Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine problems
128 of the 476 complaints about the Mercedes-Benz GLE (26.9%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (45, 37% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2018 model (2). 41 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 37 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “cylinder head”, “engine”, “light”, “check” and “battery malfunction”. 6 of these reports (4.7%) describe a crash or fire, with 4 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 41 · Previous 12 months: 37
Common terms in reports
- cylinder head33
- engine84
- light59
- check40
- battery malfunction7
- warning54
What owners report
I purchased my vehicle 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 from Mercedes Dealership in Ontario, and had it for only about 4 months before it catching on fire while parked at the doctors office. I purchased it [XXX], and it caught fire on [XXX] while at the doctors.
Not sure vehicle was parked and caught on fire from the drivers side completely burning
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on XXX at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter.
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on July 13, 2026 at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter.
I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about…
On July 7, 2026, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 experienced a serious engine malfunction. After stopping at a traffic light, the engine began shaking violently and idling roughly.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLE problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
128 of the 476 complaints about the Mercedes-Benz GLE (26.9%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (45, 37% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2018 model (2).
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine problems?
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.