Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the cylinder head was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 49,000.
When my wife got into vehicle first thing in the morning after it sitting all night in the garage, she smelled a foul smell. As she was driving, she opened all the windows to dissipate the smell and turned in the heater because wit was cold that morning. After about ten to twelve minutes of driving, she noticed the check engine light came on and the car started shaking. She pulled over and exited vehicle. As soon as she got out the vehicle started smoking and caught fire. The vehicle is a total loss.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power when the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
I purchased my 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 new with only 12 miles on it. I also purchased an extended warranty which gave me 100,012 miles. On a Friday evening while being driven, the engine light came on. I took the truck immediately to the dealership on Monday morning. Prior to that the engine would roar loud upon starting on some occasions then calm down. When I mentioned it to the service department on previous service visits they told me it was fine and they notice that, that particular model does that when it gets hot outside. The vehicle also quit on me in the middle of the road before starting back up in about 3 minutes but on a separate visit. ALL my maintenance and service have ALL been done at the Mercedes service department so I'm confused how this happened. …
My car shook while idling the last two weeks of June 2025. It felt like it was going to shut off at light/stop sign which it did on two occasions. On July 2, 2025, it stalled abruptly during a drive after which I took it to Mercedes for service. I never received a warning signal or fault message even after it stalled. Mercedes service indicated the engine cylinder head valves were burnt and not sealing properly - estimated cost of repair $10,023.00. I am the original owner of the car, had routine maintenance and only had it performed at Mercedes. My car stopped without warning- but luckily on a local road. Others who are driving with this defective engine may not be so lucky. It appears this is a known issue to Mercedes USA but they have not done anything to fix it. The engine is M264. …
I am writing to express serious concern regarding a potentially dangerous mechanical issue with my Mercedes GLE 350. The vehicle has experienced a complete cylinder head failure, requiring an estimated $7,000 repair. Both an independent service center and an authorized Mercedes service center have confirmed this diagnosis. During the inspection process, Mercedes conducted two diagnostic tests-one costing $250 and a second costing $700-before determining that the cylinder head must be replaced. I was informed by the Mercedes service advisor that the company is aware this issue has affected other GLE 350 vehicles; however, no recall has been issued to date. This failure presents a significant safety risk. The vehicle suddenly loses power without warning, and acceleration becomes severely limited, often not exceeding 20-40 mph even when pressing the accelerator fully. …
We were traveling to our son's college graduation, driving on a rural interstate and suddenly all of the vehicle's warning lights lit on the dash and the car started losing, and then completely lost power. The car was no longer operational. We were stranded on the roadside of a remote but busy 2-lane interstate for 2 hours until a tow truck could arrive and take the car to the closest car repair shop which was 45 minutes away. This was an incredibly dangerous situation and we were fortunate to be alongside the shoulder, although we were still close to the tractor trailers and cars on the interstate. (Because we were stranded in such a remote place, we had no other options to get to our son's graduation. We were unable to attend because of this.) The rural repair shop the car was initially towed to could not determine the problem. …
Component or system failed: P030385 Combustion misfiring of cylinder 3 has been detected. There is a signal above permissible limit value. P030085 Combustion misfiring has been detected. There is a signal above permissible limit value. P1CEF85- Injector injection quantity adjustment for cylinder balancing has almost reached upper limit value at least one cylinder. There is a signal above permissible limit value. P1CE577- Injector injection quantity adjustment for uniform mixture formation has detected an excessively lean mixture in at least one cylinder. The command position cannot be reached. P219E77- Mixture formation (Cylinder 3) is irregular. The command position cannot be reached. I have taken the vehicle into an independent service provider to be evaluated, which is where I received the information for the codes above. The vehicle is now at the dealership being evaluated. …
Engine complaints in other GLE350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, 37% of the model year's 91 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, though it has 27 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.