NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Car has an automated start stop and ruined my starter a lot of ppl have had similar issues
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle started to display failures with the air conditioning system blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken for inspection at a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures due to water entering the footwells, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air conditioning was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in traffic, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated along with the message to "Do not Drive Vehicle". The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank and fuel delivery module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V572000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 29,201.
Hear a clicking sound when I drive the vehicle - like a metronome. It happens randomly and I am not able to recreate it when I take the car in for service. I recorded a video of it when it happened and showed it to the dealership service department - They said they hear the sound but cannot do anything about it unless they can hear it when they take it for a test drive. This has been happening for atleast two years now from when the car had 25000 miles to even now when it has 61,000 miles. It does not matter what speed I am driving it. Once it starts it continues till I stop the car and turn it off .
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that on several occasions while the ON/OFF system was activated, while making left and right turns and then stopped the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) and restarted after each failure. The vehicle was idling and the engine sputtered and ran rough. Additionally, the contact stated that while idling, the vehicle shuddered and ran rough on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust valve seats needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the Back Over Prevention camera image would display a glitchy or a blank image while in use. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The vehicle was initially taken to Mercedes-Benz of Westmont (200 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559) for the recall repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Sears Imported Autos Mercedes-Benz (13500 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305) where it remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the cylinder head was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 49,000.
The GLE350 windows trim bar flew out from the rear window frame . Driving Speed Range (75-82mph). Fortunately no accident or damages occurred. This so so dangerous . If the trim bar flew into vehicle or pedestrian resulting injury or death.
The adaptive cruise on the Mercedes has a habit of harsh braking during stop and go traffic. It's not a natural braking manev8, instead it's jarring and I feel like it could cause a rear end with how jarring it is. Many other users are experiencing the same.
After driving for 2 1/1 hours,we changed drivers and shortly there after lane assist, blind spot and active brake assist limited warnings come on along with engine decellerating from 70 mph with no acceleration allowed-had to pull off busy freeway(4 lanes), cut off engine and restart. Everything working fine until about 20 minutes later exact thing happened as well as 2 more times. Parked for night and exact thing happened after about 2 1/2 hours into trip. Very dangerous fighting traffic struggling to get to place to pull over and reset . MB dealership cannot find anything wrong- Safety issue to drive again not knowing if/when it might happen again
The Mercedes Connect app started showing a partially charged battery. The Battery voltage is 11.9 to 12.29 in the AM when it should be 12.6V. The iphone charging area is warm to hot to the touch when the car is off all night. The Westminster Mercedes dealership cannot find the problem. I am concerned for afire hazard.
Air Conditioning failure with low free on measurement. Apparently there was an A/C leak that created water damage in the front footwells, causing corrosion and potentially short-circuiting electric components, resulting in a fire hazard. The car was inspected by Mercedes Benz of Tampa and could not explain the source of water in the car, neither can I as the owner. The electronic components are being replaced at cost of the owner and insurance company. However, still concerned about the source of water in the footwells and potential re-occurence. This would put at risk not only my life as the driver but also the life of my toddler who is usually by me in the car. The failure of the A/C was followed by failure of lights, plantronics, central computer system which prompted me to go promptly to the dealership. Please help me investigate why my car is not under recall when it goes through the same symptoms described on expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power when the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound of moving water underneath the front seats. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that rainwater had leaked into the body of the vehicle due to a clogged sunroof drainage tube. The contact stated that several electrical components were submerged in the water and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
The transmission with the Auto Start/Stop 48v system is very clunky and not smooth at low speeds. I'm unable to park in my garage or parallel park with the Auto Start/Stop feature enabled which is by default for reduced emissions. I fear hitting pedestrians/people at crosswalks, causing damage to my house inside my garage when parking, and/or other vehicles when parallel parking because the transmission is so clunky, it causes the vehicle to surge or lurch forward very harshly in such a way that I could cause damage to another vehicle or even hit a pedestrian or person at a crosswalk. There's something inherently wrong with the 48V auto start/stop when it engages and disengages with the transmission causing it to surge or lurch forward uncontrollably and dangerously.
