Last updated: 2026-03-04

Mercedes-Benz GLE

1 Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLE average of 68/100

The Mercedes-Benz GLE years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 61/100. The best Mercedes-Benz GLE year to buy is 2024 70/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores significantly below the model average of 68/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 61/100 due to electrical system (28) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLE average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202061/100Good36112Electrical System (28)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE has good reliability. There are 36 recalls and 112 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (28), Engine (27), Vehicle Speed Control (10).

36 recalls112 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (28), Engine (27), Vehicle Speed Control (10), Power Train (8), Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (4)

View full 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz GLE Problems?

Top reported issues across all Mercedes-Benz GLE model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

76 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

50 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

POWER TRAIN

43 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

Best Mercedes-Benz GLE Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (10), Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (4).

Score: 69/100 (Good)9 recalls51 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Mercedes-Benz GLE Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2024 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mercedes-Benz GLE years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mercedes-Benz GLE years: 2020 (score: 61/100). These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLE average of 68/100.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 2024, with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 59 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLE have?
Across all years in our database, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a total of 98 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLE worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 70/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 68/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems?
The most common Mercedes-Benz GLE problems are electrical system (76 complaints), engine (50 complaints), power train (43 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE reliable long-term?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has an average reliability score of 68/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mercedes-Benz GLE generation is the Third generation (W166) with an average score of 70/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 59 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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