2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 has 7 complaints and 220 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the backup camera display malfunctioning, water intrusion through the sunroof damaging batteries, and problems with the fuel pump leading to stalling or engine shutdowns. Several complaints describe difficulties with shifting gears, including failure to shift from drive to reverse and inability to move the vehicle due to gear shift problems.
Common Issues- Backup camera failure. The screen intermittently displays a black image while reversing, creating a visibility hazard for the driver.
- Water intrusion via sunroof. Water leaks through the sunroof have caused battery damage requiring replacement. These failures were linked by owners to but not covered under recall campaigns.
- Gear shift malfunction D to R. Owners report being unable to shift from drive to reverse without shutting off and restarting the engine. This issue can occur in potentially dangerous situations such as on roads or tight turns.
- Gear shift stuck in Park. Some vehicles have experienced a failure preventing shifting out of Park, rendering the vehicle immobile.
- Fuel pump failure and stalling. Complaints include fuel pump shutting off or hesitating during takeoff, leading to engine stall risks and potential crash hazards. Water intrusion causing corrosion was noted by dealers but repairs were not always completed under warranty.
There are 220 recalls for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 affecting multiple systems, including communication modules, fuel pumps, tires, sunroof assembly, and brakes. These recalls address software updates, water intrusion risks, component defects, and safety system failures.
Recalls- Communication module software. (NHTSA 22V365000, 21V058000, 21V072000) Over 1.3 million vehicles including the 2018 GLE 350 are affected by communication module SIM card errors or inadvertent deactivation during service. These defects disable the emergency call (eCall) system, risking delayed emergency response after crashes. Software updates or dealer inspections reactivate eCall free of charge.
- Fuel pump control unit. (NHTSA 22V955000) Approximately 348,000 vehicles, including 2016-2018 GLE 350 units, risk engine stall due to water accumulation in the spare tire well damaging the fuel pump control module. Dealers will install drain plugs, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the control unit if needed at no cost.
- Continental tires. (NHTSA 21V123000) About 2,500 vehicles equipped with over-cured Continental tires may face tire sidewall breaks causing sudden air loss or tread/belt separation. Dealers inspect and replace affected tires free of charge.
- Sunroof assembly adhesion. (NHTSA 18V512000) Four 2018 GLE 350 vehicles had panoramic sunroof components possibly bonded with defective primer, resulting in potential detachment and road hazards. Dealers will inspect and replace sunroof parts as necessary free of charge.
- Rear brake hydraulic system. (NHTSA 18V539000) Around 9,000 vehicles including the 2018 GLE 350 have rear brake caliper pistons with potential coating defects releasing gas into the brake system. This can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. Dealers will bleed the rear brake system at no charge.
Owners with repeated repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recall issues for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a consumer protection attorney can help clarify these rights and possible next steps.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350 Summary
2018
Model Year
7
Total Complaints
7
Total Recalls
1894807
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
348183 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
242722 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
2529 vehicles affected
TIRES
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE43 AMG, and GLE400 vehicles equipped with Continental tires. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
67 vehicles affected
COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
1292258 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
9044 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may not have been correctly coated, causing gas to become temporarily released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reducing braking performance.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
4 vehicles affected
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, and GLE43 AMG vehicles. During manufacturing, components of the panoramic sunroof may have been installed with a bonding primer that was incorrectly made, possibly affecting the long-term adhesion to the vehicle.
Risk: If the front cover and/or rear fixed glass are not properly adhered, they may detach, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2126660FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump has been failing and shutting off and has been hesitant when taking off. It can leave you stranded in the middle of the road or if you turn left in front of people the car may stall and can cause a crash. Yes and independent dealer and the dealer both know it’s a problem. I took the vehicle into a Mercedes dealer and the fuel pump had a recall on it and the dealer refused to replace it although I had a engine code that they could pull up referring them to the fuel pump and the fuel pump not priming as it should in every start up. The failure happened a few months ago and I took it in and the dealer drilled a home in the rear of my car and failed to replace the fuel pump, which was covered under the warranty. And the dealer admitted there was water in the trunk area which corroded the fuel pump.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2126659ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The fuel pump has been failing and shutting off and has been hesitant when taking off. It can leave you stranded in the middle of the road or if you turn left in front of people the car may stall and can cause a crash. Yes and independent dealer and the dealer both know it’s a problem. I took the vehicle into a Mercedes dealer and the fuel pump had a recall on it and the dealer refused to replace it although I had a engine code that they could pull up referring them to the fuel pump and the fuel pump not priming as it should in every start up. The failure happened a few months ago and I took it in and the dealer drilled a home in the rear of my car and failed to replace the fuel pump, which was covered under the warranty. And the dealer admitted there was water in the trunk area which corroded the fuel pump.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2104724POWER TRAIN
Cannot shift the gear from P to any other positions, and unable to move the car. The issue has been existing from mid 2022, three years ago.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2102172POWER TRAIN
After fully stop with pressing brake pedal, try to shift the gear from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) but cannot shift the automatic gear position from D to R (reverse) gear. In order to shift to R gear position, I needed to shutdown and restart the engine. This has been clearly recurrent since 3 years ago and mostly happen in front of my garage to park backward, but sometimes very dangerous in the middle of road, when needed to make tight U-turn. Please take care of this issue. Thank you.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2093736ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that water intrusion through the sunroof had damaged the batteries. The mechanic replaced both batteries. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the water intrusion failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2093735STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that water intrusion through the sunroof had damaged the batteries. The mechanic replaced both batteries. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the water intrusion failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350
ID: 2054378BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera screen display had malfunctioned and a black image had been displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage related to the failure. No further information was available. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 69,000.