Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Report
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a good reliability standing, but owners report the sunroof glass panel coming off at highway speed.
Recalls
6
Complaints
22
Complaint Rate
0.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$908
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,450
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
The best-rated of the eight scored GLE years and the last of the W166 generation, though sunroof glass panels have detached on the highway.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (8)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the last model year of the Third generation (W166).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2016).
- 3rd generation GLE (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2012: Third generation (W166) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is the last model year of the Third generation (W166).
Should You Buy the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Good is the standing here, and it is the best of the eight scored GLE years. Against other 2019 SUVs, it sits close to average. This is the last year of the W166 generation. Owners filed 22 complaints. The 2018 rates about the same, with 51 complaints. The 2020 rates worse, with 112 complaints and 36 recalls.
The biggest worry is the glass panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof. Owners describe a whistle from the roof, then a loud crash as the panel comes off at highway speed when its adhesive fails. Some drivers swerved. Other reports include the car jumping and moving side to side after a pothole, and a shift column control module that fails to shift into drive, with the replacement part reported unavailable. Federal recall records list 6 recalls, including two for structure.
Ask for repair records on the roof glass and the shift module. Run the VIN for open recalls, since two seat belt owners did not know if theirs applied. The 2018 is a close alternative.
Compared to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which scored 9 points lower. See also the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 22 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −STRUCTURE: Glass panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof can come off at... (8 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Sunroof glass can burst while driving (5 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Consequence
An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Buying a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE? Check its history first
Structure problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz GLERepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$908
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement | $1,277 – $1,538 |
| Drive Axle Assembly Drain & Refill | $68 – $89 |
| Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement | $425 – $536 |
| Wheel Bearing Replacement | $531 – $730 |
| Body Control System Diagnosis & Testing | $61 – $90 |
| Wheel Replacement | $2,560 – $2,596 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $578 – $635 |
| Heater Core Replacement | $1,509 – $2,043 |
| Trans Oil Pan Gasket Replacement | $581 – $808 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20 MPG
Running cost: $4,350/yr
Fuel + repair
17 city / 23 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE400 4matic 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,450 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Inspect the glass panel between the windshield and sunroof for lifted edges, cracks, or gaps in the adhesive.
Drive at highway speed with the sunroof closed and listen for whistling from the roof.
Open and close the sunroof fully several times; a stuck or slow roof points to a failing rail system.
Shift between reverse and drive several times and walk away if the car hesitates or will not select gear.
Accelerate gently through 35 to 38 mph and listen for noise or sluggish response.
Confirm the seat belt warning light goes out with belts fastened, and pull each rear belt out to full length.
Lift the cargo floor and check the spare tire well for standing water or moisture.
Run a VIN recall check and ask for dealer records showing open recalls, including the SIM card module, are completed.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Common Problems by Component
22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedThe glass panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof can come off at highway speed when its adhesive fails. Drivers describe a whistling sound from the roof first, then a loud crash as the panel lets go. Some panels shatter on the road and nearly hit cars behind, and drivers report swerving. A separate problem stops the sunroof on coupe versions from opening because the rail system fails. Fixing it means removing the headliner. One complaint reports an engine compartment fire that the fire department put out.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSunroof glass can burst while driving. In the one injury report in this group, glass sprays into the cabin at 55 mph and cuts the occupant. The rest of these complaints are about recall paperwork, not failures. Owners are unsure which recalls apply to their car, mention an extended warranty for an engine warning light, and find an open SIM card communication module recall after buying a certified pre-owned car.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsSafety-relatedAfter a pothole, the vehicle can jump and move side to side without warning. In one case a dealer found no fault, the problem came back, and the car went into a ditch with the airbags deploying and the driver hurt. Other complaints describe a noise and rough, sluggish acceleration around 35 to 38 mph. Mechanics point to a control valve and wiring harness, though one dealer blamed tire noise. Water in the spare tire well and a failed fuel pump also appear.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsWeak headlights are the complaint here. Owners say the halogen headlights are too dim to see the road at highway speed or to stop in time, and rain or snow makes them almost useless. A dealer inspection at 9,500 miles found no fault and no repair was made. According to one report, the manufacturer says the lights meet specifications. The risk comes from driving at night with too little light, not from a part breaking.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSeat belt faults show up in two ways. Up front, the seat belt warning light stays on with the belts fastened, and a scan finds hard fault codes from both powered pretensioners at about 51,000 miles. In the back, a belt can lock and refuse to extend far enough to buckle a child. Both owners ask whether an existing recall covers their problem. Neither report describes a crash.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedTwo separate problems show up here. The first is poor control in the rain. One driver reports severe hydroplaning at highway speed that ended in a crash into a concrete divider and says other GLE 43 AMG owners report the same thing. The second is intermittent failure to shift, especially from reverse to drive. It gets worse over time and can leave the car stuck in the road. Dealer and independent shops trace it to the shift column control module, and the replacement part is reported as unavailable with no delivery date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsPhone and CarPlay connections fail on cars with the SIM card communication problem. Most of what owners file here is about the recall repair process, not a breakdown. The part for the fix was unavailable, the dealer did not do the software update, and the wait ran longer than the owner thought reasonable. Neither report describes a failure beyond lost connectivity.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine oil pump control solenoid, resulting in possible damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Sport, Tire Size: 265/45/R20, DOT Number: AFXKWBBM2523. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger’s side tire inadvertently exploded. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 12,000. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 86,000. The VIN was not available.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE400. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pumps were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz GLE Years
Best Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2019
(Current Model)
Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Avoid
Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 65/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE owners.
Parasitic voltage draw slk350 2007
Bought new amg h6 voltage drops to 12 in one c week More than a week
Speedometer not working
no movement ABS and ASR lights on Started today
Cam Magnet Leak
2008 Mercedes SL550. The right passenger side Cam magnet is leaking. What is the recommended repair for this? Acceleration More than a year
C300 Turn signal flashes 3 times then goes out dash says check left turn signal
Every time I start the car, the lights are fine and no messages in dash. As soon as I use the left turn signal, it flashes 3 times then goes out. Dash says check left turn signal. The same thing applies to one of the two front parking lights on each headlight unit (left and right) and and the left side indicator. I can drive all day with no problem but as soon as the automatic headlights come on the parking lights and side maker come on briefly then go out and I get messages for each on dash. Replaced both headlight/turn signal units and the exact same issue persists. Turn it off and it starts all over. Maybe unrelated but when I use rear defroster radio gets static; also volume knob in center dash is inconsistant but the volume buttons on the steering wheel work fine. More than a year
Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise
Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Can the sunroof glass on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE come off?
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE have shifting problems?
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE better than the 2018 or 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE does best on complaint severity (84/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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