CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

15

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 have filed 15 safety complaints with NHTSA between December 2020 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 9 of them (60%). The typical failure was reported at 8,263 miles, the median across the 4 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 17 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (17)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

24V724000 · September 27, 2024

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 10,655 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

24V207000 · March 15, 2024

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
The risk
An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 116,020 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

24V118000 · February 16, 2024

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.
The risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 105,071 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

23V835000 · December 8, 2023

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
The risk
An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 164 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

23V445000 · June 26, 2023

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 143,551 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

23V177000 · March 17, 2023

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 61,450 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

22V936000 · December 16, 2022

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.
The risk
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 69 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

22V680000 · September 12, 2022

The defect
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.
The risk
Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 161,000 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V365000 · May 20, 2022

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 242,722 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

22V231000 · April 8, 2022

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
The risk
An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 21,306 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

21V909000 · November 19, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE450 and AMG GLE53 vehicles. In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.
The risk
Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 17 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

21V509000 · July 2, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 1,467 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

21V354000 · May 14, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 343,191 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

21V071000 · February 12, 2021

The defect
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."
The risk
If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 41,838 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V058000 · February 5, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 1,292,258 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

20V671000 · October 30, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 55,326 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

20V089000 · February 14, 2020

The defect
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."
The risk
If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 2,101 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 15.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9 60%
ENGINE 7 47%
POWER TRAIN 3 20%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3 20%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1 7%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1 7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 1 7%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2021 at 5.

2020 2021 2026
2020 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towed · 13,525 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that on two separate occasions the vehicle failed to start on the initial attempt. The vehicle was towed to dealer who diagnosed that the firmware needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred a second time approximately 90 days later. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,525.

NHTSA complaint 11509252. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

73,000 miles

See attached letter for complaint

NHTSA complaint 11756442. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. Failed component/system. Primary issue is stalling under normal operating conditions. The vehicle is available for inspection. It is a 2024 Porsche Panamera. It is currently with the dealership at Chantilly. 2. The vehicle stalls while I was crossing a highway potentially leading to a collision. The second time it stalled my daughter was in the vehicle, which could have put her in danger and others on the roadway. 3. The dealership could not replicate the issue 4. The dealership will not have Porsche engineering try to identify the issue they are just stating they cannot replicate it while test driving. 5. There was no indication or warning light that stalling would occur. There were

NHTSA complaint 11634734, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Currently unavailable camera view restricted” The message went away but I’ve noticed it appearing more often

NHTSA complaint 11590839. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Driving down a multi-lane highway at 70 mph, a 48V battery malfunction warning goes off as well as the yellow check engine light. A few seconds later a ‘coolant’ error alert pops up. SUV loses acceleration with power dropping from 70 mph to 55 mph to 35 mph. Another message displayed on screen warning me to “Pull over and turn the engine off.” Narrowly missing being hit from the back, I was able to coast to an upcoming exit into a store’s parking lot before the car stalled completely.

NHTSA complaint 11536714. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wipers are not installed correctly on all 2021 GLEs on the 167 platform. Wipers make excessive noise and fo not effectively clean the windows. Dealer acknowledges the problem, states of is a common issue but has no known way to fix it.

NHTSA complaint 11485393. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 10 4
2022 14 11
2020 26 32
2016 25 11

Other 2021 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst