2021 GLE350 Cylinder Head Failure??!!?
#51
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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millyellz (12-13-2023)
#52
Member
I had a W251 years ago with a known software issue that Mercedes couldn't fix. It wasn't serious enough for lemon-law buyback. Nevertheless, after a couple months of pressure on MBUSA, they provided me with a sizeable $$ voucher towards my next new or CPO purchase.
I'm sorry that you're dealing with this, and I wish you the best of luck!
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#53
Newbie
MB Contact
Yes I’m in the same DAMN boat. 2020 GLE 350 50,100 miles. Contacted MBUSA for help. Warranty over 3 weeks and the damages as followed:
$ 5,325 parts (Head and parts)
$ 4000 Labor
Total **** Job on a car that has been serviced on schedule for every thing at dealership since day 1.
Family and myself longtime Mercedes Supporters. Still also have a ML350 with 151k miles that runs like the day I bought it back in 2008. This W167 GLE barely lasted 50k miles before Leaking Valve.
$ 5,325 parts (Head and parts)
$ 4000 Labor
Total **** Job on a car that has been serviced on schedule for every thing at dealership since day 1.
Family and myself longtime Mercedes Supporters. Still also have a ML350 with 151k miles that runs like the day I bought it back in 2008. This W167 GLE barely lasted 50k miles before Leaking Valve.
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chassis (12-13-2023)
#54
Member
I looked through my emails and found this address that I was using, when I was corresponding with Mercedes about my case: MBUSA_CAC@mbusa.com
Even after my case was assigned to a handler, his correspondence still came via that email address. That was 5 years ago, so I'm not sure if Mercedes is still using that email address, but it's worth a shot.
BEFORE I got traction with Mercedes corporate, I had written an actual snail mail letter to MBUSA with carbon copies to my dealership General Manager and Service Manager. The letter was professional and polite, and I made sure to include details on all the previous Mercedes that I had owned and serviced exclusively with Mercedes, to show my loyalty to the brand (and to point out that my loyalty was worth something to them in the future).
Sometimes, even in today's tech world where email dominates, a good old fashioned snail mail letter is harder to ignore. Here are the current mailing addresses that you can target. I would send to Corporate, as well as your Region (if you're not sure, just guess), plus carbon copies to your General Manager and Service Manager. That way, everyone knows you're not going away...
Good luck!
Even after my case was assigned to a handler, his correspondence still came via that email address. That was 5 years ago, so I'm not sure if Mercedes is still using that email address, but it's worth a shot.
BEFORE I got traction with Mercedes corporate, I had written an actual snail mail letter to MBUSA with carbon copies to my dealership General Manager and Service Manager. The letter was professional and polite, and I made sure to include details on all the previous Mercedes that I had owned and serviced exclusively with Mercedes, to show my loyalty to the brand (and to point out that my loyalty was worth something to them in the future).
Sometimes, even in today's tech world where email dominates, a good old fashioned snail mail letter is harder to ignore. Here are the current mailing addresses that you can target. I would send to Corporate, as well as your Region (if you're not sure, just guess), plus carbon copies to your General Manager and Service Manager. That way, everyone knows you're not going away...
Good luck!
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chassis (12-13-2023)
#55
2021 GLE350 4matic suddenly starts shaking at idle, loss of power and shaking while driving. Sometimes drives normally, but check engine light on permanently. Take to dealer and told cylinder head needs to be replaced. The car has about 14k miles. Anyone else experience this? How concerning is this that it's happen so soon, or at all? I mean I would not expect this kind of issue. Is this car going to have serious problems going forward? Pretty disappointing actually. Wondering everyone's thoughts on this. Should've bought a BMW
#56
Newbie
Broken connecting rod - engine replacement 51.000 km!!!
I had very similar thing and had to replace engine, will create new topic…
Last edited by Damian86dk; 01-14-2024 at 06:25 AM.
#57
Junior Member
I'll keep you folks updated. Yes, it is under warranty thankfully and the dealer is addressing it.
However, I'll tell you why I'm disappointed. Like many of you, I've owned many, many cars of different makes. Currently, I have a 2020 GLS450 and the '21 GLE. The GLS with 17k miles has a few different quality issues, for example separating seats, which the GLE also has, a broken center console door, and some computer/software glitches that are intermittent. Engine seems fine. The GLE has 14k miles the separating MBTEX seats, and the cylinder head failure. I would expect more from a Mercedes, I would not expect more from a KIA or Hyundai, not to bash those makes. My last 12 vehicles were BMWs, with no problems. I have a 2020 Porsche 911 with 19k miles. No problems. I have a 2016 Toyota Tundra with 40k miles, no problems. I have a 2015 Lexus RX350 with 80k miles, not a single issue. In that context, I'm disappointed with my $85,000 GLS and $70k GLE. A cylinder head failure is not a minor thing from what I can tell. It's been in the shop a week so far. I hope this is the end of the issues, and the motor doesn't crap out the week after the warranty expires.
