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.
The worst 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical8
- Engine7
- Body5
- Fuel system5
- Steering4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical8
- Engine7
- Body5
- Fuel system5
- Steering4
- Driver assistance3
- Transmission3
- Acceleration2
- Suspension2
- Brakes1
- Wheels1
Recalls 11
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 21V‑197.
Recall number 23V854000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 22V955000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 21V197000 · Recall details
Communication
- What is wrong
- 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:
- 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.
Recall number 19V787000 · Recall details
Suspension: front
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 18V272000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 17V081000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V903000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V602000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V442000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V440000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic coupes and GLE63 AMG S 4Matic coupes manufactured December 10, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that may loosen and result in the rear drive shaft separating from the transmission or the rear axle differential.
- Risk
- If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 15V709000 · Recall details
See all 11 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Defect investigations
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified the federal safety agency that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
PE21001
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 154
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Engine
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active...
- This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns
- Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
What 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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 federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,620.
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.
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 ...
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!
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.
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, causing the drain plug to be blocked. I am terrified to allow my family to continue driving this vehicle with the current remedy that Mercedes has chosen to use (drain plug), that did NOT fix the problem specified in the defective issue within the recall paperwork. The REMEDY should be to determine how the water is entering into the vehicle. The water has caused 2 fuel pump incidents within 1 year leading to the loss of propulsion without warning and increasing the risk of a serious crash.
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 federal safety agency 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.
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.
Compare the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
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Questions about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 reliable?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, 1.7 times a typical GLE 450 model year.
What is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 year score?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450?
Electrical system, with 8 complaints. Next is engine (7).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 have?
11 recalls, covering structure, fuel system, diesel and communication.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V787000, 16V440000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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