I was driving and came to a stop sign. When I was getting ready to pull off my entire vehicle automatically went into park and shut off. I was almost rear ended by the vehicle behind me. People were blowing at me. I just restarted the vehicle after a few attempts it started and I drove off. Also my entire dash went black while I was driving. I also felt water on my feet why on the passenger side ( like a light mist).
I receive a passenger airbag warning message every time I start the vehicle. Took to Mercedes dealer 2/10/2023 and they diagnosed the airbag problem as being caused due to the failure of the weight sensor in the passenger seat. NO ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled (vehicle is still under factory warranty period). Have returned the vehicle to the dealer again on 4/20/2023 and 5/30/3023 to try and expedite a fix but both times was told there was no ETA on a part to fix the weight sensor in the seat and was given the vehicle back to drive as normal, despite the passenger airbag being disabled. I opened an escalation with Mercedes Benz USA (ERM - Executive Referral Management team) on 7/7/2023 and they called the Mercedes dealer to confirm the airbag issue and tie to the bad weight sensor in the seat. The dealer re-confirmed with Mercedes Benz USA that they do not have an ETA to fix the passenger seat weight sensor, hence no way to fix the airbag malfunction. As I submit this on 8/14/2023 I still do not have a functioning passenger airbag and no ETA to get this issue resolved, despite trying for over 6 months. This has and continues to pose an incredible safety concern for passengers that ride in this vehicle as the airbag won't deploy if in an accident. Another unintended consequence is that the chime/ding to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt is disabled as it's also tied to the malfunctioning weight sensor in the seat. This is my only vehicle and I don't have any alternatives given I cannot sell this vehicle without a working airbag.
My 2020 GLE350 met with an accident on 1/20/2023. My wife was driving this vehicle on the freeway at about 40-50mph and she rear ended a Toyota Camry that was ahead of her. Mt complaint is two fold - The airbags did not deploy - The Active Brake Assist system failed to work The collision is a major one. You can see from the pictures. The body shop, an approved vendor for my insurance Geico, has prepared an estimate for $25,487. My vehicle has been in the body shop since the day of the accident. On 1/27/23, the estimate was prepared. I have to approve it and they will start the work anytime this week. This high repair cost is an indicator of a major collision. In such a major collision, I'd expect - Airbags should have deployed. The Camry's airbag did deploy, so should have ours. My wife suffered a strong whiplash. She has severe neck, shoulder, elbow pain and headaches. She is scheduled to undergo physical therapy. If the airbags deployed, these injuries could have been avoided. - The Active Brake Assist system should have been activated during the rear end collision. It should have detected and avoided the collision. However, it failed to deploy too. Few times when I back up, this safety feature has been very useful. It will identify moving objects like pedestrians, vehicle crossing and automatically apply the brakes and prevent potential collision. However, when we needed it most, it failed to save us. The automatic braking didn't happen. There were no visual or acoustic warnings prior to the collision. One of the main reasons I bought GLE350 was for this safety feature. I am so disappointed by this catastrophic failure and questioning whether I should drive this Mercedes anymore. Because of these safety failures, I really worry about driving this vehicle and bringing to NHTSA's attention. Please investigate this safety failure. Year: 2020 Make: Mercedes Benz Model: GLE350W4 Mileage: 30K miles approximately
The car makes a rumbling sound when the car is stopped and the brake is engaged. We took the car to the Marietta dealer who indicated the motor mounts were wearing out. the manager provided a quote for replacement. The mileage is 62,xxx. The motor mounts should not be wearing out with only 62,000. The motor mounts wearing out could lead to other problems. Mercedes USA says it is up to the dealer to warranty the item. How dopes this make any sense when they did not build the car? I believe this could be a very dangerous situation. The service manager stated they change about 3-4 mounts every month. Please help, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED TIRE INFLATION ALERT.
Vehicle (72,000 miles) sent an email message that the "starter battery is critical". Drove it to Mercedes Benz Cary (NC). Original battery replaced ($538). Two days later, another "starter battery critical" message arrived. Vehicle wouldn't start. Mercedes Roadside sent a flatbed, jump started the vehicle, loaded it and took it to Mercedes Cary. I was required to authorize two hours of diagnostic works (+/- $450). Evidently, Mercedes Cary performed some software updates. Waiting for final invoice and software details.
ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND TAKE TO DEALER. COMPLAINT ABOUT SPEED CONTROL WHEN GAS IS APPLIED THE CAR DIDN'T RESPOND AND ENGINE STAY DEAD. CAR WAS SUPPOSED TO BE RESETTED. DRIVE ANOTHER 30 DAYS AND CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WITH THE SAME ISSUES. DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK WITHOUT GETTING THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
I was turning on to a busy street and the throttle became unresponsive. I verified the car was in drive. There was no engine noise when pressing the accelerator pedal. I stopped the car and shifted to park and then back to drive and the car responded normally.
1. After coming to a stop, foot placed on the pedal to accelerate through a neighborhood security gate, the car would not accelerate despite how hard I depressed the gas pedal. After approximately 3-4 seconds the car finally accelerated. 2. When coming to a stop the vehicle has a very hard “clunk” in the transmission to stop. Vehicle was taken to the dealership but they could not replicate the problem at the time so car was given back to me with “non replicable” issues.
There had been multiple incidents where the battery dies. We had issues where the vehicle would not start. We do not get any warning error message before this happens. We make sure all doors are closed and all lights are off. We’ve had to tow the vehicle multiple times when the battery fails. This has left us stranded on multiple occasions. In addition we have taken it for service at the Mercedes dealership and they state that there is nothing wrong with the battery or the vehicle. They have suggested to replace the battery in 2022. At the moment the vehicle does not turn on and we have to find other transportation options to get around.
1. FIRST MESSAGE: 48V BATTERY MALFUNCTION 2. SECOND MESSAGE: STOP THE VEHICLE COOLANT IS NOT WORKING VEHICLE IS OVERHEATING. 3. LOST POWER, I COULD ONLY DRIVE 10 MILES PER HOUR. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A SEMI TRUCK. THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE OCCURRENCES REPORTING THESE SAME MESSAGES. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN A VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. MERCEDES AWARE OF A BULLETIN WITH THIS ISSUE.
front brakes make a grinding metal noise during slow motion applying breaks. i been in to the dealer ship multiple times about the issue and they replace the breaks pad and rotor , still have the same issue time down the road.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE BRAKES & EMERGENCY BRAKES - YES - THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE CAR COULD & DID NOT STOP Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? MERCEDES TOOK THE CAR OVER A MONTH AGO. NO ONE EVER CALLS ME BACK AND THEY GAVE 3 CASE NUMBERS - I HAVE MADE OVER 16 CALLS Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO. THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR IS SAYS MERCEDES HAS NOT CONTACTED THEM. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO WARNING - NO AVOIDANCE - NO BRAKES - THE BRAKES GOT SOFT OR LIKE A SPONGE, YOU HAD TO GO TO THE FLOOR - THEN THEY FAILED. - I DID GET A CAMERAS NOT WORKING WARNING AT TIMES - AS WELL AS THE CAR SWERVING AWAY FROM THINGS THAT WERE NOT THERE.
The Brakes Failed - At Mercedes Dealership for Over a Month My Wife could have been killed on the highway going 70MPH with no brakes The car was towed by Mercedes over a month ago and never returned. No one will talk to me. Mercedes will not speak with me. Nor have they contacted the dealer - Letter Enclosed No warning - Just brake failure. Prior to that we got a "Your cameras are not working message" a week prior and the car would warn you another car was there. But there was no car.
The tire tread on the Cooper 275/50R20 tires was worn down almost completely after 16,000 miles. The tires are the original tires that the vehicle was purchased with and are rated to 50,000 miles. When the dealer serviced the vehicle, they noted that the tires were not safe to drive on due to there being almost no tread left at just 16,000 miles. They also stated that they had seen multiple cars with the same Cooper tires that lasted only 10,000-16,000 miles despite being rated to 50,000 miles. They also indicated that Cooper has taken 6+ months to respond to requests for replacement tires under the warranty and vehicle owners have had to go out of pocket to buy replacement tires themselves since the worn out tires are unsafe to drive on and they can't wait 6+ months for a response from the manufacturer with replacement tires. Additionally, they flagged that the tires are dangerous since most vehicle owners don't check their tires after only 10,000-16,000 miles and have no idea that they are driving on tires with little to no tread that could fail at any time. The tires have been saved by the dealership and are available for inspection. Additionally, there is a video documenting the tires while still on the vehicle. These tires should be recalled for defective wear and Cooper held accountable for failing to acknowledge and fix this huge safety issue.
