2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 Problems & Complaints

Not enough data

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There isn't enough complaint history for the GLE450 to compare model years reliably. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (8 complaints, typically around 18,000 miles). 11 recalls cover this model year.

25complaints
11recalls
4crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 problems

  • Electrical system~18,000 miles
    832%
  • Engine & cooling~11,000 miles
    728%
  • Body & structure~34,000 miles
    520%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~11,000 miles
    520%
  • Steering~110,000 miles
    416%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~5,000 miles
    312%
  • Driver assistance
    312%
  • Suspension~53,000 miles
    28%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    28%
  • Wheels & tires~1,000 miles
    14%
  • Other / not specified
    14%
  • Brakes
    14%

Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz GLE450 complaints by model year

201620202021202220232024202520262526151581175
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz GLE450. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best GLE450 years: 2023, 2025. Compare all years →

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 recalls (11)

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

NHTSA recall 23V-854 · Dec 15, 2023 · 2,976 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module

NHTSA recall 22V-955 · Dec 23, 2022 · 348,183 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023.

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

NHTSA recall 21V-197 · Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45…

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge.

Communication

NHTSA recall 19V-787 · Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.

Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.

Suspension › Front

NHTSA recall 18V-272 · Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350…

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018.

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm

NHTSA recall 17V-081 · Feb 8, 2017 · 37 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge.

Show 5 more recalls

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 16V-903 · Dec 15, 2016 · 47,799 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured…

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seats › Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA recall 16V-602 · Aug 15, 2016 · 2 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 11, 2015, to July 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear head restraints, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seat belts › Rear/other

NHTSA recall 16V-442 · Jun 16, 2016 · 423 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 16V-440 · Jun 15, 2016 · 5,826 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe vehicles manufactured December 10, 2014, to June 6, 2016. An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down…

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began August 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 15V-709 · Oct 27, 2015 · 52 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic coupes and GLE63 AMG S 4Matic coupes manufactured December 10, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that may loosen and result in the rear drive shaft separating from the…

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2015.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450:

Front Roof Panel Detachment

NHTSA investigation PE21001 · opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · led to recall 21V-197

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the…

What 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 owners say

Electrical system

Shifter and speed control car goes into nuetral instead of drive. The car excessively breaks when not necessary. Car stalling and locking steering wheel constant clicking after driving coming from the fuel tank. I use premium gas always the best quality. Problems with the control modules saying transmission not in park will roll away but car is in park the car automatically going into modes without prompt showing on dash. Tow engaging without print. It's ver scary. Please fix these glitches. My car was off the road by and in safe driver as I got back into the road m. Thus is hie The accident Happened my car locked and cut off ion the road and when I tried to turn my steering wheel I was hit. My car stalled and steeering wheel locked.

Sep 2019 · crash

While parking and putting my car in park. Hello, my car needs a recall. August 31, 2024 While parking and putting the car in park. my car shifted into Neutral and lunged forward causing me to hit a sign and maneuver away from a wall. My car is dangerous. Please help!! My car lunged forward and i ran into a bush. I am injured. This car malfunction jumping gears. Not shifting properly the car is dangerous.

Sep 2024 · crash · 1 injury

Engine & cooling

Electrical - Drivers lock does not lock/unlock with remote, with door lock. Have to physically lock/unlock drivers door. if you do not you will not get in door and you will not open from inside. If you do not lock manually your door will be open even though the other doors locked. Power Train - transmission is clucking between gear especially at slow speeds, Transmission in L1-5 sometimes does not shift up or down. sometimes does not go into drive from manually shifting from L gears. some downhills the tranny does not slow vehicle on down hills. Engine - valves and lifters are noisy at startup. Sounds like 1 or two cylinders. Suspension - Rear stock suspension bottoms easily also excessive motion up and down.

Aug 2022

Battery and antitheft device malfunction causing inability to shift out of neutral and can roll of the road. I left car immediate due to the risk of rolling into traffic without control called for help and secured with blocks. Not confirmed yet by dealer....no warning prior to failure....car is secured waiting for tow for 2 days to the dealership...the keys dont work ..it was a very dangerous situation and other mercedes have encountered this problem noted on line the mercedes dashboard ..

Jul 2021

Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front roof panel detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,620.

Body › Roof and pillars · 105,000 miles · May 2025

My 2016 Mercedes GLE 450 AMG was running perfectly but stalled while I was making a left turn onto a major roadway and I was inches from a catastrophic accident. My car was towed to Mercedes Benz dealership and the technician informed me that the trunk seal was not sealing properly causing water to get in through the trunk and shorted out a fuel pump module. My trunk was not wet and only indication of water was when the rear compartment was lifted near the spare tire area so I was not aware of a possible leak. My car is mostly garage kept unless I am at work where it's exposed to weather. It had been raining for several days in our area. After doing online research, it appears to be an existing problem for Mercedes owners. I'm concerned because I could have lost my life due to this issue and someone may not be so fortunate if the problem goes unresolved.

Body · Aug 2022

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo9-speed automatic4WD17 / 23 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 a good car?

There isn't enough complaint history for the GLE450 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450?

The electrical system — 8 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and body & structure (5).

How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 have?

There are 11 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450, the most recent from December 15, 2023 (roof and pillars). 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 GLE450?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023 and 2025. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLE450 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 64% 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.