2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

62 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Elgin, TXElectrical system, Steering, Vehicle speed control

   2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, VIN [XXX]. While driving, the vehicle intermittently displays multiple warning lights/messages and the power-steering assistance intermittently becomes heavy/stiff. The warnings rapidly appear and disappear and the problem can occur repeatedly while the vehicle is being driven. Pressing/tapping around the front passenger-side floor/kick-panel area can sometimes cause the warnings to clear. The problem appears more frequently in hot daytime conditions and can occur after the vehicle has been running. The engine continues running normally during the events. The vehicle has previously displayed communication-related faults. Mercedes-Benz previously performed Campaign 2023010002 involving inspection for water intrusion in the spare-wheel well; that repair order states no moisture was found in that location and the indicated drain grommet was replaced. The current problem persists. I am concerned because the intermittent loss/reduction of power-steering assistance while driving creates a safety risk. I am also aware of NHTSA Campaign 17V-241 involving water intrusion at the electric power-steering connector and loss of steering assistance on certain Mercedes vehicles. My VIN currently shows no open recalls. I am reporting my vehicle's symptoms so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a similar or related safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763248
2. Filed Feb 13, 2026Failure Dec 27, 2025Macon, GAEngine, Service brakes, Vehicle speed controlCrash

   Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was no warning. The car accelerated. The car bounces back and forth when brakes are on, and again last year stopped in the middle of traffic. Water damage was leaking in as well after 8 months having this car. First major incident was December 2024, but rocking and began one month after purchasing vehicle in August of 2024. Acceleration incident; December 2024: 4 months after purchase; vehicle stopping in traffic: April 2025 8 months after purchase. Apparently new tires were put on. Almost had a blow out within 1 year and 4 months of purchase and found out when getting oil changed this past December 2025. Lights and radio randomly shut off, and gas’s tank is often locked or will not close. This car is scary, and has had problems that someone has covered up for a very long time. I have papers claiming everything was checked upon delivery; However; two incidences alone could have ended in multiple fatalities. Someone is responsible for hiding something something here, and this needs to be reported before someone or multiple people die that is due to a defect in the car. MCC 478-877-5740 478-737-2010

   NHTSA complaint 11717901
3. Filed Jan 2, 2026Failure Dec 31, 2025Shawnee, KSUnknown or other

   I purchased a Certified Mercedes GLE 350 with many advanced safety features. Including a SOS feature that allows I believe detects an accident and reports it to Mercedes as well as allows me to press the SOS button to manually contact Mercedes to report a need for help plus other functions. Thnis is a very important safety feature to me as I am getting order and may need assistance. In addition years ago a family friend was involved in a non fatal accident at night and was injured and traped in the car. Although the initial accident was not fatal, because the car was not located for some time and the friend was injured, bu the time the car was located the friend died due to the length of time traped in the car. One of the basic items listed on my Mercedes sell sheet is item 351eCall-emergency system. As I understand it this eCall device is part of the SOS system and is also a critical part of the advanced EMERGENCY and convience systems included with the car such as car locator, remote start and remote lock and unlock, as well as several other featurs I was sold. Recently I was informed by Mercedes that they would be discontinuing this safety feature as of 1/1/2026 and they have not offered any replacment / solution. I recently was on a road trip and caught in a sevier weather situation and tried to use the system and it did not work, which placed me in a potentially dangerious situation. I believe that people will loose their lives because Mercedes has suspended a important emergency safety feature. I have checked with my local Mercedes dealer who contacted Mercedes USA and they told me Mercedes USA is not offering any solution. I believe NHTSA should get involved to require Mercedes USA to find a solution to help prevent the loss of lives. This is an important "emergency system" that was sold as part of the vehicle. It is important to owners of all ages, but even more important to elderly drivers that choose Mercedes for their safety features.

   NHTSA complaint 11708403
4. Filed Nov 30, 2025Failure Sep 2, 2025Irving, TXUnknown or other

   Panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded while driving. It was the rear section of the sunroof. There was a loud boom sound. There were no vehicles nearby kicking up rocks, etc. I jumped and screamed but managed to remain somewhat calm trying to figure out where the sound came from in the vehicle. I then realized it was the panoramic sunroof as sunlight began to trickle into the vehicle. Fortunately, the shade had been pulled closed. Otherwise, more tiny shards of glass would have immediately fallen on me. I handed to situation over to my insurance company for repair.