When operated with driver assist and stop and go assist, the car, often slams the brakes for no reason in the middle of the highway. I have reported this problem multiple times to the dealership and the dealership has kept the car in for investigation multiple times sometimes for more than two weeks. They were able to replicate the problem, but they had absolutely no solution. It’s been a few years now and it keeps happening. This is a liability issue us cars behind me are at risk to collide.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the over-the-air software update was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the software update was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
48 V BATTERY MALFUNCTIONED, I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS NOT CHARGING. WHICH LED TO ADDITIONAL MESSAGES INCLUDING THE CAR WAS NOW OVERHEATING, TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND NOT DRIVE IT. AT THAT POINT I LOST ENGINE POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR UP A SLIGHT HIM.
While driving the car in "assist" mode I will get a warning that all assist devices are inoperable. This is not always apparent while driving until I notice the adaptive cruise control and lane assist are not responding. Obviously a safety risk. I have talked to the dealership and they cannot find a problem. I contacted Mercedes headquarters and they responded with a customer service rep that began the conversation that he has no technical knowledge of the car (obviously not a big help). I told them I would complete a report to the NHTSA and he seemed very unconcerned. I have not seen a relationship between the "assist" becoming inoperable and anything else in the car or the driving conditions. All incidents so far (about five) have been on clear days or evenings on the freeway with no precipitation nor water on the road.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
When my wife got into vehicle first thing in the morning after it sitting all night in the garage, she smelled a foul smell. As she was driving, she opened all the windows to dissipate the smell and turned in the heater because wit was cold that morning. After about ten to twelve minutes of driving, she noticed the check engine light came on and the car started shaking. She pulled over and exited vehicle. As soon as she got out the vehicle started smoking and caught fire. The vehicle is a total loss.
BOUGHT A DEALER OWNED MERCEDES GLE 350 WITH 8500 MILES ON IT IN NOVEMBER 2020. IN FEW DAYS WE TOOK BACK THE CAR TO GET THINGS FIXED, WHICH WE NOTICED. WE WERE TOLD, AS DID NOT BUY A NEW CAR WE HAVE TO BEAR WITH FEW ISSUES. WE LEASED THE CAR AND WANTED TO BE SURE THAT WE DO NOT GET INTO A PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WHICH WE INHERITED, WE PUT THE PROBLEMS ON RECORD. UPON COMPLETION OF 10,000 MILES, CAR WAS DROPPED FOR SERVICE AND ATTENDING RECALLS ON FEBRUARY 10TH. 2021. IT TOOK MORE THAN 20 DAYS FOR COMPLETING THE UPDATE OF SOFTWARE, FOR WHICH WHOLE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WAS REPLACED AND HAD TO BE IMPORTED FROM GERMANY, FINALLY I GOT THE CAR BACK ON MARCH 2ND, 2021. APRIL 23RD, 2021, WHILE GOING OUT FOR DINNER, FELT SOME VIBRATION AS IF CAR IS RUNNING AT THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I HIT A NAIL OR SOMETHING AND GOT A FLAT TIRE, I SUDDENLY APPLIED BREAK, LUCKILY CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME FORM THE BACK, I ALSO HEARD SOME RUBBING NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. NEXT DAY EARLY MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE, I DID FEEL THE INTERMITTENT VIBRATION AND RUBBING NOISE WHEN I DROVE TO THE SERVICE. TODAY ON APRIL 28TH. 2021, I AM INFORMED THAT DRIVE SHAFT NEEDS REPLACEMENT, AND IT HAS TO COME FROM GERMANY AND WILL TAKE 10 -12 DAYS. I AM ADVISED TO TAKE MY CAR BACK AND BRING BACK ONCE THE PART ARRIVES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN DOING SO AND WANT TO SEEK YOUR OPINION. IS IT SAFE , DID I LAND UP GETTING A LEMON CAR?
