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 2016-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start?

On diesel GLEs, the SCR/AdBlue emissions system enforces compliance with a start countdown: when it detects a fault it warns 'You can restart the engine X more times,' and once the counter expires the car will not start until the fault is fixed and the counter is reset. The most… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. 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)?

Recall 21V-288 directly covers certain model-year 2020-2021 GLE-Class vehicles whose air-conditioning drain hoses might be incorrectly installed, allowing condensation water into the passenger compartment. Water in the front footwells can corrode or short electrical components an… Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Software Non-Conformance – NHTSA Recall 21V-071?

Recall 21V-071 directly covers certain model-year 2020-2021 GLE 350 and GLE 450 vehicles whose ESP software might not meet current production specifications and FMVSS 126. In a specific rapid evasive maneuver, torque may be applied to a front wheel and pull the vehicle to one sid… 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 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE M264 2.0L Turbo Timing Chain Tensioner Wear / Chain Rattle?

The base GLE 350's M264 2.0L turbo four-cylinder can develop a worn/weak timing chain tensioner and chain stretch, producing a rattle (often on cold start or under load) from the front of the engine. If ignored, chain stretch can throw camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes and, i… Repairs typically run $1,591-$2,600. 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 2020-2024 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 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 2020-2025 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 2016-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Auxiliary (Backup) 12V Battery Failure Triggering "Auxiliary Battery Malfunction – Visit Workshop"?

The GLE uses a small secondary AGM 'auxiliary' battery (separate from the main starter battery and the 48V mild-hybrid battery) that stabilizes voltage for the electrical/stop-start system. It is a known wear item that typically dies at 4-6 years, throwing a persistent 'Auxiliary… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear Causing Clunk and Steering Wander?

Both W166 (2016-2019) and W167 (2020+) GLEs wear out the front lower control arm bushings. The lower arm carries multiple rubber bushings (including a rear 'lollipop' mount to the body) that tear with age, producing a clunk/knock over bumps, a wandering or vague feeling in the st… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. 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 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog and Seal Failure Causing Water Leaks into Cabin / Headliner?

The large panoramic roof has four corner drain tubes that route rainwater down the pillars. Over time the tubes clog with dirt/pollen/debris and the perimeter rubber seals degrade, so water backs up and drips onto the headliner, A-pillars, and front footwells, or pools and causes… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE MULTIBEAM / LED Headlight Condensation and Seal Failure Killing Internal Electronics?

The GLE's full-LED / MULTIBEAM headlights are ventilated for heat, but when the factory seal or housing gasket fails, humid air enters and heavy condensation forms — large droplets and standing water at the bottom of the housing (not the light misting Mercedes considers normal). Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Problems & Issues

2016-2025 model years · 5,400+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,400+ owner reports, the 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 24 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are Air Suspension Compressor Failure ($600-$2,500 repair), Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start ($400-$1,200 repair), 48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss ($800-$4,500 repair), A/C Drain Hose Water Intrusion into Front Footwells (Recall 21V-288), ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Software Non-Conformance – NHTSA Recall 21V-071, OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak ($1,500-$6,000 repair), M264 2.0L Turbo Timing Chain Tensioner Wear / Chain Rattle ($1,591-$2,600 repair), M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

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 24 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Suspension Compressor Failure, Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start, 48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

The 2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 24 known issues documented across 5,400+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: Air Suspension Compressor Failure and Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start 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 ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Software Non-Conformance – NHTSA Recall 21V-071 and OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak and M264 2.0L Turbo Timing Chain Tensioner Wear / Chain Rattle and M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual". 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 24 documented issues documented across 5,400+ owner reports.

All 24 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?

What year Mercedes-Benz GLE is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak#

M264 2.0L Turbo Timing Chain Tensioner Wear / Chain Rattle#

M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle#

M276 V6 Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Wear and Cold-Start Rattle#

Hydraulic Engine / Transmission Mount Collapse Causing Idle Vibration and Clunk#

48V Mild-Hybrid ISG / 48V Battery Malfunction Causing Sudden Power Loss#

Auxiliary (Backup) 12V Battery Failure Triggering "Auxiliary Battery Malfunction – Visit Workshop"#

MULTIBEAM / LED Headlight Condensation and Seal Failure Killing Internal Electronics#

Plug-in Hybrid (350de / 450e / 550e) Charging Interruption and Won't-Charge Faults#

COMAND/MBUX Infotainment Freeze#

Air Suspension Compressor Failure#

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear Causing Clunk and Steering Wander#

A/C Drain Hose Water Intrusion into Front Footwells (Recall 21V-288)#

Power Liftgate Spindle-Drive / Control-Module Failure (Opens Partway Then Reverses)#

ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Software Non-Conformance – NHTSA Recall 21V-071#

Front Radar Sensor Fault (P2583) Disabling Distronic and Active Brake Assist#

Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start#

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual"#

4MATIC Transfer Case Chain Stretch and Bearing Wear#

Rear Differential Oil Leak#

Diesel DPF Regeneration Issues#

9G-Tronic (725.0) Harsh Shifting and Delayed Engagement from Valve Body Wear#

M256 Inline-6 Oil Filter Housing / Oil Cooler and Electric Coolant Pump Leaks#

Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog and Seal Failure Causing Water Leaks into Cabin / Headliner#