2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, electrical, and wheels and tires. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 58
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 1
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
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 first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
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 2022 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 22 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD | 22 mpg |
| 4.0L 8-cylHybrid | AWD | 18 mpg |
- The 2022 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 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 18 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine12No crashes
Sudden power loss and stalling dominate these reports, sometimes at highway speed with no warning light. Several cars enter limp mode or shake violently at idle, and dealers trace a number of cases to a failed cylinder head. Out-of-warranty repair bills run from $7200 to over $10,000. Failures show up as early as 10,000 to 20,000 miles. One stall also cut power steering and braking. Other reports describe a metallic ticking under acceleration that dealers call normal, and a radiator punctured by road debris.
Hesitation and failure to accelerate at highway speed, with the check engine light on, lead to a cracked cylinder head diagnosis in one case, and that car sits at the dealer unrepaired. Overheating at 70 MPH is the other failure. It is traced to the cooling system and fixed with a new cooling fan at about 21,000 miles. Both problems force the driver to pull over on a fast road. One filing gives no details.
Electrical7No crashes
Engine shutdown at highway speed with a 48V system malfunction warning is the main pattern. Coolant and overheating warnings often appear at the same moment, and the car coasts to a stop. Some cars restart right away. Others repeat the failure after a dealer software update or a completed recall campaign. Other reports cover a check engine light traced to cylinder head compression leakage, a fuel pressure fault with no software fix available yet, water leaking from an AC vent hose onto electronics, and doors locking with the key fob inside.
Wheels and tires7No crashes
Rapid tread wear on the factory run-flat tires is the most costly complaint. Tires get replaced again and again within the first 2 years, with one report counting 12 tires, while dealers find no defect and refuse to help. Other reports describe uneven tread wear and a humming noise after rotation. Several nearly identical filings describe Yokohama tires showing tread separation and dry cracking with under 4000 miles, which the dealer refused to mount. Owners pay for replacements out of pocket.
Fuel system7No crashes
Every detailed report here is about a fuel system recall, not a failure on the road. Notices arrived for campaigns 23V880000 and 23V445000, but dealers and the manufacturer confirmed that repair parts were not yet available. None of these filings describe a breakdown. The complaint is the wait, which owners say went past a reasonable time. Any car being considered should have both recall repairs completed and on record.
An open fuel pump recall is the main concern. Recall letters warn that the pump impeller can deform and stop the pump, cutting drive power and raising crash risk. The remedy is reported as still unavailable locally nearly five months after the notice, leaving the owner unwilling to drive far from home. The other filing blames the injectors and fuel pump without describing an actual failure. The recall repair should be confirmed before purchase.
Transmission3No crashes
Misfires, shaking at idle, and sudden slowdowns while driving point to cylinder head trouble. Owners call it a known issue on the GLE 350 and say the related cylinder head recall leaves this model out. Other reports describe the engine stalling when the transmission fails to downshift fully. There is also unintended acceleration at low speed while turning, right after the brake is released, as if adaptive cruise control were still on. That surge repeats about a dozen times on one car and takes quick braking to stop.
Brakes2No crashes
Sudden brake loss is the most alarming report. The pedal turns soft, and within minutes the car will no longer stop. A second report describes the opposite problem. The car brakes itself to a stop at about 25 MPH with no driver input, while warning lights flash and the rear seat belts lock. That event happens at 3,535 miles and is never diagnosed. Both failures carry crash risk in traffic.
Acceleration and cruise control2No crashes
Two opposite acceleration faults appear. In one, the car will not go faster than 20 to 25 mph even with the pedal floored. The dealer blames software, then hardware, which leaves doubt that the repair worked. The other, filed about a 2020 model, describes the car surging during a slow turn into a parking space. The brakes seem not to respond until Park is selected. Both create loss-of-control risk at low speed and in traffic.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints GLE owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Tires purchased in July 2022 with car new from Mercedes of North Olmsted. I purchased winter tires in Oct & they were installed in Nov. Yokohama tires were stored in my finished basement at a nice 70degrees. When taking them to be put on they are showing signs of thread separation & dry cracking. They only have 4000 miles on them. 285-40ZR22
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
I purchased the vechile brand new in July from North Olmsted Mercedes. I purchased winter tires in Oct they were installed in Nov. I stored the Yokohama in my finished basement 68-70degress on carpet. Upon installation this spring Mercedes refused due to seperation & dry cracking. They have less then 4000 miles on them. 325-35ZR22
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
How the 2022 compares with other GLE years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks fourth 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.
- Engine126
- Electrical710
- Wheels and tires71
- Fuel system71
- Transmission36
- Brakes22
Where the 2022 fits in the GLE's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the third model year of the GLE's fourth generation (2020–2023).
Mercedes-Benz updated the GLE for 2024, so a 2022 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2024 (not on a 2022)
- Restyled headlights and taillights
- New steering wheel design
- New variants including GLE450e
Recalls to confirm (11)
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.
24V724000ElectricalSep 2024
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.
24V207000ElectricalMar 2024
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.
24V118000TransmissionFeb 2024
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.
23V880000Fuel systemDec 2023
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.
23V835000ElectricalDec 2023
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.
23V445000Fuel systemJun 2023
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.
23V178000Body and structureMar 2023
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, GLS580, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63 S, and AMG GLS63 vehicles. The rear door window trim bars may detach from the vehicle while driving.
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 May 5, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-680. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040011.
22V936000SteeringDec 2022
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.
22V680000Body and structureSep 2022
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.
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.
22V231000ElectricalApr 2022
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.
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