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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GLE-Class, and brakes are the most named component group[1][2]. The model year also has 9 recalls on file, so check your VIN before you buy or keep one[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Five mention a crash, 2 mention injuries and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 8 |
| Power train[5] | 7 |
| Electrical system[6] | 6 |
| Unknown or other[7] | 5 |
| Exterior lighting[8] | 4 |
| Speed control[9] | 3 |
| Tires[10] | 3 |
| Structure[11] | 3 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. This is only a sample, so treat it as a hint and not as a measure of how common anything is.
- Brakes. In the sample, owners describe pads wearing out early and squealing. A few describe braking that was delayed or did not respond, and one describes a crash[2]. The median mileage at failure for brake complaints is 20,002[2].
- Power train. Owners describe a gear selector that would not move into reverse until the engine was shut off and restarted[5]. One complaint in the sample describes a crash[5].
- Electrical system. The sample is mixed. Owners describe a freezing information screen, water coming in through the sunroof, a fuel pump problem and the end of emergency call service[6].
- Exterior lighting. In the sample, owners describe low beams that make it hard to see at night[8].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first:
- Roof panel (23V854). The front roof panel by the panoramic sunroof may have been glued badly during an earlier repair and could come off. A loose panel is a road hazard and raises crash risk. Dealers replace the front panel at no charge to the owner[12].
- Fuel pump control (22V955). Water can collect in the spare tire well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which can stall the engine while driving. Dealers install a water drain plug, check for water and replace the unit if needed[13].
- Emergency call software (22V365). A SIM card software error can cut the mobile connection and disable the emergency call system. That could delay help after a crash. The fix is a software update, over the air or at a dealer[14].
- Roof panel (21V197). Same kind of roof panel bonding problem on vehicles with a panoramic sunroof. Dealers remove the panel and fit a new one[15].
- Tires (21V123). Certain Continental tires were cured for too long in production and may crack in the sidewall. That can mean sudden air loss or tread and belt loss, and a loss of control. Dealers inspect the tires and replace them if needed[16].
- Emergency call deactivated (21V072). The communication module may have been switched off during a service visit, which could disable the emergency call function. Dealers check it and turn it on if needed[17].
- Emergency call location (21V058). The software may send the wrong vehicle location to emergency responders after a crash. The fix is a software update, over the air or at a dealer[18].
- Rear brakes (18V539). Rear caliper pistons may not have been coated correctly. Gas can enter the rear brake hydraulic circuit and reduce braking. Dealers bleed the rear brake system[19].
- Sunroof bonding (18V512). A wrongly made bonding primer on the panoramic sunroof may weaken its glue over time, so parts could come loose. Dealers inspect the sunroof and replace it if needed[20].
Several of these cover many Mercedes-Benz models and only certain vehicles. The fact sheets list the affected ranges, so check your own VIN at NHTSA to see what applies to your car and what is already done[12][13][14].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings vary a lot by engine. All gasoline versions below use premium fuel, and one 4matic version is also listed for premium or E85[21].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| GLE350, 3.5L 6-cyl, rear-wheel drive[4] | 18 / 23 / 20 | $4,100 |
| GLE350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl[22] | 18 / 22 / 19 | $4,350 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo[23] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe[24] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $4,350 |
| AMG GLE63, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo[25] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $5,500 |
| AMG GLE63 S[26] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $5,500 |
| AMG GLE63 S Coupe[27] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $5,500 |
The GLE550e 4matic is rated 21 MPGe combined with 460 miles of range on premium fuel and electricity[28]. EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Engine and power
The EPA test list shows 385 to 436 hp for the 3.0L 6-cylinder, depending on version[29]. The 5.5L 8-cylinder is rated 577 hp[30].
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 61 | 11 |
| 2017 | 62 | 10 |
| 2018 | 42 | 9 |
| 2019 | 2 | 5 |
| 2020 | 93 | 28 |
| 2021 | 59 | 17 |
| 2022 | 43 | 9 |
| 2023 | 17 | 3 |
| 2024 | 24 | 6 |
| 2025 | 32 | 3 |
| 2026 | 15 | 3 |
NHTSA counts 42 complaints and 9 recalls for the 2018 GLE-Class[3]. Here is where that sits among the other years on file[3]:
- Complaints. Fewer than 2016 (61), 2017 (62), 2020 (93), 2021 (59) and 2022 (43). More than 2019 (2) and 2023 through 2026 (17, 24, 32 and 15)[3].
- Recalls. The same as 2022 (9)[3]. Fewer than 2016 (11), 2017 (10), 2020 (28) and 2021 (17)[3]. More than 2019 (5) and 2023 through 2026 (3, 6, 3 and 3)[3].
So 2018 is in the middle of the pack. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so a lower count in another year does not prove a better car.
Should you buy a used 2018 GLE-Class?
The complaint count is moderate next to other GLE years, but the recall list has 9 entries[3]. Run the VIN at NHTSA and confirm the roof, fuel pump, tire, brake and emergency call recalls were done. Ask for brake service records, since brakes lead the complaint list[2]. Test the gear selector in reverse and test the headlights at night, because owners in our sample describe both[5][8]. Fuel cost depends heavily on the engine, from $4,100 to $5,500 a year in EPA estimates[4][25].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
- Brakes are the most named group with 8 of 42 complaints, then power train with 7 and electrical with 6[1][2][5][6].
- Does the 2018 GLE-Class have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year, covering roof panel bonding, fuel pump control, emergency call software, tires, rear brakes and the sunroof[3][12][13][14][16][19][20].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 2 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,002). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLE350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 7 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V955, filed December 23, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control / Drive Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V123, filed February 26, 2021: Tires. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V072, filed February 12, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V539, filed August 16, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V512, filed August 3, 2018: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLE350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLE350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLE43 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLE63, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLE63 S, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLE63 S Coupe, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLE550e 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium and Electricity: 21 MPGe combined, 460 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 385 to 436 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with 5.5L 8-cylinder: rated 577 hp. www.epa.gov