Used Car Checklists

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the acceleration and cruise control, electrical, and brakes. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Mercedes-Benz GLE2024
Owner complaints
59
Recalls
6
Crashes reported
2
2 injuries
Reliability
Good
70/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/8 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/2

3

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2

4

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 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylAWD, RWD23–24 mpg
3.0L 6-cylAWD22 mpg
4.0L 8-cylAWD17 mpg
  • The 2024 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 17 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Acceleration and cruise control4No crashes

    Speed drops suddenly without driver input. Some reports pair the drop with a "performance extremely limited" message and engine and turtle warning lights, which hold the car near 30 mph. The problem returns after dealer repairs, including replacement of the power electronics unit and cooler. Other reports describe cruise control changing its set speed on its own, or reading a 70 mph sign as 30 mph and braking hard. Sudden automatic braking on an empty road is also reported. Owners describe a risk of being rear-ended, and some stop using cruise control.

  • Electrical4No crashes

    Power cuts out abruptly at highway speed, with the "performance extremely limited" message, an engine light, and a turtle symbol. In one case dealers could not reproduce it, it happened again, and the car was bought back over software the dealer could not fix. A near miss with a following truck is described. Other reports cover a 12-volt battery that dies while driving and needs a tow, and doors that auto-lock with the key and a child inside on a hot day. Traffic Sign Assist failing to show speed limit signs also appears.

  • Brakes4No crashes

    The brake pedal pops on every press, as if something is loose. Other reports describe brakes that feel weak or slow to stop the SUV, including one near miss with a car ahead. These reports are short and give no mileage or repair details. One filing is about a safety notice letter and what the dealer told the owner, not a brake failure on the road.

  • Transmission31 crash

    The car drops into limp mode at highway speed, shows a turtle symbol, and loses most of its acceleration. In one report, shaking, rattling, and slow braking come with the power loss. The one crash-related report says automatic braking engaged on an open road, then the car rolled backward into the vehicle behind without the driver selecting reverse. The manufacturer blamed driver error. Another report describes a growing list of electronic faults, including windows and the sunroof opening on their own while parked and trouble starting.

  • Wipers and visibility3No crashes

    The sunroof shatters without impact, in one case at 80 mph at about 12,000 miles. In rain, water pulled back from the A-pillars coats the windshield as the wipers move down. The dealer called this a design defect with no fix available. A washer fluid reservoir leaks at 997 miles, and the replacement part is on backorder, so the car stays unrepaired. No injuries are reported.

  • Body and structure3No crashes

    The glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof cracks or shatters with nothing hitting it. Cracks can run the full width of the roof. In one report, wind noise gets louder for several days before the panel cracks on the highway. Other drivers find the damage only after reaching their destination, with no warning or sound beforehand. Owners worry a broken panel could come loose and hit cars behind.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints GLE owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Acceleration and cruise control
The MPH Sign Recognition mistakes 30mph when the sign reads 70mph.When the Cruise Control is set for 70mph the car begins to brake by itself thinking it is 40mph over the posted limit.This may cause a rear end collision. As a result I have discontinued using the Cruise Control to avoid an accident. This problem may exist on other late model Mercedes-Benz with the Sign Recognition option.

Filed with NHTSA, December 2025

Transmission
"While driving on the highway, my new Mercedes GLE450e, it suddenly stalled, and a 'turtle' symbol appeared on the dashboard. This indicated that the vehicle had entered 'limp mode.' At that point, I lost acceleration and had minimal power, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The dealership claims they have fixed the issue, but I am reporting this as a safety concern in case it affects other vehicles."

Filed with NHTSA, January 2025

How the 2024 compares with other GLE years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2024 ranks third 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.

2024 Average of other years
  • Acceleration and cruise control43
  • Electrical410
  • Brakes42
  • Transmission36
  • Wipers and visibility31
  • Body and structure32

Recalls to confirm (6)

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.

  1. 25V325000Wipers and visibilityMay 2025

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 GLE 350 4MATIC, 2025 GLE 450e 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe, GLE 450 4MATIC, GLS 450 4MATIC, Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, AMG GLE 53 4MATIC, AMG GLE 53 4MATIC Coupe, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC Coupe, and AMG GLS 63 4MATIC vehicles. The multi-purpose camera and the rearview mirror may be insufficiently attached to the windshield and may detach.

    Risk: A detached mirror can reduce visibility for the driver. A detached camera can cause a loss of certain driving assistance systems, such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the windshield and reinstall the multi-purpose camera and rearview mirror, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025060001.

  2. 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.

  3. 24V117000Acceleration and cruise controlFeb 2024

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 GLE350, GLE450, AMG GLE53, and AMG GLE53 Coupe vehicles. The accelerator pedal module bracket may have been improperly welded, which can result in the bracket breaking or detaching.

    Risk: A broken or detached accelerator pedal can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will drill through the spot welds and secure the bracket with rivets, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030009.

  4. 23V878000Fuel systemDec 2023

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC300, 2024 GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles equipped with an M254 engine. The incorrect screws, installed on the high-pressure fuel pump, may prevent a proper seal from forming between the high-pressure fuel pump and the tandem oil pump.

    Risk: An inadequate seal can allow fuel and oil to leak onto the road, creating a hazard for other road users and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a fuel and oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  5. 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.

  6. 23V807000Stability controlDec 2023

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 GLE 450e Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Due to a software error in the electronic stability program (ESP), the force required to stop the vehicle may increase, possibly requiring an extended distance to stop.

    Risk: Extended stopping distance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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2024 owner complaints, side by side