   NHTSA complaint 11702123
5. Filed Nov 25, 2025Failure May 5, 202384,541 milesFort Lauderdale, FLAir bags, Vehicle speed controlCrash1 injured

   The contact owned a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while slowing at approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn to pull into a driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a fence and came to a stop. The contact had not sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fence was damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure but was taken to be repaired. The contact then stated that approximately a year later while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, into ongoing traffic at a cross street. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact also attempted to turn off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact swerved right, and side swiped a fence, and the vehicle went through a front lawn of a house, striking some plants, and then struck a light post. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact had not sustained any injuries, but the passenger of the vehicle sustained injuries to the back, knees, legs, arms, scrapes on the head, and general aches all over the body. The passenger was taken to the Emergency Room and medical attention was provided. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,541.

   NHTSA complaint 11701558
6. Filed Oct 28, 2025Failure Oct 16, 2025edinburg, TXUnknown or other

   I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. While driving home recently, without any warning, I heard a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. In an instant, shattered glass fell throughout the interior of the car, covering my daughter, grandson, and me. Fortunately, the only other vehicle nearby was at a considerable distance; otherwise, the outcome could have been catastrophic. Our car swerved sharply as a result of the shock. We came to realize that the sunroof had exploded and completely shattered.

   NHTSA complaint 11696132
7. Filed Oct 3, 2025Failure Sep 24, 202565,340 milesNaperville, ILElectrical system

   The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the center digital screen failed to function as intended while attempting to use the safety features. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the command control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,340.

   NHTSA complaint 11691253
8. Filed Mar 24, 2025Failure Mar 11, 2025Houston, TXElectrical system, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   While driving our 2017 MB GLE 350-4matic at about 40 mph, it spontaneously downshifted to M1. We were in traffic, so this was a very dangerous for us and for the people behind us. We limped to our destination, not knowing what had happened or what to do. When we re-started the car the next day, it seemed ok. But after driving some distance, it spontaneously downshifted to M1 again. We stopped the car, turned it off and re-started it. My mechanic checked the car with his analyzer, which showed that the transmission was not transmitting/displaying gear changes. I am taking my car to another repair shop tomorrow that has a more sophisticated analyzer. When I first explored this problem on the web, there was discussion on a MB website about similar problems. Today, I saw that there is an NHTSA probe into 2015-17 Ford 150 pick-ups having a similar problem to mine, i.e., spontaneous downshifting. Maybe there is a chip problem in the transmission control module for cars of those years. This is a significant safety issue. Thank God we were going 40 mph and not 60 or 70 when this happened.

   NHTSA complaint 11650102
9. Filed Mar 19, 2025Failure Oct 7, 2024LAS Vegas, NVEngine

   Was at a red light turning right, as soon as I turned right the engine lost power, and the car would not move. Since I am pressing the gas pedal all I can hear is revving noise, but the car was not moving. Since my foot was on the gas and not the brakes the person behind me was not aware that my car was not moving forward. The car behind me was barely able to avoid crashing into me and swerved around me. The driver behind me was lucky that there were no cars on his left. The service technician at the dealer informed me that the problem with the engine type that I have is very common. I called Mercedes and was told there is nothing they can do. They should issue a voluntary recall or at least warn drivers and compensate them for repairs needed or was done. There is a flaw in the design of the V167 2.0 engine and Mercedes is aware of it. MBUSA Case# 13095274

   NHTSA complaint 11649333
10. Filed Aug 30, 2024Failure Jul 22, 2024Brooklyn, NYPower train, Vehicle speed control

    The transmission does not shift from first to second and created several dangerous situations in whichI tried to enter the highway. I called the corporate headquarters to make a complaint and was sent to the dealership to file a lemon law complaint. The Transmission specialist at AAMCO said the transmission parts are in good shape, but the problem is that there is too much clearance between the transmission casing and the transmission parts. I told him that this is a defective engineering and these vehicles should be recalled. When I did further research, I found out that I was not alone and that this is a well-documented problem with the Mercedes transmissions. I am reaching out to this agency because I believe that this situation has created a dangerous problem that should be looked into. The following link details these defects. [XXX] The problem with why this has not been reported is that many people that on these cars do not want to look as though they cannot afford the car and just have the vehicle repaired. I truly believe that the government should look into this before someone is seriously hurt because I am not the only one that has had this experience. The repairs/corrections will cost me $7,900 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11611792
11. Filed Jul 9, 2024Failure Jul 3, 2024Canyon Lake, CAVehicle speed control

