2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Risk: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 vehicles. The wiring harness connected to the prefuse box in the engine compartment might not be properly secured, which could deactivate fused components, such as power steering assist, headlights, and wipers.

Risk: Driving with inoperable power steering assist, headlights, or wipers can increase the risk of a crash.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

Risk: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.

Risk: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. The lighting control unit may malfunction and cause the left exterior reverse light to remain illuminated after the transmission is shifted into a different gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the reverse light remains illuminated in a gear other than reverse, it may cause confusion about the driver's intention to other motorists, and increase the risk of a crash.

SEATS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.

Risk: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Risk: Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 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. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Risk: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

SEATS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2020 GLE 350 vehicle. One of four bolts securing the driver's seat may not have been installed correctly and may fail.

Risk: If a driver's seat fastener bolt fails, the seat may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 vehicles. The connection of the locking ring between the front and rear part of the drive shaft might not have been installed correctly, possibly resulting in a loss of power transfer between the transfer case and the rear axle differential.

Risk: If the transfer case disconnects from the rear axle differential the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill. The star logo's electrical ground connection may not be installed properly, potentially affecting the function of other components that share the same ground connection, such as the power steering control unit, wiper motor, and/or the left headlight.

Risk: If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 and GLE 450 vehicles equipped with an electrically adjustable second-row seat. The wiring harness under the seat may become pinched during seat adjustment, possibly causing damage to the wires.

Risk: Damaged wires may cause the rear side air bags to not deploy as intended. Additionally, the driver may not be warned if the second row right seat is not locked into place correctly after using the "Easy Entry" function. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE450 AND GLS450 vehicles. The seams on the rear crossmember may have been insufficiently welded. This may allow cracks to form when towing, possibly causing the rear crossmember to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLS580 4MATIC vehicles. The rear door window trim may detach.

Risk: The detached trim can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain from the air conditioner into the passenger compartment.

Risk: If a significant volume of water enters the driver and passenger side foot wells, it might cause corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components in the area, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled; the vehicle may not be able to be unlocked and/or started; and the engine limp-home mode might be activated during driving. These features increase the risk of an injury or crash.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 4MATIC and GLE 450 4MATIC vehicles. The owner's manuals do not include information regarding the adjustment of the head restraints of the third row seats. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."

Risk: Improperly adjusted head restraints increase the risk of injury to the third row seat passengers in the event of a crash.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4MATIC and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The connection between the fuel filler pipe and the fuel tank may have been improperly welded, allowing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4Matic and GLE450 4Matic vehicles. In the event of a crash while the temperature in the passenger cabin is very high, the passenger frontal air bag deployment may be delayed or may not completely deploy.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

STRUCTURE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4Matic and GLE450 4Matic vehicles. A welding error during production may have resulted in a small hole in the floor, possibly allowing water to leak into the passenger cabin.

Risk: Water in the passenger compartment may affect the vehicle's electrical systems, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

ENGINE

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced a complete engine seizure at approximately 60,000 miles without any warning signs. The vehicle shut down and would not restart. The engine is completely inoperable. I am aware of recalls involving engine stalling and fuel system issues in this model, and I believe this may be related to a broader defect. Mercedes-Benz has not offered support as of this writing.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

ENGINE

The vehicle recently experienced a cylinder head failure, confirmed by a diagnotic code P0302 (Misfire in cylinder 2), resulting in rough idling, reduced power, and potential safety risks during opreration. This issue appears to be a known defect in the M264 engine, as evidenced by similar complains from owners of GLE 350, GLC 300, and other models on forums like [XXX] and [XXX] . The failure occurred just beyond the standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, and Mercedes-Benz USA denied my request for a goodwill repair despite acknowledging similar issues in related models under extended warranties. Repair costs are estimated $8,000 to $13,500. I believe this defect warrants investigation due to its prevalence and potential to cause sudden power loss, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions. I urge NHTSA to investigate the M264 engine in the 2020 GLE 350 for a possible recall to protect owners and ensure safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Control Module / Valve Body failure occurred at 44,000 miles

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car shook while idling the last two weeks of June 2025. It felt like it was going to shut off at light/stop sign which it did on two occasions. On July 2, 2025, it stalled abruptly during a drive after which I took it to Mercedes for service. I never received a warning signal or fault message even after it stalled. Mercedes service indicated the engine cylinder head valves were burnt and not sealing properly - estimated cost of repair $10,023.00. I am the original owner of the car, had routine maintenance and only had it performed at Mercedes. My car stopped without warning- but luckily on a local road. Others who are driving with this defective engine may not be so lucky. It appears this is a known issue to Mercedes USA but they have not done anything to fix it. The engine is M264. Even if valves are replaced, this problem may continue to occur as the Mercedes serviceman does not know what caused the burnt cylinders - just that they needed to be replaced and that it was not wear and tear. Not sure if this is related, but there was a 2022 recall on this engine (my car was not part of batch that was recalled) regarding turbo charger oil feed and return lines. The issues included engine vibration at idle and loss of power.

