repaired · 2026 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 32 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-458 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has problems
26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Electrical system
9Engine
7Vehicle speed control
2Seats
2Back over prevention
1Seat belts
1Suspension
1Tires
1Air bags
66 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 14 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
32 recalls
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Control module: software
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system
Risk. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Structure: body
Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Show 28 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
repaired · 2024 Q2
Wiring: interior/under dash
Risk. An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Seats
Risk. Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Appliance: air conditioner
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.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Communication
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying…
repaired · 2022 Q4
Control module: software
Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Interior panels: dashboard
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…
repaired · 2024 Q1
Exterior lighting: back up lights
Risk. If the reverse light remains illuminated in a gear other than reverse, it may cause confusion about the driver's intention to other motorists, and increase the…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
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.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Rear/other: buckle assembly
Risk. An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the power steering, wiper motor, or left headlight malfunction there could be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Passenger side frontal: cushion
Risk. A separated windshield may reduce the effectiveness of the passenger air bag restraint system and increase the risk of injury in a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Front: shock absorber
Risk. Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Air bags
Risk. Damaged wires may cause the rear side air bags to not deploy as intended.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Structure: frame and members
Risk. If the rear crossmember detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. The headrest may not properly protect the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Door: hinge and attachments
Risk. The detached trim can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. Improperly adjusted head restraints increase the risk of injury to the third row seat passengers in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Appliance: air conditioner
Risk. If a significant volume of water enters the driver and passenger side foot wells, it might cause corrosion and/or short circuits to the electrical components…
repaired · 2021 Q1
Tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Sensing system: radar
Risk. An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Structure
Risk. Water in the passenger compartment may affect the vehicle's electrical systems, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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
2020 vs. every other GLE 450 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 450 median. How we score
'16'17'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What GLE 450 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My vehicle was in for a normal service to have the spark plugs replaced. However I was told that the engine wiring harness had become brittle (apparently a common and reoccurring problem with my vehicle) and would likely cause misfiring after changing spark plugs. This did indeed happen and if I…
Engine compartment heat causes wiring harness insulation to melt and Electrical shorting while driving. Engine has lack of power and acceleration due to heat damage to the engine harness. Check Engine light came on. This is a potential fire risk and should be address by MBUSA. This is a know issue…
The air conditioning in my 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV has failed due to a refrigerant (freon) leak, leaving the system unable to cool and properly defrost the windshield. This is not an isolated issue—many other GLE owners have reported the same failure on forums and blogs, suggesting a widespread…
Own a 2020 GLE 450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.