2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues with the vehicle's steering, particularly unexpected swerving and loss of control. Complaints typically describe the car swerving in a zigzag motion without warning, sometimes at highway speeds, and one incident resulted in a low-speed collision due to electric power steering failure. In several cases, diagnostic tests at dealerships did not identify any faults, despite reported symptoms. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one specific report mentioning a failure at approximately 8,000 miles. The safety implications include potential accidents due to sudden loss of steering control, which used car buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues primarily related to the unexpected disabling of safety and communication systems, as well as sudden vehicle malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the permanent deactivation of emergency systems such as E-Call/SOS and crash notification without any provided alternatives, significantly reducing the vehicle's safety features. One owner describes a fire originating in the engine bay during routine driving, while another reports the vehicle's parking brake engaging automatically, stopping the car abruptly. These incidents highlight potential safety risks, including fire hazards and loss of vehicle control. These issues are reported without specific mileage patterns, suggesting they could occur at various points in the vehicle's lifespan.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues related to water intrusion affecting the fuel system, specifically the fuel pump control unit. Symptoms often include the vehicle failing to start or stalling unexpectedly while driving, with some instances occurring at highway speeds. Complaints commonly mention water accumulation in the spare tire wheel well, leading to rust and mold, and affecting the vehicle's electrical components. These issues are noted at mileages of approximately 50,000 to 132,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling incidents could pose safety risks, particularly at higher speeds. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and check for any unresolved recall repairs.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues with tire integrity, including blowouts and low tread. A common pattern is the unexpected tire blowout, as one owner describes a front passenger tire failure at 35 MPH, leading to a recommendation for all tires to be replaced due to poor condition at just 1,000 miles on the tires. Another owner notes critically low tread on three tires at approximately 20,000 miles, though these were not covered by a recall. Additionally, a separate complaint describes recurring tire pressure loss, culminating in a sidewall bubble after repeated inflations. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as the risk of blowouts and loss of tire integrity, which could affect vehicle control.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues related to vehicle speed control, with two complaints involving crashes. One common issue involves the vehicle's handling in snowy conditions when equipped with Pirelli PZero tires, leading to loss of control and fishtailing, as described by an owner who experienced a spinout on the highway. Another complaint details unintended acceleration in a parking lot, resulting in a collision with a building. Additionally, some owners mention difficulties with the cruise control system, which does not allow for easy cancellation of the set speed unless the vehicle is stopped and the engine is turned off. These issues appear across various driving conditions and could pose safety risks, particularly in adverse weather or when parking.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues with inadequate headlight illumination, particularly when driving at night. Complaints consistently describe the low beam headlights as insufficient, making it difficult to see on poorly lit roads and necessitating the use of high beams to ensure visibility. One owner reports that despite attempts to adjust the bulb locations, the illumination problem persists. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 20 miles in one case, and involve interactions with dealers and the manufacturer who state the headlights are functioning as designed. Safety implications are noted, as poor visibility could increase the risk of accidents or collisions with pedestrians.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues with air bag deployment and warning system malfunctions. One owner describes a crash where none of the air bags deployed, resulting in an injury, highlighting a significant safety concern. Another owner reports an illuminated air bag warning light with a message indicating a "Front Left Malfunction," suggesting a potential failure of the driver's side air bag to deploy in a crash. This issue was noted at approximately 46,000 miles. These reports suggest potential air bag system failures that could pose safety risks, particularly in collision scenarios.