2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Problems & Complaints

Avoid3.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the GLE350 at the same age

Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 3.2× as many as a typical GLE350 model year at the same age, which makes the 2020 one of the GLE350 years to avoid. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (34 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). 27 recalls cover this model year.

91complaints
27recalls
3crashes
1fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 problems

  • Engine & cooling~50,000 miles
    3437%
  • Electrical system~15,000 miles
    2224%
  • Driver assistance~15,000 miles
    1314%
  • Other / not specified~7,000 miles
    1314%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~79,000 miles
    78%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~4,000 miles
    67%
  • Brakes~1,000 miles
    67%
  • Speed control & acceleration~30,000 miles
    55%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~22,000 miles
    44%
  • Body & structure~43,000 miles
    33%
  • Air bags
    33%
  • Suspension~0 miles
    22%
  • Wheels & tires~0 miles
    22%
  • Stability & traction control~30,000 miles
    11%
  • Steering~30,000 miles
    11%
  • Seats~22,000 miles
    11%
  • Equipment & accessories
    11%
  • Seat belts
    11%

Share of the 91 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz GLE350 complaints by model year

2016201720182019202020212022202320242025202653624019156411621106
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz GLE350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best GLE350 years: 2019. Years to avoid: 2020, 2021, 2022. Compare all years →

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 recalls (27)

Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system

NHTSA recall 23V-177 · Mar 17, 2023 · 61,450 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Structure › Body

NHTSA recall 22V-680 · Sep 12, 2022 · 161,000 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Communication › Auto crash notification

NHTSA recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Back over prevention › Display function

NHTSA recall 22V-232 · Apr 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility/wiper

NHTSA recall 22V-098 · Feb 18, 2022 · 6 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 vehicles. The wiring harness connected to the prefuse box in the engine compartment might not be properly secured, which could deactivate fused components, such as power steering assist, headlights, and wipers.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the prefuse box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seats

NHTSA recall 21V-818 · Oct 18, 2021 · 27 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Show 21 more recalls

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 21V-509 · Jul 2, 2021 · 1,467 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 21V-354 · May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner

NHTSA recall 21V-288 · Apr 23, 2021 · 6,331 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Electronic stability control (ESC) › Control module › Software

NHTSA recall 21V-071 · Feb 12, 2021 · 41,838 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Exterior lighting › Back up lights

NHTSA recall 21V-056 · Feb 5, 2021 · 8,199 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. The lighting control unit may malfunction and cause the left exterior reverse light to remain illuminated after the transmission is shifted into a different gear.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lighting control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto crash notification

NHTSA recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard

NHTSA recall 21V-057 · Feb 5, 2021 · 8 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly

NHTSA recall 20V-671 · Oct 30, 2020 · 55,326 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 20V-626 · Oct 9, 2020 · 12,799 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580 vehicles equipped with an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo in the front grill.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 20V-627 · Oct 9, 2020 · 2 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 vehicles. The connection of the locking ring between the front and rear part of the drive shaft might not have been installed correctly, possibly resulting in a loss of power transfer between the transfer case and the rear axle differential.

Remedy: The affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory, therefore no owners will be notified. Dealers will replace the drive shaft, free of charge. Both vehicles were repaired in December 2020.

Seats

NHTSA recall 20V-430 · Jul 24, 2020 · 1 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2020 GLE 350 vehicle. One of four bolts securing the driver's seat may not have been installed correctly and may fail.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will inspect the driver's seat fastening bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2020.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 20V-226 · Apr 22, 2020 · 120 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 and GLE 450 vehicles equipped with an electrically adjustable second-row seat. The wiring harness under the seat may become pinched during seat adjustment, possibly causing damage to the wires.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness as necessary, and repair any wire damage, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020.

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 20V-172 · Mar 20, 2020 · 224 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE450 AND GLS450 vehicles. The seams on the rear crossmember may have been insufficiently welded. This may allow cracks to form when towing, possibly causing the rear crossmember to detach from the vehicle.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear crossmember, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 20V-089 · Feb 14, 2020 · 2,101 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments

NHTSA recall 19V-709 · Oct 4, 2019 · 13,799 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLS580 4MATIC vehicles. The rear door window trim may detach.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and fasten the rear door window trim, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual

NHTSA recall 19V-648 · Sep 9, 2019 · 1,478 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 4MATIC and GLE 450 4MATIC vehicles. The owner's manuals do not include information regarding the adjustment of the head restraints of the third row seats.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealer's will provide a supplementary owner's manual booklet with the necessary information, free of charge. The recall began November 22, 2019.

Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner

NHTSA recall 19V-587 · Aug 12, 2019 · 18,392 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain from the air conditioner into the passenger compartment.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2019.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

NHTSA recall 19V-572 · Aug 2, 2019 · 128 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4MATIC and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles. The connection between the fuel filler pipe and the fuel tank may have been improperly welded, allowing a fuel leak.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Forward collision avoidance › Sensing system › Radar

NHTSA recall 19V-540 · Jul 19, 2019 · 1,957 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC,…

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Structure

NHTSA recall 19V-459 · Jun 14, 2019 · 753 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4Matic and GLE450 4Matic vehicles. A welding error during production may have resulted in a small hole in the floor, possibly allowing water to leak into the passenger cabin.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will seal the affected area, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 19V-458 · Jun 14, 2019 · 11 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE350 4Matic and GLE450 4Matic vehicles. In the event of a crash while the temperature in the passenger cabin is very high, the passenger frontal air bag deployment may be delayed or may not completely deploy.

Remedy: MBUSA has notified dealers. All affected vehicles are still within the manufacturer's control. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019.

What 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 owners say

Engine & cooling all 34 →

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode but continued to operate with reduced motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine control unit failure causing the engine to run lean, resulting in misfires in cylinders #1 and #2 and damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine had failed a pressure test and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. …

71,000 miles · Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was idling low. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to a NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

100,000 miles · Nov 2025

Electrical system all 22 →

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle started to display failures with the air conditioning system blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken for inspection at a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures due to water entering the footwells, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air conditioning was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

44,000 miles · Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound of moving water underneath the front seats. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that rainwater had leaked into the body of the vehicle due to a clogged sunroof drainage tube. The contact stated that several electrical components were submerged in the water and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

43,000 miles · May 2023

Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the Back Over Prevention camera image would display a glitchy or a blank image while in use. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The vehicle was initially taken to Mercedes-Benz of Westmont (200 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559) for the recall repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Sears Imported Autos Mercedes-Benz (13500 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305) where it remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

50,000 miles · Oct 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

15,000 miles · Oct 2021

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo9-speed automaticRWD20 / 27 / 22

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 a good car?

Based on 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 GLE350 rates avoid: 3.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the GLE350 at the same age. It is one of the GLE350 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350?

The engine & cooling — 34 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (22) and driver assistance (13).

How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 have?

There are 27 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, the most recent from March 17, 2023 (defroster/defogger/hvac system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz GLE350?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2021 and 2022. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLE350 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 22,000 miles; 70% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.