This page covers 7 recalls and 38 owner complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350.
For the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, powertrain and exterior lighting draw the most owner complaints. On the powertrain side, owners describe fuel pump issues causing hesitation and unexpected stalling, along with at least one report of a serpentine belt failure that led to engine seizure with no prior warning signs. Exterior lighting complaints center on low-beam output that owners describe as severely inadequate for nighttime driving, saying the headlights provide little usable illumination and that high beams become necessary just to see the road. The electrical system also draws complaints, with some owners reporting concern over built-in emergency communication features being deactivated without a replacement or alternative offered. A single report describes sudden unintended acceleration from a parked position with the brake failing to respond, though that account stands alone in the complaint set.
38
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has 7 recalls, the most serious being tires that can develop a sidewall break and lose air suddenly or shed tread, and a water intrusion issue where moisture in the spare tire well can damage the fuel pump control unit and stall the engine while driving.
On the braking side, certain vehicles may experience reduced braking performance, raising the risk of a crash. The panoramic sunroof is also a concern on some vehicles: the front cover and rear fixed glass may not be properly bonded and can detach while driving, becoming a road hazard. Three separate recalls affect the automatic emergency call system, which can either fail to connect to emergency services after a crash or report the vehicle's location incorrectly, potentially delaying responders when they are needed most.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can collect in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a water drain plug, check for water damage, and replace the fuel pump control unit if needed.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires on these vehicles were over-cured during manufacturing, which can affect tire integrity and performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake caliper pistons may lack proper coating, allowing gas to enter the rear brake hydraulic circuit and temporarily reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system to remove gas and restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The panoramic sunroof may have been installed with faulty bonding primer, which could weaken adhesion to the vehicle over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