However, I'll tell you why I'm disappointed. Like many of you, I've owned many, many cars of different makes. Currently, I have a 2020 GLS450 and the '21 GLE. The GLS with 17k miles has a few different quality issues, for example separating seats, which the GLE also has, a broken center console door, and some computer/software glitches that are intermittent. Engine seems fine. The GLE has 14k miles the separating MBTEX seats, and the cylinder head failure. I would expect more from a Mercedes, I would not expect more from a KIA or Hyundai, not to bash those makes. My last 12 vehicles were BMWs, with no problems. I have a 2020 Porsche 911 with 19k miles. No problems. I have a 2016 Toyota Tundra with 40k miles, no problems. I have a 2015 Lexus RX350 with 80k miles, not a single issue. In that context, I'm disappointed with my $85,000 GLS and $70k GLE. A cylinder head failure is not a minor thing from what I can tell. It's been in the shop a week so far. I hope this is the end of the issues, and the motor doesn't crap out the week after the warranty expires.
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chassis (02-26-2024),
newtothebenz (03-12-2024)
#58
Junior Member
Here we go again…. One GLE 4 cylinder head failure reported and it’s either a design failure, maybe substandard parts from cost cutting, shared cheap parts or maybe a laser bolt from an Alien Spacecraft! These comments are not backed up with any facts.
The V167 GLE 350 is well over 50% of GLE sales and over 3.5 years and more than 100,000 sold in the US alone. This is really a serious situation with .00001 cylinder head failures reported. If only 10% are reported then that means that’s a whopping .0001 failure rate. I’m not going to do the research on the other models but you get the point. No car Co. is going to cheap out on engine parts hoping to save money…the warranty cost would bury them.
I hope someday One of our members gets over his hatred for the product, poor Dealer Service or whatever fora car that he doesn’t even own. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m disappointed that adults continue to jump on any perceived issue without facts.
The V167 GLE 350 is well over 50% of GLE sales and over 3.5 years and more than 100,000 sold in the US alone. This is really a serious situation with .00001 cylinder head failures reported. If only 10% are reported then that means that’s a whopping .0001 failure rate. I’m not going to do the research on the other models but you get the point. No car Co. is going to cheap out on engine parts hoping to save money…the warranty cost would bury them.
I hope someday One of our members gets over his hatred for the product, poor Dealer Service or whatever fora car that he doesn’t even own. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m disappointed that adults continue to jump on any perceived issue without facts.
I wish everyone who is experiencing this issue would report it and maybe we can get a class action, I don't know how that work. My 2020 GLE Base with 57K miles supposedly needs a new cylinder head and then there are other codes that "may or may not" be fixed by the cylinder head replacement. I did file a complaint with the NHSTA, but not sure if that will do anything. I am considering a lawyer at this point. I don't understand why the emissions extended warranty for the GLA or C, and GLB is not extended to the GLE. I do feel like GLE owners are quieter about their issues.
I have had this vehicle since August of 2022, I got it with 39k miles and now it has 57k, but it has been in the shop so much. I have had CV joint issues, AC went out over the summer and the repairs the dealership did were not completed correctly, and now all of these engine issues.
I am already upside down in the car and now I am facing $10-15K in repairs. Something has to be done and I will do whatever I need to get this escalated., I would really appreciate ANY and ALL guidance from anyone in this forum.
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newtothebenz (03-12-2024)
#59
MBWorld Fanatic!
I just saw this posted on Reddit. I’m not sure if it’s referencing the latest CR survey from a few days ago, but MB was essentially dead last in latest one as well.
Also, you’ll hear a bunch of apologists coming out and saying nothing is wrong with their car or CR is unreliable crap, blah, blah, blah. Just draw your own conclusions. To me, this doesn’t happen on accident. There were conscious, deliberate decisions made at the executive and management level that created this. It’s just like Boeing and the crap they now produce. The crown jewel of aviation making crap because of a negligent and irresponsible workplace culture nurtured by shortsighted greed and/or incompetence.
Also, you’ll hear a bunch of apologists coming out and saying nothing is wrong with their car or CR is unreliable crap, blah, blah, blah. Just draw your own conclusions. To me, this doesn’t happen on accident. There were conscious, deliberate decisions made at the executive and management level that created this. It’s just like Boeing and the crap they now produce. The crown jewel of aviation making crap because of a negligent and irresponsible workplace culture nurtured by shortsighted greed and/or incompetence.
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chassis (02-28-2024)
#60
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
MB is indeed at the bottom of the you-know-what heap in terms of reliability, new car delivered quality, dealer experience and corporate customer support.
#61
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I wish everyone who is experiencing this issue would report it and maybe we can get a class action, I don't know how that work. My 2020 GLE Base with 57K miles supposedly needs a new cylinder head and then there are other codes that "may or may not" be fixed by the cylinder head replacement. I did file a complaint with the NHSTA, but not sure if that will do anything. I am considering a lawyer at this point. I don't understand why the emissions extended warranty for the GLA or C, and GLB is not extended to the GLE. I do feel like GLE owners are quieter about their issues.
I have had this vehicle since August of 2022, I got it with 39k miles and now it has 57k, but it has been in the shop so much. I have had CV joint issues, AC went out over the summer and the repairs the dealership did were not completed correctly, and now all of these engine issues.
