Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 67/100

Skip the 2020 model year. Owners report cylinder head failure, often near 50,000 miles, plus water in the footwells and electrical faults. It also has the most recalls of any year tracked. The 2024 is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 61/100
Buy
2024 70/100
Model average
67/100
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 67/100.

#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

Cylinder head failure leads the complaints, with misfires, limp mode, and repair quotes of $7,000 to $13,500, often just after the warranty ends. Water in the footwells shorts wiring and kills the rear camera and air conditioning. Adaptive cruise brakes hard for no reason. This year also has 36 recalls.

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 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz GLE Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

76 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

2020: Water getting into the footwells and under the floor is the most common thread.

ENGINE

50 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

2020: Cylinder head failure dominates.

POWER TRAIN

43 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2020

2018: The gear selector refuses to leave Park or shift into Reverse, Neutral, or Drive, even with the brake firmly pressed.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

40 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

2021: Highway stalls and power loss lead this mixed group.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

23 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2024, 2018

2020: Adaptive cruise misreads speed limit signs, including exit ramp and kilometer signs.

SERVICE BRAKES

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2024, 2020

2018: Pads and rotors wear out early, often with loud squealing.

Best Mercedes-Benz GLE Year to Buy Instead

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Next to 2020, the 2024 has far fewer recalls (8 against 36) and fewer complaints per vehicle sold. Its top complaint areas are speed control, electrical, and brakes, with no cylinder head pattern. It has been on the road long enough to judge. Check for sudden speed drops on a test drive.

Score: 70/100 (Good)8 recalls59 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 8 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz GLE Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz GLE years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020 model year. It has the most owner complaints, the most recalls, and the highest complaint rate per vehicle sold. The main problems are cylinder head failure, water in the footwells, and adaptive cruise that brakes for no reason.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE year is best to buy?
The 2024 is the site's pick among years on the road at least two years. It has far fewer recalls than the 2020. The 2019 and 2023 are also among the highest-rated years. The 2026 is too new to recommend.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE years have engine problems?
The 2020 has the clearest engine pattern, with 27 complaints, mostly cylinder head failure. The 2021 and 2022 also list engine among their top complaint areas, though with fewer reports. The 2024 does not list engine among its top areas.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE a bad year?
Yes, the site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. Owners report cylinder head failure, wet footwells, dead 48V batteries, and sudden power loss at highway speed. Dealers often could not reproduce the speed-related faults.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE problem free?
No. Owners report sudden speed drops, a "performance extremely limited" message, and a popping brake pedal. Some speed-drop cases returned after dealer repairs. Even so, it has far fewer recalls and complaints per vehicle sold than the 2020.

How we score every Mercedes-Benz GLE model year

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue