2020 Mercedes GLE Beware!!!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
GLE
2020 350 4 matic, no real issues.
1. Display went black 1st day but not again, so who knows ...
2. Was fun getting the Hands-free rear door to open, but it was down to user error, you have to do the dance behind the car just right....
3. Rear seat behind driver wont fold down electronically, have to use the red cord to make it happen. MB say it's a software issue... this will wait until a service is due
4. Auto start stop could be better.. not smooth at all.... don't understand why it has it in the first place since it turns on after 20 seconds....
other than that, drive is really good, quiet, no squeaks or rattles, good fuel economy and like the luxuries.....
1. Display went black 1st day but not again, so who knows ...
2. Was fun getting the Hands-free rear door to open, but it was down to user error, you have to do the dance behind the car just right....
3. Rear seat behind driver wont fold down electronically, have to use the red cord to make it happen. MB say it's a software issue... this will wait until a service is due
4. Auto start stop could be better.. not smooth at all.... don't understand why it has it in the first place since it turns on after 20 seconds....
other than that, drive is really good, quiet, no squeaks or rattles, good fuel economy and like the luxuries.....
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 37
From: Oxford, UK
GLC63S, A35 AMG
I agree with the beware warning ⛔️
My April 2019 GLE 450 Premium + had 17 faults, including 3 recalls. Almost all of which related to poor build quality, poor assembly methods and QA, or poor software, or terrible design. For example, I still can’t believe that changing the air filter requires removing the engine control unit, or changing the battery means removing one of the front seats... absolutely not a car I would want to own outside of a warranty.
I’ve now sold it (taking a heavy loss) and bought a 2020 GLC 63 S. I have vowed never again to buy a launch year car... totally fed up of badly designed parts being on back order, and frequent dealer visits to fix the rest, and a generally couldn’t care less attitude from Mercedes. Terrible.
My April 2019 GLE 450 Premium + had 17 faults, including 3 recalls. Almost all of which related to poor build quality, poor assembly methods and QA, or poor software, or terrible design. For example, I still can’t believe that changing the air filter requires removing the engine control unit, or changing the battery means removing one of the front seats... absolutely not a car I would want to own outside of a warranty.
I’ve now sold it (taking a heavy loss) and bought a 2020 GLC 63 S. I have vowed never again to buy a launch year car... totally fed up of badly designed parts being on back order, and frequent dealer visits to fix the rest, and a generally couldn’t care less attitude from Mercedes. Terrible.
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 37
From: Oxford, UK
GLC63S, A35 AMG
To be fair, I've had a number of Mercedes cars, and the GLE was the only one I considered to be a disappointment. It even threw up a new fault on the very day I swapped it for the GLC ... ! just a poorly built launch year car... and an expensive mistake for me.
That said, if the GLC63s or my wife's A35 turn into lemons, then we'll shift loyalties back to BMW and be done with MB.
That said, if the GLC63s or my wife's A35 turn into lemons, then we'll shift loyalties back to BMW and be done with MB.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 34
various
To be fair, I've had a number of Mercedes cars, and the GLE was the only one I considered to be a disappointment. It even threw up a new fault on the very day I swapped it for the GLC ... ! just a poorly built launch year car... and an expensive mistake for me.
That said, if the GLC63s or my wife's A35 turn into lemons, then we'll shift loyalties back to BMW and be done with MB.
That said, if the GLC63s or my wife's A35 turn into lemons, then we'll shift loyalties back to BMW and be done with MB.
