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 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 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 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 2016-2025 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 2016-2024 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 Hydraulic Engine / Transmission Mount Collapse Causing Idle Vibration and Clunk?

The GLE uses fluid-filled (hydraulic) engine and transmission mounts to isolate NVH. These are a known consumable that ruptures and leaks its damping fluid, often well before 60-70k miles. A collapsed mount transmits noticeable vibration through the steering wheel, seats, and flo… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. 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.

What is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Power Liftgate Spindle-Drive / Control-Module Failure (Opens Partway Then Reverses)?

The GLE power tailgate uses a motorized spindle drive on the passenger side plus a gas strut on the driver side, managed by a dedicated Tailgate/rear-compartment control module. A very common complaint is the gate opening a few inches then stopping or immediately re-closing, inte… Repairs typically run $300-$1,300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-in Hybrid (350de / 450e / 550e) Charging Interruption and Won't-Charge Faults?

GLE plug-in hybrids (W166 550e; W167 350de diesel-PHEV and 450e) frequently show AC-charging faults: charging starts then stops and restarts, a red plug icon, or the car refuses to accept a charge at home/wallbox. Documented triggers include the vehicle halting when the voltage d… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. 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.

Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Problems: 17 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 model year · 5,400+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,400+ owner reports, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 17 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Air Suspension Compressor Failure ($600-$2,500 repair), OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak ($1,500-$6,000 repair), M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle ($1,800-$6,500 repair), Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual" ($400-$5,000 repair) and Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start ($400-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Air Suspension Compressor Failure with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,400+ owner reports, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Suspension Compressor Failure, OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak, M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 17 known issues documented across 5,400+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Air Suspension Compressor Failure and OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak 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" and Diesel AdBlue / SCR NOx Sensor Fault Triggering Restart Countdown and No-Start. 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 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 2016-2019 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.

All 17 Known Issues

Other Mercedes-Benz Models

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 is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Air Suspension Compressor Failure?

What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak?

When Issues Typically Appear

2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: OM651 Diesel Turbo Bearing Collapse and EGR Cooler Coolant Leak#

2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle#

2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE: M276 V6 Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Wear and Cold-Start Rattle#

2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Hydraulic Engine / Transmission Mount Collapse Causing Idle Vibration and Clunk#

2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Air Suspension Compressor Failure#

2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear Causing Clunk and Steering Wander#

2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual"#

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

2016-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Auxiliary (Backup) 12V Battery Failure Triggering "Auxiliary Battery Malfunction – Visit Workshop"#

2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: MULTIBEAM / LED Headlight Condensation and Seal Failure Killing Internal Electronics#

2016-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Plug-in Hybrid (350de / 450e / 550e) Charging Interruption and Won't-Charge Faults#

2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE: COMAND/MBUX Infotainment Freeze#

2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4MATIC Transfer Case Chain Stretch and Bearing Wear#

2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Rear Differential Oil Leak#

2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Diesel DPF Regeneration Issues#

2016-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog and Seal Failure Causing Water Leaks into Cabin / Headliner#

2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Power Liftgate Spindle-Drive / Control-Module Failure (Opens Partway Then Reverses)#

What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE M278 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (GLE 550) Timing Chain Tensioner / Camshaft Adjuster Cold-Start Rattle?

What is the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual"?