NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
This page covers 9 recalls, 49 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gle350.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Steering and fuel system issues dominate what 2016 GLE350 owners report. On the steering side, the most common complaint is an abnormal noise coming from the steering box, described across multiple reports as occurring at various speeds with no warning light to signal the problem. The fuel and propulsion system draws the second-highest volume of complaints, centered on fuel injector leaks, owners report that leaking injectors, often while the vehicle is parked, can trigger a spark from the engine control unit that causes a small explosion under the hood, blowing apart the intake manifold. Several owners describe finding the manifold in dozens of pieces and needing all six injectors replaced. A smaller cluster of complaints covers the air bags, and a handful of owners report unexpected acceleration from a stop.
49
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 has 9 recalls, the most serious involving an engine stall risk from water damage to the fuel pump control module, a front suspension bolt that can allow a wheel to track improperly, and a front suspension oil leak that can ignite near a heat source.
Two recalls affect the front passenger airbag: the windshield bonding on certain vehicles may be insufficient, causing the windshield to detach in a crash and leave the deploying airbag unsupported, and a separate issue with the airbag inflator module can cause the passenger frontal airbag to fail to function correctly in a crash. There is also a recall covering the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, which can misread the front seat occupant and prevent the airbag from deploying when needed. Water can also enter the electric power steering control unit and deactivate the steering assist, making the wheel significantly harder to turn. On certain vehicles built within a narrow production window, the low-beam headlights may be aimed incorrectly, reducing forward visibility at night. Finally, a software fault in the emergency call system can report the wrong vehicle location to emergency responders during an incident.
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.
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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 →
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 causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oil in the Active Curve System reservoir can foam and leak from the cap's vent holes when the oil level drops below minimum during certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the oil level as needed and replace the reservoir sealing cap to stop oil foam from leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Excess insulation in the bulkhead may extend into the lower windshield area, potentially compromising windshield bonding and reducing the passenger front airbag's protective function in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove excess insulation and rework windshield bonding as needed to restore proper airbag function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering connector may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield adhesive bond may be insufficient, allowing the windshield to separate from the vehicle during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the windshield at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the upper control arm to the axle stub may not be properly tightened, potentially causing the connection to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolt connecting the upper control arm to the axle stub, replacing the upper control arm if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat occupant detection system may be incorrectly calibrated, causing it to mistakenly identify an adult as a child seat and disable the front passenger airbag.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the occupant detection system software at no cost to restore proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low beam headlights may not be properly adjusted, causing the headlights to fail to meet federal safety standards for lamp performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and adjust the headlights as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.