2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 has 9 safety recalls and 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
9
Complaints
53
Crashes / fires
4 / 4
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 recalls

Recall 22V-955: Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 348,183 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.

Recall 19V-787: Communication

Reported Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Recall 18V-272: Suspension

Reported Apr 27, 2018 · 9,725 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.

Risk: The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018070015.

Recall 17V-655: Air Bags, Visibility

Reported Oct 17, 2017 · 3,620 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the full protective function of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters will be mailed in December 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available in late January 2018. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018020002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Recall 17V-241: Steering

Reported Apr 11, 2017 · 58,323 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.

Risk: If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 17V-079: Visibility, Air Bags

Reported Feb 8, 2017 · 4 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic and GLS 450 4Matic vehicles. The windshield bonding may be insufficient and, as a result, the windshield may separate from the vehicle in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk: If the windshield detaches in the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may not be supported properly after it deploys, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 17V-081: Suspension

Reported Feb 8, 2017 · 37 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 16V-903: Air Bags

Reported Dec 15, 2016 · 47,799 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.

Risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 16V-759: Exterior Lighting

Reported Oct 20, 2016 · 2,215 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, and GLE 400 4MATIC vehicles manufactured October 14, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Steering10
Unknown or Other9
Electrical System7
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Air Bags5
Service Brakes5
Engine4
Power Train4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Exterior Lighting3

Most reported parts

  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,831 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Sep 23, 2026
On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers…
Service Brakes · reported Sep 23, 2026
On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers…
Electrical System · reported Sep 6, 2026
While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz for recall inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of propulsion while driving created a serious safety risk.
Power Train · reported Aug 9, 2026
At 72,000 miles the rear differential failed. Repair required else car could abruptly stop rolling, become uncontrollable and cause a serious wreck. The part is over $5,000
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 133,000 miles · reported Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while opening the door, a cracked fuel injector was spraying gasoline. When the door handle was pulled, an aftermarket module ignited the fuel, causing an explosion and heavy smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously for the same issue, but the dealer dismissed the information and returned the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the failure reoccurred and was recorded. The vehicle had been at the dealer for two months, and the dealer blamed the failure on an…

Other Mercedes-Benz GLE350 years

20172016

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GLE350 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350: 22V-955 (fuel system, gasoline, fuel system, diesel), 19V-787 (communication), 18V-272 (suspension), 17V-655 (air bags, visibility), 17V-241 (steering) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (10 reports), followed by steering (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,831 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.