2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

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The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 35 of 84 complaints (42%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed fell from 122 in 2020 to 84 in 2021.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2021: 2 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category20192020202120222023vs. 2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Annual fuel cost ($)3,900–5,5503,500–4,1003,350–4,8503,500–4,8503,500–4,550
Combined MPG14–2019–2216–2316–2217–22
City / Highway MPG12–17 / 18–2317–20 / 21–2715–21 / 19–2615–20 / 19–2715–20 / 19–25
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)453–632397–470393–540394–541394–535
Complaints filed31122846322Not compared
Recalls issued63622114Not compared
Crash-involved complaints23321Not compared
Fire-involved complaints11210Not compared
Injuries reported22640Not compared
Deaths reported00000Not compared
Configurations compared62676

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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have?

22 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Engine: 35 of 84 NHTSA complaints (42%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class get?

EPA rates it 16–23 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

EPA estimates $3,350–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (8)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 9-spd63.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD18 mpg22 mpg19 mpg$4,100458 g/mi
Configuration 2Automatic 9-spd63.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD18 mpg23 mpg20 mpg$3,900440 g/mi
Configuration 3Automatic 9-spd84.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD15 mpg (low)19 mpg (low)16 mpg (low)$4,850 (high)540 g/mi (high)
Configuration 4Automatic 9-spd42.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD19 mpg26 mpg (high)22 mpg$3,500403 g/mi
Configuration 5Automatic 9-spd42.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD19 mpg26 mpg (high)22 mpg$3,500409 g/mi
Configuration 6Automatic 9-spd63.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD21 mpg (high)26 mpg (high)23 mpg (high)$3,350 (low)393 g/mi (low)
Configuration 7Automatic 9-spd84.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD15 mpg (low)19 mpg (low)17 mpg$4,550534 g/mi
Configuration 8Automatic 9-spd84.0L4-Wheel DrivePremiumStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD17 mpg22 mpg19 mpg$4,100465 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine351240
Transmission & Drivetrain90000
Fuel System50000
Electrical291220
Brakes42060
Steering00000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires20000
Airbags & Restraints00000
Driver Assistance & Speed Control102020
Body, Seats & Latches50100
Visibility & Lighting90000
Other161000

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 (22)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 24V724000 · Sep 30, 2024

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 24V207000 · Mar 18, 2024

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

    Consequence: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · Campaign 24V118000 · Feb 20, 2024

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.

    Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V880000 · Dec 26, 2023

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

    Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · Campaign 23V835000 · Dec 8, 2023

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.

    Consequence: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V445000 · Jun 26, 2023

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

    Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

  • VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM · Campaign 23V177000 · Mar 20, 2023

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

    Consequence: Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.

  • STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS · Campaign 22V936000 · Dec 19, 2022

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.

    Consequence: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY · Campaign 22V680000 · Sep 13, 2022

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.

    Consequence: Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

    Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Show 12 earlier campaigns
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH · Campaign 22V231000 · Apr 11, 2022

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

    Consequence: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH · Campaign 21V909000 · Nov 22, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE450 and AMG GLE53 vehicles. In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.

    Consequence: Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · Campaign 21V832000 · Oct 25, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.

    Consequence: Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • SEATS · Campaign 21V818000 · Oct 19, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Consequence: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 21V509000 · Jul 6, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 21V354000 · May 17, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

  • EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER · Campaign 21V288000 · Apr 23, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

    Consequence: Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.

  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V071000 · Feb 16, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

    Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

    Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

  • STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD · Campaign 21V057000 · Feb 8, 2021

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.

    Consequence: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.

  • SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 20V671000 · Nov 2, 2020

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

    Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · Campaign 20V089000 · Feb 18, 2020

    Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Consequence: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.