NHTSA (USA)Critical
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 involving tires that can develop a sidewall crack and lose air suddenly or shed tread while driving, and a fuel pump control unit that water intrusion can disable, causing the engine to stall without warning.
The tire defect and the fuel system issue share the top severity ranking. On the tire side, the affected Continental tires can fail structurally at the sidewall or lose their belt and tread, both of which create an abrupt loss of vehicle control. The fuel pump concern stems from water pooling in the spare tire well and damaging the control unit below it, cutting engine power mid-drive. The brakes on certain GLE 350 variants can also deliver reduced stopping force, leaving less distance to slow or stop in traffic. Separately, panoramic sunroof panels on some vehicles were bonded with a defective primer that may not hold long-term, and the front cover or rear glass can detach and fall onto the road, becoming a hazard for following vehicles.
Three recalls affect the automatic emergency call system, which is designed to alert a response center and relay the vehicle's location after a crash. Across these filings, the eCall system can either send responders to the wrong location or fail to connect entirely, meaning help after a serious crash may be delayed or misdirected. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns exist for this system. These eCall recalls span a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models and years, so not every affected vehicle will share the same underlying failure
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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 →
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.
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.
