed. Repair required else car could abruptly stop rolling, become uncontrollable and cause a serious wreck. The part is over $5,000

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 10, 2026133,000 milesCA

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.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 5, 2025TX

While waiting for traffic signal to change with foot on break pedal, the suv accelerated suddenly and lurched forward and rear ended the car ahead of me! Luckily, it was a Hummer with a tire mounted on the rear door and damage occurred only to my MB. Front end has severe damage, hood buckled and headlight broken! It was a spooky experience! 'chk breakpad wear' warning light has been coming on lately when starting and I was planning to get breaks chkd. But this was a frightening experience! Is there an issue with MB ECU like this? I'm in the process of filing insurance claim.

Steering
Filed Mar 31, 202570,000 milesPR

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was coming from the steering box. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Feb 24, 2025CO

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.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Feb 18, 2025CO

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).

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Feb 13, 2025CO

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

Child Seat
Filed Jan 2, 2025GA

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes GLE350 with a Nuna Car Seat installed, Model Name: Rava, Model Number: CS05107RFD, Manufactured Date: May 05, 2021. The contact stated that on several occasions whenever the harness was tugged on, the harness failed to restrain the child seated in the child seat. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the kits to clean the release button on the bottom of the car seat would be released soon. The car seat was not replaced.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Sep 30, 202490,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while accelerating and depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was scanned, and the dealer retrieved DTC code: P04200. The contact was informed that the passenger side catalytic converter had failed, causing the Oxygen sensor to run lean. The contact stated that upon further investigation, the failure was linked to Emission Service Campaign: 2022080005; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 26, 2024NC

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2024TX

Reporting an issue with 2016 GLE 350 4Matic - 78000 Mileage - Intake Air System Leak - Code P007900 Symptoms: High pitched Whistling noise coming from Engine Impact: Unsafe drivability; safely hazard Defective Part Replaced: Crank case Valve Assembly Customer Expectation: Due to the nature, Mercedes, the car manufacturer should offer an Emission Extended Warranty on this part. The repair expense should be reimbursed by Mercedes, the car manufacturer due to the nature of this issue.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 9, 2024ID

See attached document for complaint

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 25, 2024118,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The console had overheated. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder numbers 1, 2, and 3 was misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2024CT

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 1, 2024NY

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 2024GA

The door hinges are an issue with these cars many many people are expressing the same issues which is the door hinges fail and start popping and cracking. Mercedes isn’t issuing a recall or remedy for this. Also there’s an issue with the passenger airbag weight sensors going bad which is throwing the airbag light off (which this is also happening in my car) the service center I talked to knew about this is agreed it a issue they see time and time again with these cars. Mercedes needs to make this right.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2023MO

When driving, the vehicle suddenly slows down and then the brakes stop working. Vehicle then slows down to a complete stop. Happens randomly. This put me and other drivers at risk as cars behind me would suddenly have to slow down or stop without warning and I would have to steer out of the road to avoid a collision as the car is slowing down. At the same time, a message would appear saying "Collision Prevention Assist Plus Inoperative." I took the vehicle to a mercedes-benz dealer and they confirmed that this problem is due to a fault in the ABS system.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 13, 2023WA

We were driving in the street and just suddenly the front of the car was on fire. We stopped the car and we had almost no time to get out because the flames got very big in just minutes. Good thing the doors weren't locked because we safely got out of the car. This incident happened in rush hour and there were lots of cars around us. This put not just the passengers in our car but other people around us in danger. We contacted Mercedes-Benz but they declined out claim and refused to investigate into this issue. Please help us hold Mercedes-Benz accountable.

Power Train
Filed May 5, 202325,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the messages "Car Not in Park" and " Transmission Not in Park - Chance of Car Rolling" were displayed, and the vehicle independently shifted into park(P) and stopped. The contact moved the gear shifter to park and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the repair was completed again, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred 16 times within 6 years. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist unless the vehicle was successfully diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

20 of 51 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20260100Routine
20251100Routine
20247300Routine
202315300Routine
202235710Routine
2021481420Routine
2020892710Routine
20191200Routine
201840701Fatalities reported
201762700Routine
2016 — this page51940Routine

Compare every GLE 350 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 23, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.