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Your vehicleHome›Mercedes-Benz›GLE-Class› 2021
Mercedes-Benz · Large SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
31 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 22
Complaints3 crash · 3 fire · 6 injured reported 92
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas 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, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 92 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

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 / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLE450 4maticHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion212623$3,550
AMG GLE53 4matic Plus CoupeHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion182320$4,100
AMG GLE53 4matic PlusHybrid4WD3.0L 6-cyl + 48V Li-Ion182219$4,350
GLE580 4maticHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion172219$4,350
AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus CoupeHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion151917$4,850
AMG GLE63 S 4matic PlusHybrid4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo + 48V Li-Ion151916$5,150
GLE350GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192622$3,750
GLE350 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo192622$3,750

*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.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
AMG GLE53 4matic Plus, AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Coupe, GLE450 4matic6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
GLE350, GLE350 4matic, GLE580 4matic5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus, AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Coupe3 / 10California LEV-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 styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement2 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds9

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Parking assist

Optional: Adaptive cruise control, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist

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 GLE53, GLE350, GLE350-4M, GLE450-4M). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length194.1–195.3 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.1–79.5 in
Height68.1–70.9 in
Wheelbase115.7–118.1 in
Track, front65.7–66.1 in
Track, rear66.5–68.1 in
Curb weight4,718–5,509 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear56/44

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 6 configurations: 350 4Matic 4-door SUV, 450 4Matic 4-door SUV, AMG 53 4Matic 4-door SUV, AMG 53 Coupe 4-door SUV, AMG 63 4Matic 4-door SUV, AMG 63 Coupe 4-door SUV. 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.

Also on file Beside the 2021 GLE-Class
Other years The 2027 GLE-Class Recalls Mercedes-Benz recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain 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 (22)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Electrical System

2024100006
10,655 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Jul 19, 2021 – Mar 8, 2022
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V724000 reported Sep 27, 2024 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

2024040002
116,020 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V207000 reported Mar 15, 2024 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

105,071 vehicles 80% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V118000 reported Feb 16, 2024 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

79,676 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V880000 reported Dec 21, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

164 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V835000 reported Dec 8, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V445000 reported Jun 26, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

2023030014 & 15
61,450 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Water 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V177000 reported Mar 17, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

2022120016
69 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V936000 reported Dec 16, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

2022090010
161,000 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V680000 reported Sep 12, 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 →
▲high

Electrical System

2022040017
21,306 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V231000 reported Apr 8, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

2021120004
17 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V909000 reported Nov 19, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

2021110007
23 vehicles 83% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V832000 reported Oct 22, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

2021110010
27 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V818000 reported Oct 18, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

2021120011
1,467 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V509000 reported Jul 2, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

2021050012
343,191 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix The 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V354000 reported May 14, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Equipment

2021040024
6,331 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Water 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V288000 reported Apr 23, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

2021030004
41,838 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V071000 reported Feb 12, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V058000 reported Feb 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

2021030003
8 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk In 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. Fix MBUSA 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V057000 reported Feb 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

2020110005
55,326 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix MBUSA 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V671000 reported Oct 30, 2020 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Electrical System

2020030019
2,101 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V089000 reported Feb 14, 2020 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.

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 2021 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.

NHTSA VIN check →Mercedes-Benz’s own VIN lookup →

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 2021 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 2021 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
92complaints filed

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

15 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 62,430 GLE-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 1 · 2021: 13 · 2022: 13 · 2023: 12 · 2024: 10 · 2025: 23 · 2026: 20

Most-cited components

Engine 40
Electrical System 34
Unspecified 16
Power Train 10
Forward Collision Avoidance 9
Visibility/Wiper 6

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.

​1. The Factory Assembly Defect ​During production of the 2020–2021 GLE and GLS line (V167 platform), Mercedes-Benz factory assembly workers improperly secured or seated the air conditioning evaporator condensation drain hoses.
Electrical System Oct 3, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11768715
The engine/check-engine and cold-start noise problems have recurred despite multiple dealer repairs. In July-August 2025 the dealer documented misfire codes and a loud screech after cold starts.
Engine Oct 6, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11769461
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation leaking from a hole near the trunk release button onto the pedal and the floor of the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Visibility/Wiper at 57,432 miles Jul 2, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11670708
Currently unavailable camera view restricted” The message went away but I’ve noticed it appearing more often
Forward Collision Avoidance May 26, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11590839
According to the dealer, there are fault codes in the system for Transmission control unit failing. Thats what caused the vehicle to go into "limp" mode... That needs to be replaced. In an instant, the warning lights and reduction in power occurred simultaneously.
Power Train Dec 30, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11707885
The car has stalled 4 or 5 times, while driving in traffic. This can obviously be life threatening. The check engine light came on yesterday. We recently brought the car to Mercedes Benz in Daytona Beach, Florida. They told us we had low pressure in the cylinders, and needed a new cylinder head for $10,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System Aug 7, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11679179

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: 10 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 20 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 16 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 35k

miles, typically

Half the 20 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 5,000 and 66,000 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 20 on file: 6 under 10k, 3 10k–20k, 1 20k–30k, 1 30k–40k, 2 40k–50k, 1 50k–60k, 2 60k–70k, 3 70k–80k, 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 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%

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

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 3,022
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-23
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 2838 service bulletins, 65 others, 42 warranty extensions

Most often about: Electrical System, Power Train, Engine, Steering, 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
  • LI46.10-P-080896 Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Steering
  • Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
  • 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
  • LI18.00-P-073137 Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Engine
  • Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle" (or similar) is shown in red on vehicles with low mileage. Cause Directional control valve may stick. Remedy 1‑ Read off oil level in instrument cluster and correct if necessary. 2‑ Perform approx. 10‑15 engine starts, then clear fault codes. 3‑ Perform road test with vehicle. If fault code reoc
  • 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
  • LI82.60-P-080383 Service bulletin
    2026-09-15 · Electrical System
  • Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the previous request. This glitch is causing the cover art mismatch in the Radio application. Remedy Pleas
  • 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

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.Engine14 bulletins

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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 1.8% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.57% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.8%

failed emissions

3,328 initial inspections of 3,271 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 GLE-ClassEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.8%1.9%3,316
Failed the safety inspection0.57%1.5%3,328
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.45%0.19%3,328
Miles driven a year8,88410,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer46,94854,681odometer 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 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 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 →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 23 mpg2026 C 3 16 23 mpg2025 C 3 36 23 mpg2024 F 6 53 24 mpg2023 D 5 33 22 mpg2022 F 11 70 22 mpg2021 this page F 22 92 23 mpg2020 F 36 125 22 mpg2019 C 6 34 20 mpg2018 D 9 56 21 mpg2017 F 12 75 21 mpg2016 F 18 107 25 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 GLE-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 22 recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 24V207000, covering Electrical System. 1 of them was 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (31/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Across the 8 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 23 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 194.1–195.3 in long, 79.1–79.5 in wide (body, without mirrors), 68.1–70.9 in tall, on a 115.7–118.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,718–5,509 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often about engine, electrical system, unspecified. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 3 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class runs 3 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-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV50, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 3022 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most often covering electrical system, power train, engine. 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class failed the emissions check on 1.8% of first inspections — close to the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.57% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). 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 & configurations8 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates8 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls22NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints92NHTSA 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 bulletins3022NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
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 NHTSA11 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.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 GLE-Class The GLE-Class model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Mercedes-Benz recall on file All campaigns filed against Mercedes-Benz vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this GLE-Class by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

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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