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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE has good reliability. There are 22 recalls and 76 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Engine (14), Unknown Or Other (10).

GLE reliability snapshot

65/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.5/5
RepairPal rating (average)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Mercedes-Benz GLE before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternativesCommon problemsComplaint patterns across model yearsRecall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model yearResale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation

Most-reported 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System26
  • Engine14
  • Unknown Or Other10
  • Power Train8
  • Visibility4
  • Vehicle Speed Control2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect engine for cylinder head issues and misfires
  • Check 48V battery system for faults and potential shutdowns
  • Test for sunroof glass integrity to prevent shattering
  • Verify proper operation of windshield wiper fluid system
  • Examine for signs of water intrusion in the interior
  • Ensure proper function of infotainment and backup camera systems

2021 GLE recalls (22)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 GLE. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. VISIBILITYNHTSA 23V177000Mar 17, 2023

    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.

  2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V724000Sep 27, 2024

    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.

  3. SEATSNHTSA 21V818000Oct 18, 2021

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Consequence: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.

  4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V207000Mar 15, 2024

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger 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 tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.

  5. POWER TRAINNHTSA 24V118000Feb 16, 2024

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.

    Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  6. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 23V880000Dec 21, 2023

    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.

  7. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V835000Dec 8, 2023

    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.

  8. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 23V445000Jun 26, 2023

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in 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 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

  9. STEERINGNHTSA 22V936000Dec 16, 2022

    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.

  10. STRUCTURENHTSA 22V680000Sep 12, 2022

    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.

  11. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATIONNHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022

    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.

  12. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V231000Apr 8, 2022

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

    Consequence: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.

  13. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V909000Nov 19, 2021

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE450 and AMG GLE53 vehicles. In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.

    Consequence: Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater may cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    Dealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  14. VISIBILITYNHTSA 21V832000Oct 22, 2021

    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.

  15. EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V509000Jul 2, 2021

    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.

  16. BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V354000May 14, 2021

    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.

  17. EQUIPMENTNHTSA 21V288000Apr 23, 2021

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

    Consequence: 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. 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 correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.

  18. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 21V071000Feb 12, 2021

    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.

  19. STRUCTURENHTSA 21V057000Feb 5, 2021

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.

    Consequence: 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 injury.

    Remedy

    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.

  20. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATIONNHTSA 21V058000Feb 5, 2021

    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.

  21. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V671000Oct 30, 2020

    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.

  22. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 20V089000Feb 14, 2020

    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.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE on the road

329,665 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores slightly above the segment average in reliability, but with a score of 57 out of 100, it still indicates an elevated risk level. The vehicle has an elevated number of recalls, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in its design or manufacturing processes. Complaints are concentrated in the electrical system and engine, which are critical components that could affect overall vehicle performance and owner satisfaction.

The distribution of issues across several categories, including power train and visibility, further highlights a broader reliability concern. As the second year of the current generation, one might expect some teething issues to have been resolved, yet the data suggests ongoing challenges.

Overall, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE presents a higher-than-average reliability risk, warranting cautious consideration for potential buyers.

What you get in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores slightly above the segment average in reliability, but with a score of 57 out of 100, it still indicates an elevated risk level. The vehicle has an elevated number of recalls, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in its design or manufacturing processes. Complaints are concentrated in the electrical system and engine, which are critical components that could affect overall vehicle performance and owner satisfaction.

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

22 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

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

The most-reported 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Engine (14), Unknown Or Other (10).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.