2020 Mercedes GLE Beware!!!
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 57
Likes: 3
From: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
2017 Mercedes S550 4Matic, 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 4Matic
2020 Mercedes GLE Beware!!!
So I ordered a custom built 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 4Matic for my wife which is a brand new model which came out this spring. It has the latest and greatest technology with 2 huge video screens, semi-autonomous driving, and all kinds of high tech stuff. But BEWARE of Quality!!!!
After 3 weeks of ownership and 2,000 miles while driving on a busy street, the Check Engine Light comes on suddenly, and the Vehicle goes into limp mode with no warning! Now it will only go 5 to 10 mph on a very busy street. I need to move over to the curb to pull over, but cars are wizzing by! I finally pull over to the curb and block the far right lane and shut off the vehicle and shut it back on to reset the computer. The car now accelerates normally but the Check Engine Light stays on! I take it in for service the next morning and it takes them over ONE WEEK (actually 2 weeks and 170 miles of their driving) to diagnose and fix the problem.
This vehicle is not assembled in Stuttgart, Germany but is assembled in Alabama. After multiple tries they diagnose that on assembly, 3 or more pin connector wire connections were NOT MADE to the accelerator pedal!!! How does that even happen! Where is the Quality Control? Why did the Check Engine Light not come on right away?
If this had put me in limp mode on a busy Interstate which I drive very frequently with 70mph speed limit, then it would not have been precarious, it would have been LIFE THREATENING!!! This makes me disappointed and a bit angry! Having owned Mercedes for 32 consecutive years, I will hesitate the next time, and will definitely avoid Mercedes not assembled in Germany.
After 3 weeks of ownership and 2,000 miles while driving on a busy street, the Check Engine Light comes on suddenly, and the Vehicle goes into limp mode with no warning! Now it will only go 5 to 10 mph on a very busy street. I need to move over to the curb to pull over, but cars are wizzing by! I finally pull over to the curb and block the far right lane and shut off the vehicle and shut it back on to reset the computer. The car now accelerates normally but the Check Engine Light stays on! I take it in for service the next morning and it takes them over ONE WEEK (actually 2 weeks and 170 miles of their driving) to diagnose and fix the problem.
This vehicle is not assembled in Stuttgart, Germany but is assembled in Alabama. After multiple tries they diagnose that on assembly, 3 or more pin connector wire connections were NOT MADE to the accelerator pedal!!! How does that even happen! Where is the Quality Control? Why did the Check Engine Light not come on right away?
If this had put me in limp mode on a busy Interstate which I drive very frequently with 70mph speed limit, then it would not have been precarious, it would have been LIFE THREATENING!!! This makes me disappointed and a bit angry! Having owned Mercedes for 32 consecutive years, I will hesitate the next time, and will definitely avoid Mercedes not assembled in Germany.
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#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
GLE quality?
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Solo wing (05-09-2021)
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#7
https://facts.daimler.com/fileadmin/...s_PDF_VIEW.pdf
As another poster pointed out previously, MB has been producing their SUV's in Tuscaloosa for over 20 years, so not sure why this is relevant to the issue of quality.
This is only our second MB since 2014 and we also got a flashing check engine light in the first week of ownership (< 500 miles) and had to have it flat-bedded to the dealer, only to have it diagnosed as a "random misfire" for which they cleared the code and returned it to us the same day. One "hiccup" involving a totally brand new vehicle, loaded with technology, is not cause for me to scream the sky is falling and throw in the towel on MB ownership, regardless of where assembled. How the dealership handles an issue and how it ultimately is resolved, is more important to me than the fact that the issue occurred in the first place (barring any future recurrences and/or other issues).
The debacle with late deliveries and lack of communication is a totally different issue and I can fully understand why this would turn people away from considering MB in the future, considering their apparent disregard for keeping customers informed of what's happening with their vehicles. Fortunately, we were among the lucky ones who ordered and received our 450 within the promised 3 month time-frame.
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#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
OT: Mercedes production locations
According to the following link, Mercedes produces no vehicles in Stuttgart - only engines and powertrains.
https://facts.daimler.com/fileadmin/...s_PDF_VIEW.pdf
https://facts.daimler.com/fileadmin/...s_PDF_VIEW.pdf
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 07-02-2019 at 06:23 PM.
#10
#11
He probably had an early car that was never finished. You are getting a fresh car, not a re-order!
I placed my order for the GLE450 in July and my car is far into production.
Last edited by SmokinBuddha; 08-31-2019 at 10:07 AM. Reason: spell the name of the dealership wrong.
#14
Hope it does. I ordered mine in May @ Helms Bros and now they are telling me October delivery... production has been pushed back to September 27th.
#15
GLE350 2020 Life threatening experience
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.
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Steph1234 (02-23-2022)
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 385
Likes: 95
From: Newtown Square PA
2021 GLE580, 2022 BMW X5, 2022 911GTS Incoming
I have a 2020 Audi S6 that did this and flashed on the screen there was no driver detected. I'm a small person but that was ridiculous. On the highway in the left lane going 70 and suddenly nothing, not a good feeling for sure. Hope you get it sorted out.
#19
Originally Posted by quattrogmbh
Wish I’d read before making an expensive mistake.
seems a lot of people are realising the quality of these are scheiss and the market is flooded with them.
seems a lot of people are realising the quality of these are scheiss and the market is flooded with them.
#20
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones or the silent majority of happy owners, I've had my 450 for just over a month and she has been awesome, I'm thrilled with this car. I had an ML350 before and it was great and an SLK55 before that and it was great. I would imagine as these cars get more sophisticated with all this cool technology, there will be hiccups and weird failures like the one you described. From what I've read, many other luxury brands experience similar electronic gremlins, its just a part of owning such a technology filled vehicle.
Last edited by chrislk55; 11-03-2020 at 06:18 PM.
#21
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones or the silent majority of happy owners, I've had my 450 for just over a month and she has been awesome, I'm thrilled with this car. I had an ML350 before and it was great and an SLK55 before that and it was great. I would imagine as these cars get more sophisticated with all this cool technology, there will be hiccups and weird failures like the one you described. From what I've read, many other luxury brands experience similar electronic gremlins, its just a part of owning such a technology filled vehicle.
#22
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones or the silent majority of happy owners, I've had my 450 for just over a month and she has been awesome, I'm thrilled with this car. I had an ML350 before and it was great and an SLK55 before that and it was great. I would imagine as these cars get more sophisticated with all this cool technology, there will be hiccups and weird failures like the one you described. From what I've read, many other luxury brands experience similar electronic gremlins, its just a part of owning such a technology filled vehicle.
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
mine was fine for the first 4 months. Then problem after problem after problem. It’s not even that it’s had problems. All cars have problems. The inexcusable aspect is the abysmal support to the dealer in troubleshooting issues. Parts on backorder, zero communication, zero apology and even with the car in the dealer for weeks at a time, still an expectation that the payments are made. Suffice to say, I won’t be buying another and more than happy to advise others on the ownership experience.
#24
mine was fine for the first 4 months. Then problem after problem after problem. It’s not even that it’s had problems. All cars have problems. The inexcusable aspect is the abysmal support to the dealer in troubleshooting issues. Parts on backorder, zero communication, zero apology and even with the car in the dealer for weeks at a time, still an expectation that the payments are made. Suffice to say, I won’t be buying another and more than happy to advise others on the ownership experience.