Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 16 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-832 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 13, 2026. Updated daily.
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
Risk. An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk. Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk. Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk. Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
Risk. In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Risk. An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Risk. If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the AMG GLE53 median. How we score
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Engine harness wires insulation is falling apart very early after 3 years. It’s causing arching inside the insulation. Issues is from overheating and can cause a fire. Isolation needs to be upgraded and wire harness needs replaced.
Vehicle unexpectedly lost power on a major highway. Limped into a service station, called for a tow truck. Several days later vehicle was repaired with a bill of $2800. Four weeks later, while driving, check engine light comes on. Contact dealership that completed repairs, brought car in. Now it’s…
Purchased as a CPO directly from a local dealership. Vehicle has experienced multiple (10+), seemingly random failures of the Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Break Assist under varied driving and weather conditions. On two separate occasions (one at…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.