The Mercedes Benz brand has always been associated with luxury, but owners of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 GLE SUV line could argue that recalls, engine problems, and interior electronics issues diminish its value.
Apparently, consumers in the United States pulled back on Mercedes-Benz GLE models from 65,074 units sold in 2021 to just 57,933 in 2022, according to Car Figures.
These luxury SUVs start at $56,150 for the basic model and up to $90K for the top-of-the-line GLE 580, making them a considerable investment. That’s why owners expect top performance and reliability — not a lemon.
Some owners of the GLE report the car is spending more time in service than in their own garage. One issue reported to Edmunds was a missing or broken bolt that was causing a terrible rattling noise on the passenger side. The same owner reported they received the following notice on the dashboard screen: ”Reversing Not Possible. Service Required.” His particular vehicle spent weeks in the service department.
Other complaints on Edmunds from owners include one GLE owner whose driver-side wheel hub and steering arm broke because the factory didn’t lube the parts during assembly.
Others complained about repeated electronic malfunctions and that it’s confusing to operate. There are also some minor, irritating issues such as loud, choppy windshield wipers and wind noise that owners find surprising for a luxury vehicle. A few complaints mentioned key fob malfunctions that required replacement.
A more serious issue involved a vehicle that “stalled in the middle of the road at 5,960 miles.” The vehicle’s dashboard screen told the driver to “stop the vehicle for there was danger of overheating and that something was broken with the 48-volt hybrid system.”
So far, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has experienced 11 recalls in recent years, with reliability spiraling down because of problems with the engine, body integrity, in-car electronics, and electrical and climate systems.
But that’s not the end. The finicky steering controls, complicated infotainment system, and not-so-seamless gear shifting was frustrating for some owners. The GLE got a 1/5 rating for predicted reliability and a 5/100 rating for overall reliability, which is much less reliable than the average new car, Consumer Reports said.
Also, one consumer reported their top-of-the-line GLE 580 was fun to drive, but its electronics was a nightmare. The car would fail to start and would up making four trips to the dealership for repairs to fix issues such as the speedometer screen going blank, the windshield wipers coming on randomly, the audio not working, the car not shutting off and the engine light staying on.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Recalls
Trim Recall — (May 2023) Mercedes recalled certain 2022-2023 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, GLS580, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63 S, and AMG GLS63 vehicles. The rear door window trim bars may detach from the vehicle while driving. Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge.
Steering Recall — (Dec. 2022) Mercedes-Benz has recalled about 70 of its 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The problem is the steering coupling locking screw could loosen up. If this happens, it may detach from the steering gear. Drivers could possibly lose control of steering.
Window Recall — (Sept. 2022) Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for 161,000 GLE and GLS SUVs from the 2020 and 2022 model years. Apparently, the rear-door window trim could detach and it can be a safety hazard as it can happen when the vehicle is moving. There are at least 75 cases reported to the NHTSA.
Electrical System — (May 2021) Mercedes-Benz recalled 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly.
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson 1-(877) 465-8161
If you purchased a defective Mercedes Benz GLE or any vehicle with repeated problems or a safety issue, it may be time to reach out to an experienced attorney and get help. California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.
We highly recommend vehicle owners obtain invoices for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 1-(877) 465-8161.
Published on May 24, 2023
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about vehicles that may be covered by the California lemon law. However, the lemon law has very specific requirements that must be met for your vehicle to be considered a lemon. Every case has a unique set of circumstances and there are specific criteria that must be met for the lemon law to apply. It is imperative that you take immediate action if you believe your vehicle may qualify.
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