THE VEHICLE HAS A FAILED REAR SEATBELT - DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TILL MID JUNE 2021. IN THE MEANTIME DAIMLER ON THEIR Q1 FOR INVESTORS ADVISED THAT THEY DID RECORD NEW SALES AND PRODUCTION NUMBERS, SO LACK OF PARTS IS NOT BECAUSE OF NOT ENOUGH PARTS BUY BECAUSE OF OVER PRODUCTION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V288000 (EQUIPMENT) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALFANO MOTORCARS MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER (1423 CALLE JOAQUIN, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93405, (805) 543-5752) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
1. Took the vehicle for leather cracking on both driver and passenger seats, MB of Bloomfield reached out to MB hotline in US and Germany, after week of trying to install the passenger seat new sensing sensor, kept getting failure message. They released the vehicle to me without tell me that the passenger air bag not functioning. they made me drive the vehicle for a week w/o air bag functioning. I found out where every time I start the engine kept getting msg of inoperative air bag. called the dealer and was told keep driving the vehicle and bring it back when part become available, which took over a week 2. Picked up a vehicle after a repair, while I am driving the whole over head console fall off and almost ran into vehicle in front of me, called the dealer and they found out they missed a bin. Over head console is loose and one day it is going to fall again, it is a poor design
DISPLAY INDICATED 'SYSTEM SUSPENDED' TWICE TODAY. CONCERNED ? BUT SUV DROVE FINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS PARTIALLY FRACTURED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE SUN ROOF AND SEVERAL PIECES OF SHATTERED GLASS FELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. WHILE PARKED, A SECONDARY VEHICLE PULLED UP BEHIND HER VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER THAT SOME OF THE GLASS FROM THE SHATTERED SUN ROOF HAD STRUCK THEIR VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO ONE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF LAGUNA NIGUEL (1 STAR DR, LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN OBJECT HAD STRUCK THE SUN ROOF CAUSING THE SUN ROOF TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,040.
I HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES I BELIEVE THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FAILED IN MY NEW CAR. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS A WRONG WAY DRIVER COMING TOWARDS ME ON A FREEWAY OFFRAMP. I ESTIMATE THAT WE WERE WITHIN ABOUT 30 FEET OF EACH OTHER AND TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH WHEN WE BOTH QUICKLY SWERVED TO AVOID A COLLISION. NO WARNING AND NO AUTOMATIC BRAKING OCCURRED. THE NEXT TWO INSTANCES BOTH INVOLVED DRIVING AT NIGHT ON SURFACE STREETS IN WHICH I LAST MINUTE BRAKED TO AVOID HITTING STOPPED CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I WOULD APPROXIMATE MY RATE OF SPEED AT 30 MPH. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY BRAKE IN BOTH CASES AND AVOIDED THE COLLISIONS. IN BOTH CASES THE RED TRIANGLE FLASHED AND AN ALARM WENT OFF BUT THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE OR MAKE ANY EVASIVE MANEUVERS TO AVOID A COLLISION. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF CORPORATE MERCEDES BUT THEY REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT FURTHER COMMENT. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NO ERRORS IN THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE DEEPER; AN ERROR IN SOFTWARE PROGRAM. THUS THE CAR HAD NO ERRORS AS IT WAS FOLLOWING A FAULTY ALGORITHM. THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTY IF I FAIL TO TAKE QUICK ACTION AS A DRIVER. I BELIEVE THE SYSTEM FAILED!
WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A LOW SPEED MY CAR TURNED OFF BY ITSELF I KEPT PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT I REALIZED THE CAR IS NOT MOVING, IT HAD SHOT OFF BY ITSELF. I TURNED THE CAR ON MANUALLY AND THEN WORKED. IT WAS A TERRIFYING SITUATION. I KEPT THINKING WHAT IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR HAD TURNED OFF WHILE THE MOVING TRAFFIC WAS ABOUT 70 MILES. I CONTACTED MERCEDEZ BEZ AND I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A GLICH AND THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. I FEEL THAT IS A VERY DANGEROUS GLICH.
THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS ON THE SECOND ROW. MY 2 YEAR OLD SON FIGURED OUT HOW TO USE HIS RIGHT FOOT TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD AND BACKWARD WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH ON I-95. THIS CAUSED HIS TETHERED CAR SEAT TO SLIGHTLY PIVOT BECAUSE THE RIGHT SEAT RUBBED AGAINST THE MIDDLE SEAT. I CALLED MB USA IN GEORGIA TO REPORT. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO POSSIBLE WAY TO LOCK THE CONTROL SO KIDS CAN'T MOVE THE SEATS. THEY TOLD ME MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO MOVE CHILD TO MIDDLE SEAT, WHICH WON'T WORK WHEN MULTIPLE YOUNG CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IF RECOMMENDED I CAN ALSO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA SO THAT PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ARE AWARE. I ASKED MB TO BUY BACK THE CAR SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BUT THEY DECLINED.
The contact leased a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and yielding to make a right turn, the vehicle would shut off with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the “Active blind spot assist inoperable" and "Inoperable - See Owner’s Manual" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000
THE SENSOR FOR THE POWER TAILGATE IS NOT SENSITIVE ENOUGH TO OPEN / CLOSE THE TAILGATE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACK AFTER THE WINTER STORM. I BELIEVE IT WAS RELATED TO THE EXTREME LOW TEMPERATURE UNDER MASSACHUSETTS WEATHER. IT IS NOT RELATED TO THE DAMAGE BY THE HIGHWAY ROCKS AS I COULD NOT FOUND ANY DAMAGE OF DENTS ON THE GLASS. THE DRIVER SEAT LEFT SIDE EDGE APPEARED CRACKING AFTER COUPLE MONTHS OF USE. IT IS A MB TEX MATERIAL WHICH IT CLAIMS THAT IT SUPPOSED TO BE MORE DURABLE AND CARE FREE THAN REGULAR REAL LEATHER BUT ACTUALLY IT WASN'T ON MY CAR.
THE VEHICLE HAS E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (E-ABC), WHICH HAS DIFFERENT DRIVE MODES THAT AFFECT TRANSMISSION SHIFT POINTS, STEERING INPUT AND SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE OE WHEELS AND TIRES (COOPER ALL-SEASON TIRES). ONE DRIVE MODE IS DESIGNATED 'CURVE,' WHICH CONTROLS BODY LEAN IN CURVES. DEPENDING ON THE SETTING, CURVE HOLDS THE BODY UPRIGHT OR SLIGHTLY LEANS IT INTO CURVES, LIKE A MOTORCYCLE LEANING INTO A CURVE. WHEN IN CURVE MODE AND DRIVING IN A CURVE, THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY OR ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE MECHANISMS MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INTERVENE FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING VEHICLE INSTABILITY AND AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO YAW IN ONE DIRECTION, GIVING THE SENSATION OF SLIDING ON WET OR ICY PAVEMENT, AND THEN THE VEHICLE 'BRAKES' ON ONE SIDE, 'PULLING' THE VEHICLE TO THAT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WILL TIGHTEN AND OCCASIONALLY, THE 'TRACTION' LAMP ILLUMINATES IN THE DASH. THE ROAD SURFACE IS CLEAN, DRY AND FLAT AND NO LOSS OF TRACTION OR POTENTIAL LOSS OF TRACTION OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENS MORE DURING CASUAL DRIVING THROUGH CURVES THAN WHEN AGGRESSIVELY DRIVING THROUGH CURVES. THIS FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE WAS EXITING A CURVE TO THE RIGHT AND THEN ABRUPTLY YAWED TO ONE SIDE AND THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE CENTER LINE, BEFORE STRAIGHTENING AND RECOVERY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS ENTERING A CURVE TO THE LEFT AND IT ABRUPTLY YAWED AND WAS PULLED TOWARD THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD BEFORE STRAIGHTENING AND RECOVERY. THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A DOZEN OTHER INSTANCES. THE ROAD SURFACES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CLEAN, DRY AND FLAT ASPHALT PAVEMENT. ON ONE OCCASION A MERCEDES SHOP FOREMAN WAS IN THE VEHICLE TO WITNESS THE EVENT, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS AN 'INTERVENTION.' THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THESE OCCURRENCES OR TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