ENGINE

My car shook while idling the last two weeks of June 2025. It felt like it was going to shut off at light/stop sign which it did on two occasions. On July 2, 2025, it stalled abruptly during a drive after which I took it to Mercedes for service. I never received a warning signal or fault message even after it stalled. Mercedes service indicated the engine cylinder head valves were burnt and not sealing properly - estimated cost of repair $10,023.00. I am the original owner of the car, had routine maintenance and only had it performed at Mercedes. My car stopped without warning- but luckily on a local road. Others who are driving with this defective engine may not be so lucky. It appears this is a known issue to Mercedes USA but they have not done anything to fix it. The engine is M264. Even if valves are replaced, this problem may continue to occur as the Mercedes serviceman does not know what caused the burnt cylinders - just that they needed to be replaced and that it was not wear and tear. Not sure if this is related, but there was a 2022 recall on this engine (my car was not part of batch that was recalled) regarding turbo charger oil feed and return lines. The issues included engine vibration at idle and loss of power.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode but continued to operate with reduced motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine control unit failure causing the engine to run lean, resulting in misfires in cylinders #1 and #2 and damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine had failed a pressure test and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and determined that the failure could be resolved with a top end engine replacement of the cylinder head, valves, valve springs, rocker arms, camshaft, spark plugs, and valve cover. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.

ENGINE

I purchased my 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 new with only 12 miles on it. I also purchased an extended warranty which gave me 100,012 miles. On a Friday evening while being driven, the engine light came on. I took the truck immediately to the dealership on Monday morning. Prior to that the engine would roar loud upon starting on some occasions then calm down. When I mentioned it to the service department on previous service visits they told me it was fine and they notice that, that particular model does that when it gets hot outside. The vehicle also quit on me in the middle of the road before starting back up in about 3 minutes but on a separate visit. ALL my maintenance and service have ALL been done at the Mercedes service department so I'm confused how this happened. So, the dealership needed an extra day to diagnose so after 2 days I was hit with the news that is was a cylinder head...$9,963. I had 108,152 (out of extended warranty) miles on my truck. I notice this is a common issue with this particular year and model GLE350. I also see that Mercedes has a recall on other models just not this one. A recall is needed immediately. I pray this complaint will help others that will experience this same issue in the near future because there's no help for me now.

ENGINE

Hi! I just received word that my 2020 GLE350 will need a replacement cylinder head. I went to the dealership due to having a check engine light on (light came on this morning and I promptly brought to the dealership). It is an $8,000 repair. Upon doing a quick websearch for replacement cylinder heads for 2020 GLE350s, I am finding a lot of people in web groups reporting that they are having the exact same issues for the same model (2020-2022) right after the 50,000k mileage mark (out of warranty). I have always done my maintenance directly with the dealership. Links to the chat forums with similar issues - can pull up more if needed. [XXX] Let me know if you need additional information - thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong raw gasoline odor in cabin, making passengers “light headed”. Called dealer about a fuel system recall on this model however they said my vin number didn’t fall under the recall.. no warning lights are on

ENGINE

Bought a 2020 Gle 350 used with 55000 miles on it. Within 3 weeks the check engine light comes on and the car goes into limp mode. Cannot drive it. Took it to Mercedes of Wilmington. They said it was a misfire on 4. They replaced all spark plugs and the coil to cylinder 4. Another month later the same thing happens. Took it back to Mercedes. Stated the car needs a new cylinder head at the cost of 12000$. This seems to be a common problem on these vehicles. A recall is needed immediately

ENGINE

At 48,000 miles the cylinder head needed replaced. This was done under warranty. At 73,000 miles the engine started making a horrible noise and power was lost and acceleration very choppy. Had it towed to the dealer. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a Rod bearing failure and requires the engine to be fully replaced. This occured while driving, fortunately I had just gotten off the highway, otherwise the vehicle would have lost acceleration and speed and would have created and unsafe situation. The engine light never came on, neither before or after the noise and loss of acceleration.

ENGINE

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.

SEAT BELTS

The rear seat belts are faulty. I had to pay out of pocket for the rear middle seat belt repair and now the rear right side is faulty and does not budge or move pass a point. I am concerned that each time these do not work, I will be out another thousand dollars for repair. Seat belts on some of my oldest cars continue to work. This should not be happening especially to a newer vehicle. I need help and by that I want Mercedes to cover the cost. It's very stressful. Thank you for hearing my concern.

ENGINE

Turbo oil separator blocked, causing internal pressure pushing oil out of the rear main crankshaft seal. Since the oil level is monitored electrically (no dipstick), the engine can run out of oil, resulting in catastrophic failure while driving, causing a dangerous condition or accident

ENGINE

Coolant pipe under intake manifold made of plastic leaking, could have caused engine overheating and failure in traffic conditions. New style pipe supplied by manufacturer is now made of steel, dealer had in stock indicating a repetitive problem.

ENGINE

Cylinder misfire at low mileage with very costly repair.. Vehicle needs cylinder head.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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.

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

ENGINE

My vehicle has developed problems related to the cylinder head, leading to persistent misfires, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light. Upon diagnosis at an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center, it was determined that the cylinder head requires replacement

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The air conditioner is constantly leaking refrigerant due to a potential damaged hose which is a known issue for Mercedez-Benz SUVs. I contacted the dealership who advised this is not an issue currently being addressed by the manufacturer and would be at the cost of the vehicle owner.