2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

Routine

Owners filed 25 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 11 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine6
000
Electrical System4
101
Steering3
100
Structure › Body2
000
Power Train2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Wheels1
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
100
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars1
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

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.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

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 › 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.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly16V602000
Filed Aug 15, 20162 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 11, 2015, to July 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.

Risk. If the vehicle is involved in a crash in very low temperatures, the rear head restraints may not function as intended, increasing the risk of rearseat occupant injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear head restraints, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other16V442000
Filed Jun 16, 2016423 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.

Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Electrical System › Software16V440000
Filed Jun 15, 20165,826 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe vehicles manufactured December 10, 2014, to June 6, 2016. An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down was planned due to the ECO start/stop function.

Risk. If the engine shuts down unintentionally, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began August 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Aug 28, 2025FL

MERCEDES-BENZ CORPORATE IS SHOWING A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR ME AS A CONSUMER AND HUMAN! MY BRAKES RECENTLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING (I LOST MY ABILITY TO BRAKE) AND IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY LIFE AND SAFETY WAS PUT IN JEOPARDY AND I AM IN SHOCK. AT THEIR REQUEST I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED IN TO MERCEDES-BENZ SERVICE AND CORPORATE ESCALATION IS DENYING MY CLAIM AND NOT PROVIDING ME ASSISTANCE IN ANY WAY.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 27, 2025GA

I WAS REVERSING THE VEHICLE AND IT STOPPED AND SHFTED INTO DRIVE AT A HIGH SPEED UNITL IT STOPPED AFTER HITTING FENCE AND TILTED ON ITS SIDE

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed Jun 3, 2025104,620 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front roof panel detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,620.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Mar 23, 2025MD

Mercedes Benz 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe Backup Camera issue. The software problems cause backup camera to go blank /black screen. It does this randomly, it can worked for few weeks to a month, then suddenly just goes blank/black when the gear is in reverse (R). I have made complained to Mercedes Benz dealer when the issue first started and I was told that the year of my vehicle is not listed in the recall that was issued for the Mercedes Benz with backup camera issues, the recall was listed for 2019-2021. I was told that I have to wait until there is a recall for the 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe.

Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2024TN

Gear Shift issue there are several forums with this issue car goes from park to neutral when trying to shift to drive. then goes straight to drive 3 stuck between drive 3 and drive 5 the very concerning issue is if the car does shift to drive 1 it throws itself into neutral while driving this is an extremely dangerous issue ! mercedes has to know because of the complaints extremely upset that no recall has been issued ...

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2024TN

There is a known issue With this vehicle with the shifting(hard shifting) there's a glitch when shifting to drive it automatically shifts to neutral then to drive 3 ! the glitch is that its not transmitting correctly to the transmission . if the car does shift to drive 1 it throws itself into neutral while driving that's dangerous !! there are several forums with this issue and I am very surprised there has been no recall this is very upsetting!

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 5, 2024CA

While parking and putting my car in park. Hello, my car needs a recall. August 31, 2024 While parking and putting the car in park. my car shifted into Neutral and lunged forward causing me to hit a sign and maneuver away from a wall. My car is dangerous. Please help!! My car lunged forward and i ran into a bush. I am injured. This car malfunction jumping gears. Not shifting properly the car is dangerous.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 13, 2024TX

In May 2023 I took my 2016 GLE 450 AMG into "Park Place Motor Cars Mercedes" (Dallas) for the (MBUSA 2023010002 and 2023010003) "Water that could Leak into the Spare Tire area, Impacting the Fuel Pump" recall. Park Place stated that they didn't locate any signs of water in the trunk area and would place a water drain plug in the spare tire area to drain water, incase water entered the area. In January 26, 2024, while driving, my GLE 450 loss propulsion without warning causing me to almost get rear ended. Unbeknownst to me, that this was related to the recall from 2023, I had the vehicle towed to a local "certified repair shop". The shop stated that i would need to replace the fuel pump units. Approximately 2 months later while my daughter was driving the GLE 450, the vehicle loss propulsion without warning once again causing my daughter to be stranded at a "Stop sign" 30 miles from home at approximately 1245 am. I had the vehicle towed to "Park Place Motorcars". Service advisor informed me that the Fuel pump unit had failed due to water entering into the trunk and they would have to determine where the water was coming from. I then asked to speak to manager and I remembered that a recall describing this situation had been conducted less than a year prior to this incident (2x). After approximately 1 month the service advisor messaged me and stated that the repair(s) wouldn't be covered under the recall warranty due to the fact that debris was found underneath the vehicle, caus

SteeringCrash
Filed Apr 10, 2024110,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel stopped operating and the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The warning message "power steering" failure was displayed after the crash. No air bags were deployed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed with a failed electric power steering and control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the power steering failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering), however, the contact was not notified of the campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Suspension
Filed Jan 11, 2023NV

Front upper control arm sway bushings cracking after being replaced. Strained vehicle Noise when going over numbs or dips. Unstable suspension. Also output shaft is leaking oil.

