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Mercedes-Benz · Midsize / large SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

HybridGas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls6 critical22
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA88
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA23 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize or large SUV with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLE450 4matic, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for this model year, 6 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 88 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLE450 4maticHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion212623$3,350
AMG GLE53 4matic Plus CoupeHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion182320$3,900
AMG GLE53 4matic PlusHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion182219$4,100
GLE580 4maticHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion172219$4,100
AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus CoupeHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion151917$4,550
AMG GLE63 S 4matic PlusHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion151916$4,850
GLE350GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192622$3,500
GLE350 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192622$3,500

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43169, 42694, 42693, 43554, 43552, 42873, 43021, 43022.

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Recalls (22)

Source: NHTSA recall database
high

Electrical System

2024100006
10,655 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskAn air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.
NHTSA campaign 24V724000reported Sep 27, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2024040002
116,020 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.RiskAn overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.
NHTSA campaign 24V207000reported Mar 15, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Power Train

105,071 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 24V118000reported Feb 16, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Fuel System, Gasoline

79,676 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
NHTSA campaign 23V880000reported Dec 21, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

164 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.RiskAn overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 23V835000reported Dec 8, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign 23V445000reported Jun 26, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Visibility

2023030014 & 15
61,450 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.RiskWater intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.
NHTSA campaign 23V177000reported Mar 17, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Steering

2022120016
69 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.RiskA loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.
NHTSA campaign 22V936000reported Dec 16, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Structure

2022090010
161,000 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.RiskDetached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.
NHTSA campaign 22V680000reported Sep 12, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskA 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.FixThe 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2022040017
21,306 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.RiskAn overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.
NHTSA campaign 22V231000reported Apr 8, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2021120004
17 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE450 and AMG GLE53 vehicles. In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.RiskLoose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.FixDealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V909000reported Nov 19, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Visibility

2021110007
23 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.RiskDetached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V832000reported Oct 22, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Seats

2021110010
27 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.RiskIncorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.
NHTSA campaign 21V818000reported Oct 18, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Exterior Lighting

2021120011
1,467 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskIncorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V509000reported Jul 2, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electrical System

2021050012
343,191 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixThe multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
NHTSA campaign 21V354000reported May 14, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Equipment

2021040024
6,331 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.RiskWater intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.
NHTSA campaign 21V288000reported Apr 23, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

2021030004
41,838 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."RiskIf the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.
NHTSA campaign 21V071000reported Feb 12, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA 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 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Structure

2021030003
8 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.RiskIn the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.
NHTSA campaign 21V057000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Seat Belts

2020110005
55,326 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.RiskAn unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.
NHTSA campaign 20V671000reported Oct 30, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Electrical System

2020030019
2,101 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."RiskIf the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
NHTSA campaign 20V089000reported Feb 14, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
88complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 6 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 1 · 2021: 13 · 2022: 13 · 2023: 12 · 2024: 10 · 2025: 23 · 2026: 16

Most-cited components

Engine37
Electrical System32
Unspecified16
Power Train10
Forward Collision Avoidance9
Visibility5

What owners describe

“2021 GLE350 - 4JGFB4KB7MA355768 purchased December 30, 2024 with 35,000. miles. Current milage 61,933. There is a critical electrical/software defect in the MBUX system which has completely blacked out. This VIN# has not been placed on recall but it is suffering the same failure as previous models (Including NHTSA camp…”Jul 27, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“My car has only 28,392 miles on it, but the yellow check engine light recently came on due to a faulty oil pump solenoid. I took it back to the dealership, and the repair cost was a staggering $7,000; they told me this is a common issue with this Mercedes engine. If this fails to function, engine noise will increase wh…”Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“My Mercedes GLE 580 experienced a complete failure of the 48V battery system due to the exact defect outlined in NHTSA Recall Campaign 24V207 (defective 48V ground connection causing high resistance and fire risk). The official status for my VIN shows 'Recall Incomplete.' The vehicle is currently at Mercedes-Benz of Ba…”May 20, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

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.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning.

Other GLE-Class model years

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). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

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

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