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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Plug-in hybrid Gas Diesel
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
11 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
50 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 18
Complaints10 crash · 4 fire · 5 injured reported 107
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 25 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, gas and diesel large SUV with 11 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLE350 d 4matic, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 107 complaints, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class · Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
GLE550e 4maticPlug-in hybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 85 kW DCPM202321 (25 MPGe blended)12 mi electric681.9 h$3,900
GLE350GasRWD3.5L 6-cyl182320———$4,100
GLE400 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182220———$4,100
GLE450 AMG CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172320———$4,100
GLE350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl182219———$4,350
GLE350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl182219———$4,350
AMG GLE63Gas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo131715———$5,500
AMG GLE63 SGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo131715———$5,500
AMG GLE63 S CoupeGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo141815———$5,500
GLE350 d 4maticDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo232925———$3,850
GLE300 d 4maticDiesel4WD2.1L 4-cyl turbo222924———$4,000

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 37526, 36619, 36782, 36778, 36551, 36552, 36781, 36779, 36780, 36705.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
GLE550e 4matic6–7 / 10Bin 4 / California LEV-III ULEV50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
AMG GLE63, AMG GLE63 S, AMG GLE63 S Coupe, GLE350, GLE350 4matic, GLE350 d 4matic, GLE400 4matic, GLE450 AMG Coupe5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
GLE300 d 4matic6 / 10LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.3 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Engine Output

Horsepower200 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: GLE300d, GLE350, GLE350d, GLE550e-4M). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length189.8–193.3 in
Width (body, without mirrors)76.0–78.7 in
Height68.1–70.9 in
Wheelbase115.0 in
Track, front65.0–65.4 in
Track, rear65.4–67.7 in
Curb weight4,696–5,181 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear52/48 to 54/46

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 7 configurations: 350D 4Matic, 400 4Matic, 450 4Matic, 550 4Matic, AMG 63 S 4Matic, Coupe 350D / 450AMG 4Matic …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (18)

Source: NHTSA recall database
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Structure

2,976 vehicles 41% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V854000 reported Dec 15, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Fuel System, Diesel

2023010002 & ...0003
348,183 vehicles 67% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V955000 reported Dec 23, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles 64% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V197000 reported Mar 19, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Communication

2019120008
24,226 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Jan 20, 2012 – Oct 6, 2016
Problem 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 Risk An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V787000 reported Nov 1, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Suspension

2018070015
9,725 vehicles 94% reported repaired built Dec 23, 2010 – Jun 1, 2016
Problem 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. Risk The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V272000 reported Apr 27, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Tires

2018010010
64 vehicles 69% reported repaired built Jun 28, 2016 – Sep 14, 2016
Problem 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." Risk Applying incorrectly sized tires to the vehicle will affect the speedometer reading, which can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V828000 reported Dec 18, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Visibility

2018020002
3,620 vehicles 79% reported repaired built May 4, 2016 – Jul 27, 2016
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V655000 reported Oct 17, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Engine And Engine Cooling

2017090005
12,322 vehicles 94% reported repaired built Jul 9, 2014 – May 12, 2017
Problem 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. Risk If the engine shuts down, there is increased the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V506000 reported Aug 14, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Steering

2017050013
58,323 vehicles 87% reported repaired built Aug 5, 2015 – Jun 7, 2016
Problem 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. Risk If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V241000 reported Apr 11, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Air Bags

51 vehicles 86% reported repaired built Jan 1, 2008 – Jan 1, 2017
Problem 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 co Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V177000 reported Mar 14, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Suspension

37 vehicles 81% reported repaired built Jan 6, 2016 – Jan 6, 2016
Problem 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. Risk The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V081000 reported Feb 8, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Visibility

4 vehicles 50% reported repaired built Jul 19, 2016 – Jul 19, 2016
Problem 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." Risk 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V079000 reported Feb 8, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Air Bags

2016120004
47,799 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Apr 23, 2014 – May 10, 2016
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V903000 reported Dec 15, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Exterior Lighting

2016100003
2,215 vehicles 93% reported repaired built Oct 14, 2015 – Nov 23, 2015
Problem 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." Risk If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V759000 reported Oct 20, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

2016090003
2 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Jul 11, 2015 – Jul 25, 2015
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V602000 reported Aug 15, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seat Belts

423 vehicles 87% reported repaired built Apr 27, 2015 – May 19, 2015
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V442000 reported Jun 16, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Electrical System

5,826 vehicles 91% reported repaired built Dec 10, 2014 – Jun 6, 2016
Problem 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. Risk If the engine shuts down unintentionally, there may be an increased risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V440000 reported Jun 15, 2016 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Power Train

MFR ID Code
52 vehicles 69% reported repaired built Dec 10, 2014 – Apr 29, 2015
Problem 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. Risk If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 15V709000 reported Oct 27, 2015 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Front Roof Panel Detachment closed

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles. The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adh

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific GLE-Class

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Mercedes-Benz publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
107complaints filed

