Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, most recently filed September 2024. Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Compare

Recalls (14)

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V724000 Filed Sep 27, 2024

Air Bag May Deploy Improperly/FMVSS 208

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.
88.8% repairedof 10,655 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V724000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V880000 Filed Dec 21, 2023

Fuel Pump Shutdown May Cause Loss of Drive Power

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
88.6% repairedof 79,676 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V880000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V835000 Filed Dec 8, 2023

Improperly Secured 12-Volt Ground Connection

Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles. A 12-Volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Consequence
An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
95.1% repairedof 164 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V835000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V177000 Filed Mar 17, 2023

Water Intrusion from AC Drain Hose May Cause Short

Visibility · defroster/defogger/hvac system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Consequence
Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.
88% repairedof 61,450 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V177000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V936000 Filed Dec 16, 2022

Loss of Steering Control

Steering · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE350, GLE450, 2022 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, and GLS450 vehicles. The steering coupling locking screw may loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Consequence
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022120016.
94.2% repairedof 69 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V936000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V680000 Filed Sep 12, 2022

Rear Door Window Trim Bars May Detach

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
Consequence
Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.
91.9% repairedof 161,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V680000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V365000 Filed May 20, 2022

Disabled Emergency Call System

Communication · auto crash notification
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
90.6% repairedof 242,722 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V365000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V832000 Filed Oct 22, 2021

Rear Window Glass May Detach

Visibility · glass, side/rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
Consequence
Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
78.3% repairedof 23 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V832000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V509000 Filed Jul 2, 2021

Incorrectly Adjusted Headlights/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
94.6% repairedof 1,467 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V509000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V354000 Filed May 14, 2021

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
96.5% repairedof 343,191 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V354000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V071000 Filed Feb 12, 2021

Electronic Stability Control Malfunction/FMVSS 126

Electronic stability control (esc) · control module · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, and 2020 GLS450, GLE580, GLS580 vehicles. During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence
If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030004.
96.8% repairedof 41,838 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V071000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V058000 Filed Feb 5, 2021

Inaccurate Vehicle Location for Emergency Services

Communication · auto crash notification
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
95.3% repairedof 1,292,258 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V058000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V671000 Filed Oct 30, 2020

Possibly Recessed Middle Seat Belt Buckle

Seat belts · rear/other · buckle assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz AG USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, 2020 GLE580, 2020-2021 GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Consequence
An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110005.
97.6% repairedof 55,326 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V671000
Listed for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V089000 Filed Feb 14, 2020

Interior Switches May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 101

Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence
If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
94.7% repairedof 2,101 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V089000

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Owner complaints (48)

48 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

3involved a crash
2involved a fire
6injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 48.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other GLE 350 years

Best and worst GLE 350 years →
62 40 1 89 48 35 15 7 1 1
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined

22
mpg combined
19
city
26
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,750
CO₂ tailpipe
403 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year

Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,750403

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 GLE 350 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All GLE 350 years

Where to next

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 have?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 24V724000 (electrical), 23V880000 (fuel pump), 23V835000 (electrical), 23V177000 (visibility), 22V936000 (steering), 22V680000 (structure), 22V365000 (electrical), 21V832000 (visibility), 21V509000 (lighting), 21V354000 (electrical), 21V071000 (electronic stability control (esc)), 21V058000 (electrical), 20V671000 (seat belt), 20V089000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 problems?

Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (22), Electrical system (9), Unknown or other (9) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic version at 19 city, 26 highway and 22 combined mpg.

How does the 2021 GLE 350 compare with other years?

Among the 2017–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2020 the most (89). The 2021 drew 48. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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