What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,400+ owner reports, the 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Suspension Compressor Failure, 48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss, A/C Drain Hose Water Intrusion into Front Footwells (Recall 21V-288). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?
The 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 12 known issues documented across 5,400+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Air Suspension Compressor Failure and 48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss and A/C Drain Hose Water Intrusion into Front Footwells (Recall 21V-288) and OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?
Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz GLE issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Air Suspension Compressor Failure, typically costs $600-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Mercedes-Benz GLE is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE with 12 documented issues documented across 5,400+ owner reports.
What is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Air Suspension Compressor Failure?
The AIRMATIC compressor fails prematurely on the GLE, typically after one or more air springs develop slow leaks. The heavy SUV puts more stress on the compressor than sedan applications, accelerating wear. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss?
GLE models equipped with the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system (GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450d, GLE 580 and AMG variants on the W167 platform) commonly trigger a '48V Battery Malfunction' or 'Hybrid System Error' warning. The integrated starter-generator (ISG) and 48V lithium-ion b… Repairs typically run $800-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE A/C Drain Hose Water Intrusion into Front Footwells (Recall 21V-288)?
On 2020-2021 GLE and GLS SUVs, the air-conditioning condensation drain hoses can be incorrectly installed or disconnect during assembly, allowing condensate to drain into the driver and passenger front footwells instead of out under the vehicle. Owners report soaked carpets, fogg… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak?
The W166 GLE 250d and GLE 350d (2015-2019, OM651 2.1L twin-turbo / OM642-related diesels) have a documented pattern of turbocharger bearing collapse and EGR cooler failure, typically appearing between roughly 75,000 and 95,000 miles. Frequent short trips and DPF regeneration cycl… Repairs typically run $1,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Diesel DPF Regeneration Issues?
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogs prematurely, especially on vehicles used primarily for short trips. Failed regeneration cycles cause reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and eventually limp mode. Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 4MATIC Transfer Case Chain Stretch and Bearing Wear?
The 4MATIC transfer case on 2016+ GLE develops two related failures over time: stretched drive chains (which cause a metallic rattle or grinding noise from under the vehicle, most audible at low speeds or under light acceleration) and worn output-shaft bearings (which produce a w… Repairs typically run $2,000-$7,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Rear Differential Oil Leak?
The rear differential develops a leak at the pinion seal or cover gasket. Fluid loss causes differential whine and, if left unaddressed, can lead to bearing and gear damage from insufficient lubrication. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE M256 Inline-6 Oil Filter Housing / Oil Cooler and Electric Coolant Pump Leaks?
The 3.0L M256 inline-six (GLE 450, AMG GLE 53 on the W167) is prone to oil leaks from the oil filter housing/adapter assembly, which integrates the engine oil cooler with coolant passages, making leaks both oil and coolant related. The M256 also relies on an electric coolant pump… Repairs typically run $600-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 9G-Tronic (725.0) Harsh Shifting and Delayed Engagement from Valve Body Wear?
GLE 350 and GLE 450 models (2020+, 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic) develop harsh low-gear shifts, clunking, and delayed engagement when selecting Drive or Reverse as the transmission ages. The most common root cause is degradation of the valve-body solenoids and conductor plate, agg… Repairs typically run $400-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Front Radar Sensor Fault (P2583) Disabling Distronic and Active Brake Assist?
On the W167 GLE (2020-2024), the front radar sensor behind the grille that feeds Distronic adaptive cruise control, Active Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE frequently faults, throwing 'Pre-Safe Functions Currently Limited' and disabling those safety systems. Code P2583 indicates the fro… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE M276 V6 Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Wear and Cold-Start Rattle?
The W166 GLE 350 and GLE 400 (2016-2018, M276 3.0L/3.5L V6) share the well-known M276 camshaft-adjuster problem. The variable-valve-timing camshaft adjusters and their magnets/solenoids wear, allowing the cams to fall out of time. Symptoms include a 2-3 second rattle on cold star… Repairs typically run $700-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE COMAND/MBUX Infotainment Freeze?
The infotainment system (COMAND on 2016-2019, MBUX on 2020+) freezes or reboots. The COMAND hard drive fails over time while the MBUX system is susceptible to software glitches with connected phones. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: low.
