2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliability
Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class over 9 years — 7 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most GLE-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 9. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (10 of 56), then Electrical system (9) and Service brakes (7). Those filings include 8 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, 4 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
The 2017 GLE-Class has 75 complaints, 8 per year, and the 2019 has 34 complaints, 2 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
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 2018 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 (56 total)
Show 11 more Show less
8
1
4
1
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Rear view camera fails to initiate when placed in reverse. Screen doesn’t even try to switch to camera view. Exact same issue found in same make and model recalled with different vins. For some reason this one isn’t…"
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"CASE NUMBER: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 --- EMAIL EXCHANGE TEXT --- From: [XXX] Sent: 1/14/2026, 12:11 PM To: cs.usa@mercedes-benz.com Subject: Re: Message From Mercedes-Benz USA: Case Number [XXX] Dear…"
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"The low beam visibility on this vehicle is extremely dangerous. It's as if you have no headlights on. They can inspect anytime. With low night visibility. Driver is not able to see the road or person which causes a…"
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"Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Case: XXX My concerns has been denied and overlooked by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC multiple times since Jan 2026--interims of defective electric system causing sudden locking of steering wheel and…"
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"The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a pharmacy parking lot with the hold feature engaged, the driver released the brake pedal. Immediately afterward,…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe 4 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class PHEV SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class PHEV SUV RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4 stars |
| 2018 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
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliable?
Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class over 9 years — 7 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most GLE-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 9. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (10 of 56), then Electrical system (9) and Service brakes (7). Those filings include 8 that report a crash, 1 that reports a fire, 4 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2017 GLE-Class has 75 complaints, 8 per year, and the 2019 has 34 complaints, 2 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2018 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.