2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
88/100
#2 most-complained of 9 Gle350 years
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 88 and 48 NHTSA complaints, 14 recalls, and 2 fires. NHTSA data label this year Avoid relative to other Gle350 years, with Engine problems making up half of all complaints.
- Complaints
- 48
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine24 (50%)
- Electrical System10 (21%)
- Other9 (19%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (8%)
- Brakes3 (6%)
- Structure & Body3 (6%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Lane Departure2 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving on flat ground with no warning light, sometimes followed by grinding brake noise.
- Some owners describe complete engine failure while driving, with no prior warning message and a subsequent need for engine replacement.
- One owner reported faulty exhaust valves causing the engine to misfire and shake at highway speed, requiring cylinder head replacement.
- Owners describe the MBUX dual screen going black and inoperable shortly after purchase, sometimes followed by the engine and lights shutting off on the highway.
- One owner reported the infotainment screen going blank and the back-up camera failing after a liquid spill affected the connected electrical unit.
- An owner reported a parked vehicle catching fire on the driver's side and burning completely.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V724000Sep 27, 2024Electrical System10,655 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 23V880000Dec 21, 2023Fuel System79,676 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 23V835000Dec 8, 2023Electrical System164 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
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.
Remedy: 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Gle350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 48 complaints and 14 recalls for the 2021 Gle350, giving it a complaint index of 88, the second-highest among the 9 model years with data. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Gle350 years.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2021 Gle350?
- Engine complaints make up 50% of all reported issues, 24 of 48 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 74,000. Electrical System issues follow at 21% of complaints.
- Does the 2021 Gle350 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2021 Gle350, covering areas including electrical wiring, fuel pump, 12-volt ground connections, steering coupling, and rear window bonding. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Gle350 compare to other years?
- The 2021 model ranks 2nd worst of 9 years tracked, behind only the 2020 model's complaint index of 100. Years like 2018 (index 38), 2023 (index 25), and 2024 (index 13) rank much better.
- Were there any fires or crashes reported for the 2021 Gle350?
- NHTSA data show 2 fires, 3 crashes, and 6 injuries reported for the 2021 Gle350, with no deaths recorded.