Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (123 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 34 complaints), 2018 at 7 (from 56 complaints), and 2017 at 8 (from 75 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, 27 of 123 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2019
2018
2017
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 → | 10 | 31 | 0 | Structure | — |
| 2022 → | 14 | 63 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 → Most | 14 | 123 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 34 | 0 | Structure | — |
| 2018 → Fewest | 7 | 56 | 0 | Powertrain | — |
| 2017 → Fewest | 8 | 75 | 0 | Exterior lighting | — |
| 2016 → | 10 | 107 | 0 | Steering | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV, Coupe SUV
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (GLE 350) · 7.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R19, 265/45R20 (GLE 350; other wheels vary)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 17V-241 covers certain 2016-2017 GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, and E-Class Coupe vehicles where the electric power steering connector may be insufficiently sealed against water entry. Moisture can interrupt the control module and deactivate power assist. The May 2017 dealer notice cites about 58,323 vehicles in that campaign population across those platforms; dealers replace the connector housing and check contacts. NHTSA complaints on 2017 GLE filings most often name the electrical system and vehicle speed control.
.jpg){kind=link}
- Body styles
- SUV, Coupe SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20, 0W-30, or 0W-40 (GLE 350; verify MB sheet on the oil container) · 7.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/55R19 (GLE 350 current US spec page; other wheels vary)
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 34 complaints), 2018 at 7 (from 56 complaints), and 2017 at 8 (from 75 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (123 complaints). On the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, 27 of 123 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
How much can a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 tow?
Mercedes-Benz USA currently lists 7,700 lbs towing capacity for the GLE 350 when properly equipped. Confirm the rating and hitch package for your model year in the owner’s manual.
What oil does a GLE 350 take?
W166 (2016-2019): 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40. W167 (2020-on): 0W-20, 0W-30, or 0W-40 — verify the MB sheet on the oil container and engine sticker.
What does recall 17V-241 cover on early GLE?
Certain 2016-2017 GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, and E-Class Coupe vehicles where the electric power steering connector may be insufficiently sealed against water entry. Moisture can interrupt the control module and deactivate power assist.