2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 28 of 100 complaints (28%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,600–5,150 | 3,700–5,150 | 3,700–5,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–25 | 15–21 | 15–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–23 / 17–29 | 13–20 / 17–23 | 14–20 / 18–23 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 400–611 | 440–611 | 440–586 | |
| Complaints filed | 100 | 74 | 55 | |
| Recalls issued | 18 | 12 | 9 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 10 | 9 | 8 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 4 | 6 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have?
18 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Fuel System: 28 of 100 NHTSA complaints (28%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class get?
EPA rates it 15–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
EPA estimates $3,600–$5,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (11)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 456 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium or E85 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 456 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 440 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,600 (low) | 400 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 454 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 611 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 574 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $5,150 (high) | 611 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 454 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.1L | 4-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 22 mpg | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | $3,750 | 415 g/mi |
Show 1 more configuration
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 294 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 28 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 16 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 10 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 13 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (18)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 23V854000 · Dec 18, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE · Campaign 22V955000 · Dec 27, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Consequence: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 21V197000 · Mar 22, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
SUSPENSION:FRONT · Campaign 18V272000 · May 2, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
Consequence: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.
TIRES:MARKINGS; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 17V828000 · Dec 26, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes GLE 550e 4MATIC vehicles. The tire pressure label on the B-pillar lists incorrect seating capacity and front and rear tire dimension information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FVMSS) number 101, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Applying incorrectly sized tires to the vehicle will affect the speedometer reading, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tire pressure label, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V655000 · Oct 18, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the full protective function of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters will be mailed in December 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available in late January 2018. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018020002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 17V506000 · Aug 16, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 AMG GLE43 Coupe, and 2017 AMG GLE43 vehicles. The engine control unit and transmission control unit software may have compatibility conflicts and cause the engine to shut-down while the driver brakes to a stop, or accelerates following an ECO start.
Consequence: If the engine shuts down, there is increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission control unit software, free of charge. The recall begin September 18, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 17V241000 · Apr 11, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
Consequence: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 17V177000 · Mar 17, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Show 8 earlier campaigns
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM · Campaign 17V081000 · Feb 10, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V079000 · Feb 10, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic and GLS 450 4Matic vehicles. The windshield bonding may be insufficient and, as a result, the windshield may separate from the vehicle in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: If the windshield detaches in the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may not be supported properly after it deploys, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · Campaign 16V903000 · Dec 15, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.
Consequence: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 16V759000 · Oct 20, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, and GLE 400 4MATIC vehicles manufactured October 14, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Consequence: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · Campaign 16V602000 · Aug 15, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 11, 2015, to July 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.
Consequence: If the vehicle is involved in a crash in very low temperatures, the rear head restraints may not function as intended, increasing the risk of rearseat occupant injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear head restraints, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · Campaign 16V442000 · Jun 16, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.
Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 16V440000 · Jun 15, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe vehicles manufactured December 10, 2014, to June 6, 2016. An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down was planned due to the ECO start/stop function.
Consequence: If the engine shuts down unintentionally, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began August 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · Campaign 15V709000 · Oct 27, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic coupes and GLE63 AMG S 4Matic coupes manufactured December 10, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that may loosen and result in the rear drive shaft separating from the transmission or the rear axle differential.
Consequence: If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.