Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
RELIABILITY SCORE: 61/100 (GOOD)

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Report

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 61/100 ("Good"). With 36 recalls and 112 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

36

Complaints

112

Complaint Rate

3.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$908

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity77/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact35/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)
  • ENGINE (27)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2020 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (W167).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2024.
  • 4th generation GLE (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2020 pricing and recall counts against 2021+ before deciding.

2020: Fourth generation (W167) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

At 61/100, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Owners log 112 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (28). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Water intrusion and battery failures (28 complaints)
  • ENGINE: Cylinder head failures (27 complaints)
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 36 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)
  • ENGINE (27)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

36

recalls on record

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 36 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

3.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

1

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Recall Details

36 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V3290002020-06-05

SUSPENSION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE450, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The sealing of the piston assembly in the front struts and rear shock absorbers may leak and fail prematurely.

Consequence

Premature wear of the front struts and rear shock absorbers can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020090001.

22V0980002022-02-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING, VISIBILITY/WIPER

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLE 350 vehicles. The wiring harness connected to the prefuse box in the engine compartment might not be properly secured, which could deactivate fused components, such as power steering assist, headlights, and wipers.

Consequence

Driving with inoperable power steering assist, headlights, or wipers can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the prefuse box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

21V2880002021-04-23

EQUIPMENT

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLE 53, 2020 GLE350, GLE450, GLE580, GLS450, and GLS580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.

Consequence

Water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and correct the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040024.

Showing 10 of 36 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE? Check its history first

Every 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (PRE SAVE side Impulse)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mercedes-Benz GLERepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5

Based 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.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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

22 MPG

Running cost: $4,050/yr

Fuel + repair

19–20 city / 26–27 hwy MPG

Hybrid

19–21 MPG

Running cost: $4,200–$4,550/yr

Fuel + repair

17–19 city / 21–24 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 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
GLE350 2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd202722$3,150
GLE350 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd192622$3,150
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
GLE450 4matic 3.0L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd192421$3,300
GLE580 4matic 4.0L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd172119$3,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

  • Inspect for signs of coolant leaks under the intake manifold

  • Test for misfires or rough idling indicating cylinder head issues

  • Check rear shock absorbers for leaks or unusual noises

  • Verify the operation of adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking

  • Inspect wiring harness for heat damage or melting insulation

  • Test infotainment system for proper functionality and responsiveness

  • Check for any active recalls on the vehicle

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Common Problems by Component

112 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

28
27
22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)ENGINE (27)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10)POWER TRAIN (8)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)AIR BAGS (4)SUSPENSION (4)SERVICE BRAKES (3)Other (22)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues related to electrical system malfunctions, particularly involving water intrusion and battery failures. Complaints often describe symptoms such as water entering the vehicle's footwell, leading to electrical shorts and malfunctioning components like the air conditioning and rearview camera. Battery-related issues, including 48V battery malfunctions and unexpected vehicle shutdowns, are also commonly noted, with some incidents occurring around 36,000 to 72,000 miles. Safety implications include potential fire hazards from wiring harness damage and loss of vehicle control due to battery failure, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.

28 complaints total1 fire

ENGINE

27 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350's engine, particularly related to cylinder head failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as misfiring, rough idling, loss of power, and illuminated check engine lights, often occurring around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Many describe the engine entering limp mode or failing to start, with some indicating complete engine seizures or overheating due to coolant system failures. Safety implications include sudden loss of power while driving, which poses risks of stalling in traffic. Buyers considering this model should be aware of potential high repair costs and the prevalence of these issues outside the warranty period.

27 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control system, particularly involving the adaptive cruise control and 48V battery system. Complaints often describe harsh or unexpected braking when using adaptive cruise control, sometimes triggered by misreading speed limit signs or detecting non-existent obstacles, which could lead to potential rear-end collisions. Additionally, several owners mention a loss of throttle response or power, sometimes linked to overheating or malfunctioning of the 48V battery system, resulting in the vehicle becoming unresponsive or slowing down unexpectedly. These issues appear across various mileage ranges and are noted for their potential safety risks, especially on highways or in busy traffic. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported symptoms and the potential for sudden loss of vehicle control.