10 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 5 injuries · 0 deaths reported

20 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 54,681 GLE-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2016: 4 · 2017: 14 · 2018: 11 · 2019: 6 · 2020: 9 · 2021: 12 · 2022: 8 · 2023: 10 · 2024: 16 · 2025: 12 · 2026: 5

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 32
Engine 20
Electrical System 18
Steering 16
Unspecified 14
Structure 8

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Mercedes-Benz corporate is showing a complete disregard for me as a consumer and human! My brakes recently failed without warning (I lost my ability to brake) and it almost caused me to be involved in an accident. My life and safety was put in jeopardy and I AM in shock.
Power Train Aug 28, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11683696
Park Place stated that they didn't locate any signs of water in the trunk area and would place a water drain plug in the spare tire area to drain water, incase water entered the area. In January 26, 2024, while driving, my GLE 450 loss propulsion without warning causing me to almost get rear ended.
Fuel/Propulsion System Jun 13, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11594112
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front roof panel detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall.
Structure at 104,620 miles Jun 3, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11664622
Multiple engine ignition coils have failed on this low mileage vehicle. History of failures are as followed. 1/18/2022 Mileage 39,246 Ignition Coil #4 6/16/2022 Mileage 40,915 Ignition Coil #2 3/16/2023 Mileage 43,866 Ignition Coil #6 and #2 4/23/2023 Mileage 44,275 Ignition Coil #1 1/15/2025 Mileage 51,560 Ignition Coil #4 Mercedes Benz…
Engine Jan 18, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11636782
I park at the Mall and after two hours, start the car again to go home the front panel shows "Power Steering Malfunction See owners manual" and the steering has not assistance which makes hard to drive. The steering is hard to maneuver
Steering Jun 25, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11596423
While parking and putting my car in park. Hello, my car needs a recall. August 31, 2024 While parking and putting the car in park. my car shifted into Neutral and lunged forward causing me to hit a sign and maneuver away from a wall. My car is dangerous. Please help!! My car lunged forward and i ran into a bush. I am injured.
Electrical System Sep 5, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11612929

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Mercedes-Benz itself: 51 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 67 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 93 per 100,000 built. Every GLE-Class model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 40k

miles, typically

Half the 50 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 17,000 and 75,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 8
10k–20k 6
20k–30k 5
30k–40k 5
40k–50k 3
50k–60k 5
60k–70k 3
70k–80k 4
80k–90k 2
90k–100k 2
100k–150k 7
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Fuel/Propulsion System1559,8311.27×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆18%
SUV RWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆20%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 3 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Mercedes-Benz warranty extension (9) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 1,013
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-23
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 949 service bulletins, 31 others, 20 warranty extensions

Most often about: Electrical System, Power Train, Equipment, Exterior Lighting, Engine.

  • LI20.00-P-080222 Service bulletin
    2026-10-23 · Engine
  • Complaint Customer states that the yellow "Coolant" message is populated in the instrument cluster. The following DTC is found stored in the PTCU: P2B2A7A ‑ The speed of the 'Coolant pump' component part is too high. A leak or defective seal was detected Notes on fault code:The fault code concerns the right rear 15 W pump on the side of the transmission (M43/6, Figure 1, position C). The fault
  • LI27.00-P-073124 Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Power Train
  • Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of t
  • LI42.10-P-078779 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as
  • LI20.10-P-075374 Service bulletin
    2026-09-17 · Engine
  • Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest pump actuation: ‑12V plug at M75/11 ‑48V plug at M75/11 ‑48V connector X192/4 ‑Connections at 48V fus
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document i
  • LI27.10-P-075869 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Power Train
  • Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following
  • LI27.00-P-073124 Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Power Train
  • Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of
  • LI42.10-P-063502 Service bulletin
    2026-09-01 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce noise from high performance AMG brakes. AMG brakes are designed for performance under high load and in certain scenarios, can emit noise. Some scenarios are normal and some are induced by driving style like those listed

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U019F
U019F on Mercedes-Benz →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine1 bulletin

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 2.1% of first inspections — lower than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.90% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 2.1%

failed emissions

2,113 initial inspections of 2,071 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 GLE-ClassEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.1%4.2%2,104
Failed the safety inspection0.90%2.2%2,113
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.33%0.27%2,113
Miles driven a year8,67210,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer89,150103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2016 GLE-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 18 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The most serious on file is 23V854000, covering Structure. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (50/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Across the 11 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 25 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 189.8–193.3 in long, 76.0–78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 68.1–70.9 in tall, on a 115.0 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,696–5,181 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often about fuel/propulsion system, engine, electrical system. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 4, Bin 5, California LEV-III ULEV50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, LEV-II ULEV, LEV-III ULEV125 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 1013 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often covering electrical system, power train, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-23. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 2.1% of first inspections — lower than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.90% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations11 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates11 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls18NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints107NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins1013NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA9 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

JSON for this page · API