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2022AZ

Electrical - Drivers lock does not lock/unlock with remote, with door lock. Have to physically lock/unlock drivers door. if you do not you will not get in door and you will not open from inside. If you do not lock manually your door will be open even though the other doors locked. Power Train - transmission is clucking between gear especially at slow speeds, Transmission in L1-5 sometimes does not shift up or down. sometimes does not go into drive from manually shifting from L gears. some downhills the tranny does not slow vehicle on down hills. Engine - valves and lifters are noisy at startup. Sounds like 1 or two cylinders. Suspension - Rear stock suspension bottoms easily also excessive motion up and down.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 30, 2022LA

My 2016 Mercedes GLE 450 AMG was running perfectly but stalled while I was making a left turn onto a major roadway and I was inches from a catastrophic accident. My car was towed to Mercedes Benz dealership and the technician informed me that the trunk seal was not sealing properly causing water to get in through the trunk and shorted out a fuel pump module. My trunk was not wet and only indication of water was when the rear compartment was lifted near the spare tire area so I was not aware of a possible leak. My car is mostly garage kept unless I am at work where it’s exposed to weather. It had been raining for several days in our area. After doing online research, it appears to be an existing problem for Mercedes owners. I’m concerned because I could have lost my life due to this issue and someone may not be so fortunate if the problem goes unresolved.

Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2022110,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the Year/Make/Model was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Aug 17, 2022CA

Shifter and speed control car goes into nuetral instead of drive. The car excessively breaks when not necessary. Car stalling and locking steering wheel constant clicking after driving coming from the fuel tank. I use premium gas always the best quality. Problems with the control modules saying transmission not in park will roll away but car is in park the car automatically going into modes without prompt showing on dash. Tow engaging without print. It’s ver scary. Please fix these glitches. My car was off the road by and in safe driver as I got back into the road m. Thus is hie The accident Happened my car locked and cut off ion the road and when I tried to turn my steering wheel I was hit. My car stalled and steeering wheel locked.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 2022MD

The passenger side door won't open or lock automatically

Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 2021ME

Battery and antitheft device malfunction causing inability to shift out of neutral and can roll of the road. I left car immediate due to the risk of rolling into traffic without control called for help and secured with blocks. Not confirmed yet by dealer....no warning prior to failure....car is secured waiting for tow for 2 days to the dealership...the keys dont work ..it was a very dangerous situation and other mercedes have encountered this problem noted on line the mercedes dashboard ..

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 5, 201930,001 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE450 AMG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL WELL LINER PIN/SCREW ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES WERE LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL LINER TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE TIRES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BUCKHEAD (2799 PIEDMONT RD NE, ATLANTA, GA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,001.

Engine
Filed Apr 25, 201953,000 milesLA

I AM EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, THAT OTHER MB MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR AND CLASS ARE EXPERIENCING. SOME OF THE 2016 GLE'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, BUT MY VEHICLE/VIN HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I RECEIVE THIS ERROR MESSAGE WHEN TURNING A CURVE. MY VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND MB WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS WITH MY CPO WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED ME $6984.00 TO FIX THE ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER BECAUSE I THINK THAT MY VEHICLE/VIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CURRENT RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 18V27200. MY ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL. I AM CONCERNED AS THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND SAFETY ISSUE. I CAN SMELL THE OIL BURNING AS WELL AS SEE IT FOAMING FROM THE FLUID CANISTER.

Engine
Filed Oct 19, 201811,000 milesTX

CAR STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP STATED THE FUEL LINE WAS FLOODED WITH WATER. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT I LET THE TRUNK OPEN IN THE RAIN, BUT I DID NO SUCH THING. THERE WAS ALSO NO WATER IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO NORMAL RAINY CONDITIONS. THERE IS NO WAY WATER SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET TO THE FUEL LINE BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE INSULATED AGAINST MOISTURE. CORPORATE THOUGHT THERE WAS FLOODING IN THE AREA, BUT THERE IS NO FLOODING IN DALLAS, TEXAS. MB CONDUCTS QUALITY TESTING IN DIFFERENT CLIMATES SO I DO NO SEE WHY THEY WOULD NOT CONSIDER IT TO BE A PRODUCT DEFECT. SOMEONE CAN POTENTIALLY DIE FROM THE CAR STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED BY MB.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 28, 201733,500 milesNY

MY SUNROOF EXPLODED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE TO THE GLASS. THE GLASS FLEW BACK ON ROAD AND THE GLASS REMAINING ON TOO APPEARED BOWED.

20 of 25 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202410400Routine
20237400Routine
2022141100Routine
2021151700Routine
2020263200Routine
20170100Routine
2016 — this page251100Routine

Compare every GLE 450 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 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.