10 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (8 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission failures. Common symptoms include sudden loss of vehicle movement, stalling at various speeds, and jolting or thumping noises when shifting gears. These problems often appear at low mileages, with some reports indicating failures as early as 100 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some owners experience vehicle shutdowns while driving, which could pose a risk in traffic. Buyers should be aware of potential costs and downtime associated with transmission repairs or replacements.

8 complaints total
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, primarily involving the airbag warning light and malfunctioning passenger seat weight sensors. Complaints frequently mention the passenger airbag being disabled due to a failed weight sensor, with no estimated time for repair, affecting the seat belt reminder function as well. One complaint involves a crash where airbags did not deploy, resulting in two injuries, and mentions a failure of the Active Brake Assist system. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage around 30,000 miles, and the lack of airbag deployment in a significant collision highlights potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

4 complaints total1 crash2 injuries
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE frequently report issues with the suspension, particularly with the rear shock absorbers failing around 30,000 to 33,000 miles. Symptoms often include unusual noises such as rattling and sounds when driving over bumps. Some complaints mention that these issues are associated with a recall campaign that does not cover all affected vehicles. Additionally, owners describe instability when driving, particularly in curves, with reports of the vehicle swaying or losing control, which may increase the risk of accidents. These issues are particularly concerning for buyers considering the vehicle's handling and safety.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues with the service brakes, particularly when using driver assist features. Complaints frequently mention unexpected and abrupt braking without reason while driving, which can pose a collision risk. Some owners describe complete brake failure, with one incident resulting in a crash at highway speeds. Symptoms include brakes becoming soft or spongy, ultimately leading to a lack of stopping power. Additionally, there are mentions of unrelated warnings about camera malfunctions and false alerts of nearby vehicles. These issues have persisted for some owners over extended periods, despite repeated service visits, indicating potential ongoing reliability concerns.

3 complaints total1 crash
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues with the fuel system, primarily involving the fuel pump and fuel delivery module. Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine light, and in some cases, the battery warning light, accompanied by messages advising against driving the vehicle. These problems typically arise around 29,000 to 79,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues can lead to the vehicle being inoperable, requiring towing and repair. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential fuel system failures and verify if any recalls apply to their specific vehicle.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the rear seat belts of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, specifically noting that the belts can become faulty and cease to move past a certain point. Complaints frequently mention difficulties with the rear middle and rear right side seat belts, requiring repairs that may be costly. One owner highlights a delay in part availability for repairs, indicating potential wait times for resolution. No specific mileage range is provided, but the issues appear in newer vehicles, suggesting problems may arise relatively early in the vehicle's lifespan. While no crashes or direct safety incidents are mentioned, the inability of seat belts to function properly could pose a safety risk.

2 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly related to its failure to activate in critical situations. Complaints frequently mention that the system does not provide warnings or automatic braking when approaching obstacles or other vehicles, even when the red triangle warning light activates. These issues are reported to occur during normal driving conditions, such as clear days on freeways or at night on surface streets, with some incidents happening at speeds around 30 mph. No specific mileage range is indicated, but the problems are described in new vehicles. The potential safety implications include increased risk of collision if the system does not engage as expected, which is a concern for prospective buyers.

2 complaints total

When Do 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–70,000 milesCylinder head failures
30,000–33,000 milesRear shock absorber failures
36,000–72,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz GLE Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Buy

The best Mercedes-Benz GLE year is 2024 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (70/100) and 2019 (70/100).

Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Avoid

The worst Mercedes-Benz GLE year is 2020 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to electrical system (28) issues.

61
Good

2020

(Current Model)

36Recalls
112Complaints

Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Score Trend

Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201869/100Good
201970/100Good
202061/100Good
202165/100Good
202268/100Good
202370/100Good
202470/100Good
202665/100Good

Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202665/100-5Good13
202470/1000Good859
202370/100+2Good529
202268/100+3Good1158
202165/100+4Good2276
2020(selected)61/100-9Good36112
201970/100+1Good622
201869/100Good951

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Common Questions

10 questions from 2020 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

VisitorFeb 19, 2026

Speedometer not working

no movement ABS and ASR lights on Started today

VisitorFeb 14, 2026

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

VisitorJan 28, 2026

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

VisitorJan 7, 2026

Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise

Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise

VisitorJan 2, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 61/100. It is reasonably reliable with 36 recalls and 112 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28 complaints), ENGINE (27 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10 complaints), POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE have?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 36 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 61/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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