2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 49 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-832 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has problems

49 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine233
Electrical system93
Visibility50
Power train40
Forward collision avoidance32
Service brakes32
Fuel/propulsion system20
Lane departure20
Structure21
6 other systems60

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

14 recalls

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 recalls and how many were fixed

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.

90%repaired · 2026 Q3

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 24V-724 · Sep 27, 2024 · 10,655 vehicles · 9,552 repaired

Risk. An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2025 Q4

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 23V-835 · Dec 8, 2023 · 164 vehicles · 156 repaired

Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

86%repaired · 2025 Q1

Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system

Recall 23V-177 · Mar 17, 2023 · 61,450 vehicles · 53,025 repaired

Risk. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 10 more recalls
91%repaired · 2024 Q3

Structure: body

Recall 22V-680 · Sep 12, 2022 · 161,000 vehicles · 145,709 repaired

Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2026 Q2

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles · 219,931 repaired

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

70%repaired · 2024 Q1

Visibility: glass, side/rear

Recall 21V-832 · Oct 22, 2021 · 23 vehicles · 16 repaired

Risk. Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

93%repaired · 2023 Q4

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 21V-509 · Jul 2, 2021 · 1,467 vehicles · 1,365 repaired

Risk. Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2023 Q4

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-354 · May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles · 279,011 repaired

Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2022 Q4

Control module: software

Recall 21V-071 · Feb 12, 2021 · 41,838 vehicles · 39,359 repaired

Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2023 Q4

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles · 1,231,020 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2022 Q3

Rear/other: buckle assembly

Recall 20V-671 · Oct 30, 2020 · 55,326 vehicles · 52,521 repaired

Risk. An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2021 Q2

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 20V-089 · Feb 14, 2020 · 2,101 vehicles · 1,989 repaired

Risk. If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other GLE 350 year

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 GLE 350 median. How we score

'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GLE 350 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The engine light warning or indicator light failed to appear when engine began misfiring and shaking causing connecting rod to put a hole in the engine. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because engine failure can produce the following safety hazards: The primary safety hazards to…
Complaint 11775310 · Nov 3, 2026
At approximately 87,000 miles, my 2021 GLE350 (M264 2.0T engine) experienced a severe engine misfire resulting in a flashing check engine light, rough idle, engine shaking, significant loss of power, and near-stall condition. The vehicle was taken to Speedhaus Automotive (Newbury Park, CA) where…
Complaint 11741934 · Jun 3, 2026
While driving at night all error light showed up. I slowed down to the side of the road and while I was slowing down the engine died. I tried to start the car which worked but when I pressed the gas the engine died again. Tried it two more times with the same results. Then turned the car and waited…
Complaint 11719430 · Feb 20, 2026

Own a 2021 GLE 350?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.