Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 headlights problems

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · FL

For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to the federal safety agency because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.

Filed May 24, 2026 · Electrical · CA

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and respectfully requesting review of a serious infotainment and electronic system failure that occurred at approximately 49,000 miles. Prior to the failure of the MBUX infotainment system, the vehicle began exhibiting abnormal electrical behavior. On multiple occasions, the right headlight remained illuminated even after the vehicle had been completely turned off and locked. The only temporary way to resolve this was to restart the vehicle and shut it down again. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery was very low and required charging. Soon after these electrical issues appeared, the MBUX infotainment system became stuck on the Mercedes-Benz startup logo screen and has remained nonfunctional since. Although the backup camera still partially functions, the infotainment system itself will not boot properly or operate normally. The authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership documented the following diagnostic fault codes: • B14D913 – Internal hard disk malfunction/open circuit • B14F900 – Internal hard disk full According to the dealership service report, guided tests, MOST ring reset procedures, and hard resets of the control unit were all performed without resolving the issue. The dealership ultimately recommended complete replacement of the MBUX head unit at a very significant cost. This situation is especially concerning because the vehicle has relatively low mileage, has been properly maintained, and recently underwent Service B and 12V battery replacement through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership immediately after the battery warning appeared. A major infotainment head unit/internal storage failure at this mileage is not something we reasonably expected from a luxury vehicle. While researching this issue further, I discovered numerous online reports from other Mercedes-Benz owners — particularly owners of 2020–2023 GLE models —

Filed May 11, 2026 · Lights · CA

The low beam visibility on this vehicle is extremely dangerous. It's as if you have no headlights on. They can inspect anytime. With low night visibility. Driver is not able to see the road or person which causes a delayed response because of visibility. Driver puts on highbeams to be able to see which blinds others or shouldn't be driven at night. Plenty of times, I could have been in an accident or didn't see someone. My eyes are 20/20. Yes, it was reproduced. We tried after market headlights as well, but it's the same issue. Yes, I have complained to manufacturer more than once, but if there is no recall. They want a diagnostic fee and ignore it. This has been ongoing since the car was purchased. Even the GLS 2017 have the same issue.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CT

My 2020 GLE 350 first displayed a problem with left indicator on front left hand head lamp. I took an appointment with my Mercedes dealer for repair. Then it started showing all kinds of safety problems on the screen -like blind spot monitoring, collision warning etc not working. I parked it in my garage, shut off the engine, locked it and in a couple minutes, it started a blower like sound. I called Mercedes service center and described the problem. They sent a tow truck. While waiting for tow truck, the blower would automatically start every 3 to 4 minutes in a standing, switched off car which can be very dangerous. After diagnostics the authorized service center found the root cause to be a worn out seal which let condensation in the lamp assembly and the water entered in the electrical module. I have taken up the issue with Mercedes corporate. While they are investigating, I wanted to file this complaint so that if there are similar complaints in this model, it may be a manufacturing defect that needs a recall to fix the bad sealing

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX · crash

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2024 · Lights · NC

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Lights · CA

Low beam Headlights will not adjust properly

Filed Mar 18, 2022 · Lights · FL

We purchased a used 2017 GLE 350 two years ago from a Mercedes dealership. The first year or so I had not driven it at night as during Covid when we did go out after dark we usually took my husband’s vehicle and he drove. When I finally did drive the GLE at night I found that I had trouble seeing the road at any reasonable distance from the front of the car and that there is almost no illumination of the roadside even very close to the vehicle. When I mentioned this to my husband he said he had not had an issue with it but since I did we would take it to the dealership and have the headlights checked. At this point I’ve driven it quite a few times at night and know that if I was on an unfamiliar road with no roadside lighting it would be dangerous to drive, consequently I’m afraid to drive my own car at night. We have taken the car to the dealership with this complaint and they “adjusted” the headlights which made no difference I could perceive. As this is dangerous I think it’s ludicrous for such an expensive vehicle made by a company I’ve previously trusted to look out for our safety to produce vehicles with sub- standard exterior lighting thereby creating such unsafe conditions. I’ve finally done some research on your website, the Mercedes site, as well as other sites I found using Google and am shocked to find out that this issue has been reported both to you and to MB multiple times and that nothing has been done because the lights are “within, if barely, limitations”. We’ve now phoned the dealer to see if there is something they can do such as change to different bulbs and they are going to get back to us with a price to upgrade the lights. It’s sad that my previous vehicles, a 2014 GLK and a Nissan Maxima’s headlights were far superior to the 2017 GLE. When will you take steps to address this issue? How many accidents have to happen before someone forces MB to do something to correct this unsafe condition?

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Lights · NC

The headlights on this 2017 mb gle350 are a hazard. They do not light up the road way in the dark and especially in the rain. Curvy and unknown roads are treacherous unless there is a car in front leading the way. We are no longer driving this car at night. Unfortunately, I must drive it to work in the dark in the mornings. The dealership, felix sabates in charlotte, nc, will not do any fix to the headlights. Apparently when we bought the car we needed to pay extra for the light package that works which was not discussed or offered. They know there is a problem with the lights but they are not addressing it.

Filed Aug 30, 2019 · Lights · 26,300 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 mercedes-benz gle350. While driving 25 MPH, the contact was unable to see a pedestrian crossing the road because both front headlights were not illuminated brightly enough. There were no injuries or warning indicators illuminated. The contact called mercedes-benz of escondido (located at 1101 w 9th ave, escondido, ca 92025, (760) 745-5000) and scheduled a diagnostic appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,300.