    On July 3, 2024 I turned right out of a parking lot onto a busy road. The car sped up on its own and started speeding. It took me a couple of seconds to realize what was happening and put on the brake. The car ran through a red light, other cars were able to avoid hitting me. The car did stop then. There were no warning signs that this was going to happen. The dealership is going to investigate tomorrow. The car seems to be running fine since.

    NHTSA complaint 11600446
12. Filed Jun 7, 2024Failure Jun 1, 202485,000 milesDallas, TXFuel system, Diesel, Gasoline

    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
13. Filed Apr 23, 2024Failure Apr 5, 2024Newburgh, NYElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    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
14. Filed Mar 25, 2024Failure Mar 23, 2024Charlotte, NCExterior lighting

    I purchased a 2017 MB GLE 350 in 2022. But it’s only recently where I’ve noticed that my halogen headlights do not provide enough light on the road during night time driving. Especially in the rain. I’ve researched a bit and see that MANY consumers have complained about the headlights, but there is no solution as MB does not offer an aftermarket upgrade. I either have to drive with my high beams on,or not drive at night. The other alternative is to buy another car which is ridiculous. For the price of this car, the exterior lighting should be better.

    NHTSA complaint 11579321
15. Filed Mar 15, 2024Failure Mar 7, 2023clarksville, MDEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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
16. Filed Mar 14, 2024Failure Mar 14, 2024Farmington, MNLatch, Unknown or other

    I am writing to bring to your attention a critical security issue regarding the rear door locks of the 2017 Mercedes GLE model VIN - [XXX] . Upon attempting to lock the vehicle using the key fob, I have encountered a malfunction where the rear door behind the passenger seat fails to secure properly. Despite attempts to engage the locking mechanism, this specific door remains open, triggering the vehicle alarm system when accessed. This issue poses a significant safety risk for both occupants and belongings within the vehicle. As a concerned consumer, I am deeply troubled by the presence of such a critical flaw in a luxury automobile. Given the potential ramifications for driver and passenger security, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of this malfunction. It is imperative that swift action be taken to address and rectify this security vulnerability to ensure the continued safety and peace of mind for Mercedes GLE owners and their families. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11577483
17. Filed Feb 27, 2024Failure Feb 27, 2024Palm Springs, CAExterior lighting

    Low beam Headlights will not adjust properly

    NHTSA complaint 11574358
18. Filed Feb 27, 2024Failure Feb 27, 202423,000 milesNew Orleans, LASteering

    The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes GLE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V574000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11574329
19. Filed Jan 28, 2024Failure Jan 24, 2024Pineville, LAFuel/propulsion system

    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
20. Filed Jan 22, 2024Failure Jan 19, 2024Matthews, NCSuspension

    01/22/2024 NHTSA Complaint – GLE350 4Matic The front suspension, either the control arm or upper arm, feels loose and noise is coming from the front suspension as if a bolt or bolts are loose. Base on recall information for the 2016 GLE350 4Matic, NHTSA campaign ID: 17V081000, REPORT DATE 02/07/2017, the loose bolt(s) may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Vehicle owners are instructed to contact dealer to 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. I request that NHTSA add my vehicle VIN number to the recall and add all GLS 350 4Matic vehicles to the recall for model year 2017. I do not want my wife or I to be involve in a crash as a result of the negligence and poor-quality control of Mercedes Benz. I contacted MBUSA and Hendrik Mercedes of Charlotte, NC on 01/22/2024 and both refuse the inspect and fix the issue without me paying for the resolution. I told them that I refuse to pay to fix a problem that is the result of poor-quality control and quality assurance. I requested that MBUSA pay to fix the issue as they have done for the 2016 GLE350 4MATIC with the same problem. I am fearful for the life of my family. This matter is of very serious concern to my family's life, health and well-being. Please address this matter immediately, as we drive the SUV daily.

    NHTSA complaint 11566959