repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 17 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-118 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 12, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Electrical system
7Engine
3Power train
1Exterior lighting
1Visibility/wiper
1Vehicle speed control
1Forward collision avoidance
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 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.
17 recalls
2021 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 · 2026 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Control module: software
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 13 more recalls
repaired · 2025 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase 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 Q4
Steering: critical fasteners
Risk. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Structure: body
Risk. Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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 · 2023 Q4
Wiring: interior/under dash
Risk. Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 · 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 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 · 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.
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 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.
Driving down a multi-lane highway at 70 mph, a 48V battery malfunction warning goes off as well as the yellow check engine light. A few seconds later a ‘coolant’ error alert pops up. SUV loses acceleration with power dropping from 70 mph to 55 mph to 35 mph. Another message displayed on screen…
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450. The contact stated that on two separate occasions the vehicle failed to start on the initial attempt. The vehicle was towed to dealer who diagnosed that the firmware needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred a second time…
Car shut itself off in rush hour traffic. Slight Smokey smell. Dash light indicating a 48 Volt problem. Got vehicle towed to dealership.
Own a 2021 GLE 450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.