same here. Ive had a run of 10 cars from Mercedes but quality is on the decline, customer care is now non existent and dealers don’t get support from technical. Not to mention the same backorder issues as mentioned above. It’s a spiralling decline and the introduction of Genesis to Europe next year will be a huge wake-up call to Mercedes.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
e350
I have a 2020 GLE 350 AMG package car is in south Florida no issues till 5K miles very loud noise coming from the breaks after stop , breaks made noise when gently releasing breaks to move forward in traffic, drive thru , pulling in and out out garage
took it to the dealer and they test drove the car and they can hear the noise so they replaced the break and rotors of all 4 wheels they test drove the car again and told me good news u have new breaks and rotors bad new noise is still there so it part of the breaking system
its the break pad releasing from the rotor its crazy a 76K car and it sounds like a garbage truck
took it to the dealer and they test drove the car and they can hear the noise so they replaced the break and rotors of all 4 wheels they test drove the car again and told me good news u have new breaks and rotors bad new noise is still there so it part of the breaking system
its the break pad releasing from the rotor its crazy a 76K car and it sounds like a garbage truck
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: California
2020 GLE 350
Exact same issue here.
Have owned several MB's over the years, many makes and models. This story concerns my 2020 GLE 350 with only 11,000 miles. Always satisfied UNTIL TODAY. Driving from Las Vegas to San Diego on the 5 lane, heavily trafficked Interstate 15, while climbing a hill the car suddenly loses power. From 75mph to 59 to 37 to 19 all in a matter of 10 seconds. My life flashed before my eyes as 18 wheelers bore down on my rear while I prayed the car would make it until the shoulder I could see ahead. Fortunately the good Lord was on my side today and I made it to the shoulder, turned flashers on, and turned the car off to see if it 'reset itself'. Seemed ok but traumatized I pulled off at next exit and fortunately there was a MB dealer 6 miles away. They we kind and responsive, immediately checked out the car, checking codes, and told me without additional diagnostics, they couldn't tell what happened, that it appeared to be a 'fluke' and that I shouldn't be overly concerned. Easy for them to say, they didn't almost lose their life. Any comments or suggestions much appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
We are going through the same thing with our 2020 GLE 350. Lost power 5x in the past 14 months. Service department says there is no fix. Update possibly in Q2 this year. Not sure what to do. The vehicle is unsafe to drive. Clearing engine codes and telling me there’s nothing they can do does not sound right to me.
I wonder if Merceds just wants to be a tech company that makes cars.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 791
Likes: 412
From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
We are going through the same thing with our 2020 GLE 350. Lost power 5x in the past 14 months. Service department says there is no fix. Update possibly in Q2 this year. Not sure what to do. The vehicle is unsafe to drive. Clearing engine codes and telling me there’s nothing they can do does not sound right to me.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: California
2020 GLE 350
Dump it. Until MB gets it together with the GLE I don't understand why people keep buying these. I know, plenty of people here with ample mileage and no issues but the amount of and level of issues is enough to make me steer clear indefinitely. You don't get this on other sub forums. GLE has been a rough launch.
I wonder if Merceds just wants to be a tech company that makes cars.
I wonder if Merceds just wants to be a tech company that makes cars.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: California
2020 GLE 350
Car in normal drive mode. The best way to explain it is it’s like putting your foot on the gas pedal in a car that is completely turned off. Only difference is, it’s on....radio, instrument panel, etc. Rolling, turning, driving....just all of a sudden does not respond. Only fix is to roll to a stop, place in park, turn the vehicle completely off, wait a few seconds, turn it back on.
Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2008 S320 CDi V221 Blk/Blk
Quality control
Thank for the heads up. IMO, with the Quality Control standards this should just not happen.
I was considering a GLE400d here in Australia, but this has turned me right off.
I’ll hang onto my black on black 2008 V221 S320L cdi which has been such a pleasure to own. Apart from this, very powerful and extremely economical to run easily getting over 1000 klms per tank on the highway and in such comfort and quiet. The air suspension is the best available IMO. I used to own an Audi Q7 4.2 TDi and the standard air suspension was way too tight, or harsh even in “comfort” mode.
I’ve also been thinking about an electric car since we have a massive solar system, but that would mean compromising on my S class.
However, from my research the Citroen eV4 is a reasonably soft ride.
I’m not convinced about that, but I will test drive it to find out.
I was considering a GLE400d here in Australia, but this has turned me right off.
