2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 6
- 4 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/4
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which GLE is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD | 19 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylPlug-in hybrid | 4WD | 460 mi range |
- The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A GLE that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission101 crash
The gear selector refuses to leave Park or shift into Reverse, Neutral, or Drive, even with the brake firmly pressed. Shutting the engine off and restarting usually clears it, and reports say it grows more frequent over time. Other complaints describe the transmission slipping from Drive into Neutral while moving, a violent jerk on the 3rd-to-2nd downshift, and the car rolling after being shut off in Drive. One crash followed the vehicle lunging forward at a light with the brake held. A cylinder head cover seal leak around 60,000 miles can soak the starter in oil.
Electrical61 crash
Water comes in through the sunroof. Reports describe a cracked sunroof, failed motor and tracks, and water-damaged batteries around 81,000 miles. The infotainment screen freezes and reboots over and over, taking navigation, Bluetooth phone, and voice commands with it, and a software fix did not cure it. A constant SOS inoperative message appears after battery failure. A failing fuel pump causes stalling and hesitation from a stop. One crash involved the car accelerating on its own while parking with the brake pressed.
Brakes5No crashes
Pads and rotors wear out early, often with loud squealing. Owners report replacements at 9,000, 14,000, and 20,000 miles, and dealers have called the noise normal. One report notes there is no wear sensor on the left rear, so the pads there wore down to metal with no dash warning. More serious reports describe the brakes not applying for 4 to 5 seconds despite repeated presses. Another describes a pad separation that came back after the pads and rotors were replaced.
Steering41 crash
The vehicle swerves or zigzags without warning, and at highway speed drivers say it takes a few seconds to regain control. Another report describes the car spinning out of control during a low-speed turn at around 8,000 miles. Dealer inspections often find nothing wrong. One crash followed an electric power steering failure while moving. Warnings appeared in the cluster, and a scan found no communication with the power steering control unit. The manufacturer declined to repair it under warranty. All four reports involve a loss-of-control risk.
Acceleration and cruise control32 crashes
Unintended acceleration is reported in a car stopped in a parking lot just before shutdown. It lunged into a restaurant wall, causing major front-end damage and minor injury, and the airbags did not deploy. A second crash involved a GLE 43 sliding sideways at 5 to 10 mph in snow on Pirelli P Zero tires, and it handled better once fitted with snow tires. Cruise control also keeps the last set speed until the engine is turned off, so re-engaging it speeds the car back up to that speed.
Fuel system3No crashes
The engine won't start or stalls without warning, including at about 70 mph. Reports tie this to water pooling in the spare tire well and reaching the fuel pump control unit or its connector, sometimes rusting the well. Dealer repairs that replaced seals and the control unit did not stop the failure, and dealers have recommended replacing the whole fuel pump as the next step. One owner reports the parts needed for the repair were not yet available, leaving the car waiting.
Wheels and tires3No crashes
Tread wears thin early. Three tires were reported critically low at around 20,000 miles, and the dealer told the owner to replace them at his own cost. Other reports describe a tire that kept losing pressure until a bubble formed in the sidewall, and a front Kenda tire that blew out at 35 mph. The complaints point to tread wear and tire damage rather than a failure elsewhere in the vehicle.
Exterior lights3No crashes
Low beams light the road poorly at night. Drivers report switching to high beams to see unlit streets and pedestrians. Dealer adjustment of the bulb positions did not fix it, and the manufacturer has said the headlights perform as designed. One owner says the dealer could not offer a fix even if the owner paid for it. The complaint starts from new, with one report at about 20 miles.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints GLE owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Was not able to change automatic transmission gear to R (Reverse) w/o restarting the engine. (the brake pedal is firmly pressed for sure) For all three cases: 1) D (Drive) to R or 2) P (park) to R or 3) N to R. The only way to change to R was: 1) move gear to P 2) shutoff the engine, 3) restart the engine, 4) and then able to change the gear to R. This has happened several times in this year, 2023.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
Transmission gear does not shift into R or N or D, from P. How to reproduce: Drive several minutes, then brake/stop, shift into R, pull back 10~20 ft. Gear cannot shift to either R or N or D. Gear can only shift into P. Shutdown the car, restart the engine then able to shift into R or N or D. This has been intermittent but getting more frequent.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
Safety issue with regarding the TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Active recall does not include my VIN# /Make & Model. NHTSA campaign number 22V365. My car has Constant SOS Inoperative Message after battery failure in 2021-2022.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
How the 2018 compares with other GLE years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 8 GLE years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission105
- Electrical610
- Brakes52
- Steering40
- Acceleration and cruise control33
- Fuel system32
Where the 2018 fits in the GLE's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the seventh model year of the GLE's third generation (2012–2019).
It includes the 2016 update.
What changed for 2016
- New headlight and taillight designs
- Updated interior technology
Recalls to confirm (9)
Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V854000Body and structureDec 2023
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 repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
22V955000Fuel systemDec 2022
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. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
22V365000ElectricalMay 2022
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.
21V197000Body and structureMar 2021
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 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
21V123000Wheels and tiresFeb 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE43 AMG, and GLE400 vehicles equipped with Continental tires. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030008.
21V072000CommunicationFeb 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
21V058000ElectricalFeb 2021
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.
18V539000BrakesAug 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may not have been correctly coated, causing gas to become temporarily released into the rear brake hydraulic circuit, reducing braking performance.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear axle brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080013.
18V512000Wipers and visibilityAug 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, and GLE43 AMG vehicles. During manufacturing, components of the panoramic sunroof may have been installed with a bonding primer that was incorrectly made, possibly affecting the long-term adhesion to the vehicle.
Risk: If the front cover and/or rear fixed glass are not properly adhered, they may detach, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 7, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080006.
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