2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas large SUV with 9 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLE550e 4matic, is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 56 complaints, most often about the power train.

Specs & fuel economy
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov| Configuration | Powertrain | Drive | Engine / motor | City | Hwy | Comb | Range | kWh/100mi | Charge (240V) | Annual fuel* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE550e 4matic | Plug-in hybrid | 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 85 kW DCPM | 20 | 23 | 21 (25 MPGe blended) | 10 mi electric | 69 | 1.9 h | $3,900 |
| GLE350 | Gas | RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 18 | 23 | 20 | — | — | — | $4,100 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic | Gas | 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | — | $4,350 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe | Gas | 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 17 | 22 | 19 | — | — | — | $4,350 |
| GLE350 4matic | Gas | 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 18 | 22 | 19 | — | — | — | $4,350 |
| GLE350 4matic | Gas | 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 18 | 22 | 19 | — | — | — | $4,350 |
| AMG GLE63 | Gas | 4WD | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | — | $5,500 |
| AMG GLE63 S | Gas | 4WD | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | — | $5,500 |
| AMG GLE63 S Coupe | Gas | 4WD | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | — | $5,500 |
*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39742, 39014, 38963, 39027, 39029, 39030, 38965, 38964, 39028.
Emissions & certification
Source: EPA emission certificates| Configuration | Smog rating | Emission standard | Where it can be sold new | SmartWay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE550e 4matic | 6 / 10 | California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 | All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards | SmartWay |
| GLE350, GLE350 4matic | 1–3 / 10 | Federal Tier 3 Bin 160 / California LEV-II ULEV | All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards | — |
| AMG GLE43 4matic, AMG GLE63, AMG GLE63 S Coupe | 3 / 10 | California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 | All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards | — |
| AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe, AMG GLE63 S | 3 / 10 | Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125 | All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards | — |
| GLE350 4matic | 1–3 / 10 | California LEV-II ULEV / Federal Tier 3 Bin 160 | All 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 vPICDimensions Exterior
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 5 |
| GVWR class | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
Engine Basics
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 3.5 L |
| Engine configuration | V-Shaped |
Engine Output
| Horsepower | 302 hp |
Fuel Economy
| Fuel | Gasoline |
Seating
| Seat rows | 2 |
| Seating capacity | 5 seats |
Transmission
| Drivetrain | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission speeds | 7 |
Driver assistance
Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist
Optional: Adaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Forward collision warning, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking
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: AMG GLE 63, AMG GLE 63 S, AMG GLE43, GLE350). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.
Dimensions & weight
Source: Transport Canada| Length | 189.8–193.3 in |
| Width (body, without mirrors) | 76.0–78.7 in |
| Height | 68.1–70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.0 in |
| Track, front | 65.0–65.4 in |
| Track, rear | 65.4–67.7 in |
| Curb weight | 4,894–5,456 lb |
| Weight distribution, front/rear | 52/48 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: 400 4Matic, 43 4Matic, 550 4Matic, 550E 4Matic, AMG 63 S 4Matic, Coupe 43 AMG 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.
Factory warranty running out?
The 2018 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 →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.
Recalls (9)
Source: NHTSA recall databaseFuel System, Diesel
2023010002 & ...0003Electrical System
See Recall ScheduleStructure
2021070010Tires
2021030008Communication
2021030005Electrical System
2021020025Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2018080013Visibility
2018080006These 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 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.
Parts & accessories for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.
Find parts for this GLE-Class →Owner complaints
Source: NHTSA complaint database8 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 6 injuries · 1 deaths reported
9.4 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 59,528 GLE-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)
Filed per year: 2017: 1 · 2018: 8 · 2019: 3 · 2020: 8 · 2021: 4 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2026: 6
Most-cited components
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.
After 60,000 miles the seal of the the cylinder head cover starts to leak. It takes around $1800 to fix and the reseal. The material use to release is way better and lasts longer compared to what car comes with. This I found out from the Mercedes Benz service department.
when i tried to apply brakes on Nov 27th, 2022, the brakes were not applying for 4-5 seconds inspite of pushing the brake few times. After 5 seconds the brakes were working. to avoid collision i had to change the lane quicKly and luckily there was no one in the next lane.