I WAS TRAVELLING ON HIGHWAY WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON. WHEN NEAR THE EXIT, I PRESS THE OFF BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. TO MY SURPRISE, THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW DOWN, AND INSTEAD MAINTAIN THE ENGINE POWER TO KEEP THE CAR IN SET SPEED. I TRIED THE OTHER SETTINGS (OFF, CANCEL, SPEED DOWN) OPTION BUT NOTHING IS RESPONSIVE. SINCE I AM ON THE OFF RAMP ALREADY, I HAVE TO STEP ON THE BRAKE (THIS DOES FINALLY STOP THE CRUISE CONTROL) TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR. AFTER I COME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT, I NOTICE THAT THE AR VIEW CAMERA HAS A CONDENSATION IN THE CENTER OF THE CAMERA LENS (SEE FIRST PICTURE WITH 11/10 DATE). AT THE SAME TIME, MULTIPLE WARNING MESSAGE APPEAR ON DASH, INCLUDING "ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE", "ACTIVE LANE KEEP ASSIST INOPERATIVE", AND A FEW OTHERS. THE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR REMAIN ON AND ACTIVE ON THE DASH (BUT SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING) UNTIL I GOT TO A SAFE LOCATION TO RESTART THE CAR. ALL ERROR MESSAGE WAS CLEARED AFTERWARD. A FEW DAYS LATER (11/16), I HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. I MENTIONED THE ISSUE BUT THEY SAID THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND CAMERA LENS WAS CLEARED AT THAT TIME. AFTER I GOT HOME, I NOTICE THERE ARE CONDENSATION AGAIN ON THE CAMERA LENS (SEE SECTION PICTURE WITH 11/16 DATE).
I PURCHASED A GLE 580 IN JANUARY 2020 WITH STANDARD 20-INCH WHEELS AND TIRES ON THE FRONT AND REAR. THIS TIRE/WHEEL COMBINATION IS AN AVAILABLE OPTION ON THE GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC AND GLE 450 4MATIC. THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR ALL 2020 GLE MODELS (AND PRESUMABLY FOR EARLIER MODELS) STATES: 1.ROTATE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS ONLY IF THE WHEELS AND TIRES ARE OF THE SAME DIMENSIONS. 2.ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME SIZE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS, ROTATE THE WHEELS ACCORDING TO THE INTERVALS IN THE TIRE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BOOK IN YOUR VEHICLE DOCUMENTS. IF THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE, ROTATE THE TIRES EVERY 3,000 TO 6,000 MILES (5,000 TO 10,000 KM), DEPENDING ON THE WEAR. THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS ARE INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM ONE ANOTHER AND NEITHER IS MARKED 'FRONT ONLY' OR 'REAR ONLY.' BY CHANCE, I DISCOVERED THE REAR WHEELS HAVE AN OFFSET THE FRONT WHEELS DO NOT HAVE, WHICH PLACES THE REAR WHEELS FURTHER OUTBOARD THAN THE FRONT WHEELS. THE OFFSET MAKES ROTATING THE TIRES DANGEROUS. ONLY AFTER I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE DID MERCEDES TELL ME, 'DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE DRIVETRAIN, THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS HAVE DIFFERENT OFFSETS, OFFSET IS THE DISTANCE FROM THE HUB OF THE WHEEL TO THE CENTER LINE OF THE WHEEL. IF YOU PUT THE FRONT TIRE/WHEELS IN THE BACK, IT WILL SIT FURTHER IN AND CAN AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.' HOWEVER, THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL STATES TIRES AND WHEELS OF THE SAME SIZE FRONT AND REAR SHOULD BE ROTATED. THIS OFFSET IS NOT SOMETHING ONE WOULD EXPECT WITH TIRES AND WHEELS OF THE SAME SIZE. I ASKED MERCEDES BENZ TO AGREE TO CORRECT THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR GLE MODELS AFFECTED BY THIS OFFSET AND TO SEND NOTIFICATION OF THE OFFSET ISSUE TO VEHICLE OWNERS AND IT DECLINED MY REQUEST. THIS OFFSET POSES A SAFETY RISK IF GLE OWNERS WITH 20-INCH WHEELS ROTATE THEIR TIRES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026