I am already upside down in the car and now I am facing $10-15K in repairs. Something has to be done and I will do whatever I need to get this escalated., I would really appreciate ANY and ALL guidance from anyone in this forum.
I have had this vehicle since August of 2022, I got it with 39k miles and now it has 57k, but it has been in the shop so much. I have had CV joint issues, AC went out over the summer and the repairs the dealership did were not completed correctly, and now all of these engine issues.
I am already upside down in the car and now I am facing $10-15K in repairs. Something has to be done and I will do whatever I need to get this escalated., I would really appreciate ANY and ALL guidance from anyone in this forum.
I think you'll need to provide better information than "supposedly needs a new cylinder head," to build any sort of case.
We'd also like to find more about your engine.
Will the service department write a definitive finding?
Can you ask them with words to the effect, are you just throwing parts at it?
Is that service department working directly with MB Germany? Have they opened a case?
Have they stopped working on it?
I don't think this would be an emissions warranty if the engine failed. Unless it could be determined that an emissions component failed, causing the engine failure. But that would be a stretch.
Last edited by mikapen; 02-28-2024 at 10:50 PM.
#62
Junior Member
Our 2020 is 1 month out of warranty and MBUSA thus far is suggesting we buy a new MB. They have been EXTREMELY unresponsive. It was supposedly being escalated and the person to whom it was given will not call us back. This might be related to the exhaust valve extended warranty issued on some of the other class of vehicles.
Hey Jill, How did everything work out for you with your situation? Did you report to anyone other than Mercedes. My 2020 is needing a new Cylinder head, it is going to cost $10K, and I keep seeing all different ranges of pricing for this issue on the 2020 GLE. I reported to the NHTSA, but I am not sure how good one person will do, and I am not sure if that is even the correct avenue. I am looking to hire a consumer protection lawyer to go after MBUSA on this matter. I would love to speak with you more and get any feed back or anything that could help build a case and hopefully help with anyone that has paid for this services.
#63
Junior Member
#64
Junior Member
Thread Starter
@MissingLEX I was the OP on this topic, the dealer fixed the issue it took a couple weeks, no issues since then. We also have a 2020 GLS450 that doesn't have any issues, only 29k miles on that. We still have the GLE and GLS.
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mikapen (03-07-2024)
#65
Junior Member
Ouch!
I think you'll need to provide better information than "supposedly needs a new cylinder head," to build any sort of case.
The vehicle does need a new cylinder head, well it has one now.
We'd also like to find more about your engine.
Mine is just a 350 Base, so from what I have learned thus far, a M264 since the GLE is rear-wheel
Will the service department write a definitive finding?
I didn't ask for definitive finding per say, but I asked a lot of questions regarding the diagnostic tests they performed, how they could be 100% sure it was the cylinder head and asked for reports. I posted a new thread with a lot of details on the process and the invoice.
Can you ask them with words to the effect, are you just throwing parts at it?
I have the part information now, so I can verify that.
Is that service department working directly with MB Germany? Have they opened a case?
I asked about a Goodwill case, and he shut me down quick. The job was completed less than 24-hours after I okayed the work. I have been paying out of pocket for rental cars and I needed to make something else happen quicker. I wish I had another vehicle to drive so I could have figured the money out first. I should have asked for a detailed work order prior to beginning, but they may have taken their time and covered tracks if I had gone that route.
Have they stopped working on it?
The vehicle is finished. The tech spent a lot of time on it so he could go on vacation.
I don't think this would be an emissions warranty if the engine failed. Unless it could be determined that an emissions component failed, causing the engine failure. But that would be a stretch.
I think you'll need to provide better information than "supposedly needs a new cylinder head," to build any sort of case.
The vehicle does need a new cylinder head, well it has one now.
We'd also like to find more about your engine.
Mine is just a 350 Base, so from what I have learned thus far, a M264 since the GLE is rear-wheel
Will the service department write a definitive finding?
I didn't ask for definitive finding per say, but I asked a lot of questions regarding the diagnostic tests they performed, how they could be 100% sure it was the cylinder head and asked for reports. I posted a new thread with a lot of details on the process and the invoice.
Can you ask them with words to the effect, are you just throwing parts at it?
I have the part information now, so I can verify that.
Is that service department working directly with MB Germany? Have they opened a case?
I asked about a Goodwill case, and he shut me down quick. The job was completed less than 24-hours after I okayed the work. I have been paying out of pocket for rental cars and I needed to make something else happen quicker. I wish I had another vehicle to drive so I could have figured the money out first. I should have asked for a detailed work order prior to beginning, but they may have taken their time and covered tracks if I had gone that route.
Have they stopped working on it?
The vehicle is finished. The tech spent a lot of time on it so he could go on vacation.
I don't think this would be an emissions warranty if the engine failed. Unless it could be determined that an emissions component failed, causing the engine failure. But that would be a stretch.
#66
MBWorld Fanatic!
Plainly says exhaust valve and head.
Does you issue meet the requireents?
Push back