Safety issue with regarding the TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Active recall does not include my VIN# /Make & Model. NHTSA campaign number 22V365. My car has Constant SOS Inoperative Message after battery failure in 2021-2022
Car was stopped in the parking lot,and just before switching the ignition off,it accelerated without intention, hitting the restaurant wall causing property damage and little physical injury. After hitting the wall car stopped with major damage to front. Airbags never deployed
My wife was hit pretty bad and was transported to hartford hospital and none of the airbag was deployed. I need help to sue Mercedes Benz. I thank god my daughter not in the car and my wife is alive. Attach are the photos and the east hartford can testify that none of the airbag save or protect my wife.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, and there was a fracture causing water to leak into the cabin of the vehicle from the upper-right side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed.
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: 22 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 30 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 37 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
miles, typically
Half the 29 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 8,000 and 44,000 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.
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| Configuration | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ | 18% |
| SUV RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ | 20% |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
Service bulletins & campaigns
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications- 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first · Mercedes-Benz bulletin CL - EW M157Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the…
- 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first · Mercedes-Benz warranty extension EW - Vacuum Pump M157In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is extending the warranty coverage on the…
- 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first · Mercedes-Benz warranty extension EW - Pressure Trans M157In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is extending the warranty coverage on the…
- 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first · Mercedes-Benz bulletin CL - 05012025In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the…
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 →
Most often about: Electrical System, Power Train, Exterior Lighting, Equipment, Visibility/Wiper.
- LI20.00-P-080222 Service bulletin2026-10-23 · 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 bulletin2026-09-26 · 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 bulletin2026-09-22 · 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
- LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin2026-09-14 · 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 bulletin2026-09-14 · 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 bulletin2026-09-04 · 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 bulletin2026-09-01 · 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
- LI 27.10-P-080851 Service bulletin2026-08-29 · Power Train
- Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmi
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.
At the New York inspection station
Source: New York State DMVIn New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 0.82% of first inspections — lower than the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.95% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%).
failed emissions
3,038 initial inspections of 2,977 vehicles.
| Measure | The 2018 GLE-Class | Every 2018 vehicle | Behind it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failed the emissions check | 0.82% | 3.0% | 3,032 |
| Failed the safety inspection | 0.95% | 1.9% | 3,038 |
| Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit | 0.39% | 0.22% | 3,038 |
| Miles driven a year | 8,880 | 10,002 | odometer at inspection |
| Average odometer | 73,312 | 82,833 | odometer 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 2018 vehicle” is every 2018 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).
GLE-Class by model year
all years, side by side →Common questions about the 2018 GLE-Class
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsDoes the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA has posted 9 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The most serious on file is 23V854000, covering Structure. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.
How safe is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it D (61/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Across the 9 EPA-rated configurations of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 21 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 2018 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: 4,894–5,456 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often about power train, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The EPA smog rating for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class runs 1 to 6 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 — California LEV-II ULEV, California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 160, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 — which the table above lists per configuration.
Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The manufacturer has filed 691 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often covering electrical system, power train, exterior lighting. 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class do at state inspection?
In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 0.82% of first inspections — lower than the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.95% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%). 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.
| Data | Held | Source | What it covers — or what empty means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy & configurations | 9 configurations | EPA certification records | Every configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures. |
| Emission certificates | 9 configurations | EPA emission certificates | Smog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new. |
| Recalls | 9 | NHTSA recall campaigns | A complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags. |
| Owner complaints | 56 | NHTSA complaint database | Also complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold. |
| Crash ratings | 2 tested | NHTSA NCAP | Only the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them. |
| Service bulletins | 691 | NHTSA manufacturer communications | Everything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall. |
| Investigations | 2 | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation | Open and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative. |
| Driver-assist crash reports | none | NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01 | No 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 NHTSA | 13 fields | NHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patterns | What the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder. |
| Measured dimensions | 7 fields | Transport Canada, Canadian Vehicle Specifications | Length, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions. |
| Trims, pricing & equipment | none | Manufacturer press kit | We 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.