NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls and 25 owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Gle450.
Complaints for the 2016 GLE450 spread across a few systems, with structure, engine, and electrical each drawing a notable share of reports. On the structural side, owners describe body panels detaching while driving, the most striking reports involve roof or exterior trim separating from the vehicle unexpectedly. Engine complaints touch on performance and reliability issues, though no single symptom dominates those reports. The electrical system draws reports of the backup camera going dark intermittently, with owners describing the screen dropping to black when shifting into reverse, sometimes for weeks at a stretch before working again. A few reports also describe transmission or gear selector behavior, including the vehicle unexpectedly shifting out of park or into an unintended gear during low-speed maneuvering.
25
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 has 11 recalls, the most serious involving multiple defects that can stall the engine or cut drive power while the vehicle is moving, raising the risk of a crash.
Three separate issues can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly: a software error in the engine control unit can kill the engine during braking, water collecting in the spare tire well can damage the fuel pump control module and stall the engine, and rear driveshaft bolts can loosen and allow the shaft to separate from the transmission or rear differential. On the suspension side, a bolt connecting the upper front control arm to the axle stub can be insufficiently tightened, causing the wheel to track improperly, and a leaking front suspension component creates a fire risk if fluid contacts an ignition source. The roof panel bonded between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof can detach and become a road hazard, and prior repair attempts on certain vehicles did not fully resolve this bonding issue.
On the occupant safety side, the passenger seat sensor that determines airbag deployment level may misread the front passenger, causing the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash. Rear head restraints can fail to lock in the upright position in very cold temperatures, and a right rear seatbelt anchor bolt may have been incorrectly installed, leaving that belt unable to hold a passenger in a crash. The emergency call system can report an inaccurate vehicle location, potentially slowing emergency response.
At a glance
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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 can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front roof panel at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
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
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
Rear head restraints may unlock from the upright position in very cold temperatures.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear head restraints at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear seatbelt anchor bolt may have been incorrectly installed, potentially compromising the seatbelt's ability to secure passengers properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt and correct its installation if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the engine control unit may cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly while braking, which owners might mistake for the eco start/stop function activating.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control unit software at no cost to correct the error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear drive shaft bolt fasteners may loosen, causing the rear drive shaft to separate from the transmission or rear axle differential.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners and tighten them as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.