2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 75 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 8 per year. That is about even with the other GLE-Class years here. Their median is 8 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Photo by Chanokchon, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

75

Per year

8

Recalls

0

Years on the road

10

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (16 of 75), then Speed control (9) and Exterior lighting (8). Those filings include 10 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.

Next to 2016 and 2018

The 2016 GLE-Class has 107 complaints, 10 per year, and the 2018 has 56 complaints, 7 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2016. The 2017 has more complaints per year than the 2018.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (0)

No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.

Complaints by component (75 total)

Electrical system
16
Speed control
9
Exterior lighting
8
Steering
8
Fuel and propulsion system
7
Structure
5
Communication
4
Engine
4
Powertrain
4
Service brakes
4
Seat belts
3
Air brakes
2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
2
Air bags
1
Back-over prevention
1
Diesel fuel system
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Latches, locks, and linkages
1
Other or not sure
1
Suspension
1
Tires
1
Visibility
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Show 15 more Show less
Crash-flagged

10

Fire-flagged

0

Injury reports

3

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

820171020185201922020102021720221020231320246202542026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, VIN [XXX]. While driving, the vehicle intermittently displays multiple warning lights/messages and the power-steering assistance intermittently becomes heavy/stiff. The warnings rapidly appear…"
    Steering, Electrical system, Speed control · filed 2026-09-09
  • "The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen went blank. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall on…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-07-28
  • "Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was…"
    Speed control, Service brakes, Engine · filed 2026-02-13
  • "I purchased a Certified Mercedes GLE 350 with many advanced safety features. Including a SOS feature that allows I believe detects an accident and reports it to Mercedes as well as allows me to press the SOS button to…"
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-01-02
  • "Panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded while driving. It was the rear section of the sunroof. There was a loud boom sound. There were no vehicles nearby kicking up rocks, etc. I jumped and screamed but managed to remain…"
    Unknown or other · filed 2025-11-30

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe 4 DR 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe 4 DR RWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Hybrid SUV 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Hybrid SUV RWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated 4 stars
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV RWD Not rated Not rated Not rated 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Specs and fitment

W166 GLE, 2016–2019
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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 75 complaints with NHTSA after 10 years, or 8 per year. That is about even with the other GLE-Class years here. Their median is 8 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

What are common problems with a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (16 of 75), then Speed control (9) and Exterior lighting (8). Those filings include 10 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2016 GLE-Class has 107 complaints, 10 per year, and the 2018 has 56 complaints, 7 per year. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2016. The 2017 has more complaints per year than the 2018.

Has the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class been recalled?

NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with NHTSA.

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.