2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years with a complaint index of 88 and carries an Avoid verdict. It has 48 complaints, 14 recall campaigns, and engine problems make up half of all reported issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 Gle350 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 48
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving on flat ground with no warning light, requiring a restart.
- Complete engine failure reported in traffic with no prior warning message, in one case leading to a full engine replacement.
- Faulty exhaust valves caused engine misfire and shaking at highway speed, requiring cylinder head replacement.
- Infotainment screen goes blank, sometimes disabling the back-up camera, in one case traced to liquid spilled on the electrical unit.
- MBUX dual screen goes black and inoperable, and in one case the engine and all lights shut off while driving on the highway.
- Doors have locked unintentionally with keys and a child left inside the vehicle.
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?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Gle350 ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 88 and an Avoid verdict. Engine problems account for 50% of its complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Gle350?
- Engine issues lead with 24 complaints, or 50% of all reports, followed by electrical system problems at 21%.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle350 have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2021 Gle350, covering areas including the electrical system, fuel system, steering, and structure.
- What year Mercedes-Benz Gle350 should I avoid?
- Among Gle350 years with data, 2020 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2021 at 88 and 2022 at 75; all three carry an Avoid verdict.
- Are there fires or crashes linked to the 2021 Gle350?
- NHTSA data for the 2021 Gle350 lists 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries among its 48 complaints, with the electrical system tied to both reported fires.