I’ll hang onto my black on black 2008 V221 S320L cdi which has been such a pleasure to own. Apart from this, very powerful and extremely economical to run easily getting over 1000 klms per tank on the highway and in such comfort and quiet. The air suspension is the best available IMO. I used to own an Audi Q7 4.2 TDi and the standard air suspension was way too tight, or harsh even in “comfort” mode.
I’ve also been thinking about an electric car since we have a massive solar system, but that would mean compromising on my S class.
However, from my research the Citroen eV4 is a reasonably soft ride.
I’m not convinced about that, but I will test drive it to find out.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 226
Likes: 64
bmw 535i xdrive
I had this same thing happen twice. Once I had started & was in the middle of an intersection and shortly thereafter the same thing happened. Went to the dealer to have it documented and there was a software update that seems to have corrected the issue. This was about 9,000 miles ago. Hopefully, that did it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Dump it. Until MB gets it together with the GLE I don't understand why people keep buying these. I know, plenty of people here with ample mileage and no issues but the amount of and level of issues is enough to make me steer clear indefinitely. You don't get this on other sub forums. GLE has been a rough launch.
I wonder if Merceds just wants to be a tech company that makes cars.
I wonder if Merceds just wants to be a tech company that makes cars.
YAWN
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I have a 2020 GLE 350 AMG package car is in south Florida no issues till 5K miles very loud noise coming from the breaks after stop , breaks made noise when gently releasing breaks to move forward in traffic, drive thru , pulling in and out out garage
took it to the dealer and they test drove the car and they can hear the noise so they replaced the break and rotors of all 4 wheels they test drove the car again and told me good news u have new breaks and rotors bad new noise is still there so it part of the breaking system
its the break pad releasing from the rotor its crazy a 76K car and it sounds like a garbage truck
took it to the dealer and they test drove the car and they can hear the noise so they replaced the break and rotors of all 4 wheels they test drove the car again and told me good news u have new breaks and rotors bad new noise is still there so it part of the breaking system
its the break pad releasing from the rotor its crazy a 76K car and it sounds like a garbage truck
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
From: Alexandria, VA USA
2013 ML 350 BlueTEC
I'll second that about the museum - its fantastic. AND - you exit to a dealer selling MB restored classics, for real, and then you move to a dealer with every car they make on display. I'm planning a second trip
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 74
Likes: 18
From: Tampa, FL
GLC 63 AMG
Yikes, I guess I shouldn't be surprised to hear of these issues but I do suppose buying the first production year has its risks. It's super unfortunate though and it shouldn't happen regardless.
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: south of sweden
Gle 450 4matic chrysler 300c
Hi there.
I have an 450 4 matic without any problems untill now (one year old now). I also have a Chrysler 300C 2004 made in USA, never a problem. American production can be ok I think. I´m not made in USA, but in Norway.
I have an 450 4 matic without any problems untill now (one year old now). I also have a Chrysler 300C 2004 made in USA, never a problem. American production can be ok I think. I´m not made in USA, but in Norway.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 451
From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Mine is a 2021 (not first year) and has a serious problem. I don’t think first year is the problem here. There seems to be some serious quality control problems at the plant. Leather seats. Zip tie recall seat belts. After talking to others and digging more, I am starting to hear rumors that the Alabama plant just wants to get the cars out and then let the dealerships deal with whatever problems they created.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Mine is a 2021 (not first year) and has a serious problem. I don’t think first year is the problem here. There seems to be some serious quality control problems at the plant. Leather seats. Zip tie recall seat belts. After talking to others and digging more, I am starting to hear rumors that the Alabama plant just wants to get the cars out and then let the dealerships deal with whatever problems they created.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Don't know Upton Sinclair nor do I care. I agree that slow production and bad QC typically hurts profitability (of course), not sure if that's the case here. Dealers are the ones dealing with issues and taking it on the chin. People keep buying, so where is the loss to MB?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Don't know Upton Sinclair nor do I care. I agree that slow production and bad QC typically hurts profitability (of course), not sure if that's the case here. Dealers are the ones dealing with issues and taking it on the chin. People keep buying, so where is the loss to MB?
