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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Plug-in hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
9 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
D
Safety Signal
61 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 9
Complaints8 crash · 1 fire · 6 injured · 1 died reported 56
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 21 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

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.

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)10 mi electric691.9 h$3,900
GLE350GasRWD3.5L 6-cyl182320———$4,100
AMG GLE43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172319———$4,350
AMG GLE43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172219———$4,350
GLE350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl182219———$4,350
GLE350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl182219———$4,350
AMG GLE63Gas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo141815———$5,500
AMG GLE63 SGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo141815———$5,500
AMG GLE63 S CoupeGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo141815———$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
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
GLE550e 4matic6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
GLE350, GLE350 4matic1–3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 160 / California LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG GLE43 4matic, AMG GLE63, AMG GLE63 S Coupe3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe, AMG GLE63 S3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
GLE350 4matic1–3 / 10California LEV-II ULEV / Federal Tier 3 Bin 160All 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 styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors5
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.5 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower302 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainAWD/All-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds7

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
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 weight4,894–5,456 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: 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.

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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 →

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Recalls (9)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

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 →
●moderate

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V365000 reported May 20, 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 →
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Tires

2021030008
2,529 vehicles 93% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE43 AMG, and GLE400 vehicles equipped with Continental tires. The affected tires were cured for too long during production. Risk Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030008.
NHTSA campaign 21V123000 reported Feb 26, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Communication

2021030005
67 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function. Risk A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign 21V072000 reported Feb 12, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000 reported Feb 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2018080013
9,044 vehicles 93% reported repaired built Apr 5, 2018 – Jun 26, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may not have been correctly coated, causing gas to become temporarily released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reducing braking performance. Risk Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080013.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V539000 reported Aug 16, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Visibility

2018080006
4 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Feb 26, 2018 – Feb 27, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, and GLE43 AMG vehicles. During manufacturing, components of the panoramic sunroof may have been installed with a bonding primer that was incorrectly made, possibly affecting the long-term adhesion to the vehicle. Risk If the front cover and/or rear fixed glass are not properly adhered, they may detach, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 7, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080006.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V512000 reported Aug 3, 2018 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 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.

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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 database
56complaints filed

8 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

Power Train 9
Electrical System 9
Fuel/Propulsion System 8
Service Brakes 8
Unspecified 7
Exterior Lighting 4

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.
Power Train Mar 30, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11580242
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.
Service Brakes Nov 27, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11495045
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
Electrical System Aug 22, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11682413
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
Vehicle Speed Control at 3,100 miles Jan 30, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11172997
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.
Air Bags Aug 13, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11680517
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.
Visibility/Wiper at 49,000 miles Jul 21, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11675018

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

Reported at 20k

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.

Too few readings for a curve — the 29 on file: 8 under 10k, 5 10k–20k, 4 20k–30k, 4 30k–40k, 3 40k–50k, 1 50k–60k, 1 60k–70k, 1 80k–90k, 1 90k–100k, 1 100k–150k.

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 4 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 691
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-23
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 629 service bulletins, 28 warranty extensions, 26 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Power Train, Exterior Lighting, Equipment, Visibility/Wiper.

  • 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
  • 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
  • LI 27.10-P-080851 Service bulletin
    2026-08-29 · 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 DMV

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%).

New York inspections 0.82%

failed emissions

3,038 initial inspections of 2,977 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2018 GLE-ClassEvery 2018 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check0.82%3.0%3,032
Failed the safety inspection0.95%1.9%3,038
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.39%0.22%3,038
Miles driven a year8,88010,002odometer at inspection
Average odometer73,31282,833odometer 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).

Common questions about the 2018 GLE-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does 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.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations9 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates9 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls9NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints56NHTSA 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 bulletins691NHTSA 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 NHTSA13 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.

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