2023 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 4matic problems

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · AL

Vehicle: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC Approximate mileage at failure: 75,000+ miles While driving my 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC, the check-engine light illuminated and the engine subsequently began making a knocking noise. The vehicle remained operable and I drove it home. Because the event occurred on a Saturday, I drove the vehicle directly to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership the next business day. The dealership inspected the vehicle and documented metal flakes and pieces in the oil filter/filter housing, with suspected crankshaft/rod-bearing failure and possible additional internal engine damage. Mercedes-Benz recommended complete engine replacement. This vehicle had a prior documented check-engine-light event in April 2025. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership recorded diagnostic trouble code P03040085, indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. There were also previous check-engine-light concerns for which the underlying cause was not definitively identified. Mercedes-Benz subsequently issued an extended warranty applicable to certain M264-engine vehicles, including qualifying GLE 350 models, concerning cylinder-head/exhaust-valve wear associated with misfire fault-code families including P030x85. I am concerned that my vehicle may have experienced a developing M264 engine defect prior to the catastrophic internal engine failure and that sudden internal engine failure of this type could create a safety risk if it occurs while a vehicle is being driven at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. I am reporting this failure so that the federal safety agency can determine whether similar premature internal engine failures, cylinder-misfire conditions, or related M264 engine failures are occurring in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.