CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (10 reports).
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 recalls
Water in Spare Tire Well Can Stall Engine While Driving
Water can collect in the spare tire well of certain Mercedes-Benz ML and GLE SUVs, from roughly 2012 to 2020 model years.
Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location
A software fault in the emergency call system (eCall) can cause the date and time recorded for the system to differ from the actual date and time.
Oil Leak Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire Risk
The Active Curve System (ACS) reservoir in certain vehicles can lose oil when the oil level drops below the minimum.
Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in Crash
Excess insulation in the bulkhead area may extend into the lower windshield zone, which could affect how the windshield is bonded and how fully the front passenger airbag protects the seat occupant.
Water Can Disable Steering Assist, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz vehicles (including GL, GLE, GL63 AMG, E400 and GLE300d models) may have an electric power steering connector that is not sealed well enough.
Windshield may detach in crash, reducing airbag support
The windshield bonding on these vehicles may be insufficient, so the windshield could separate from the vehicle during a crash.
Loose Front Suspension Bolt Can Cause Crash Risk
On certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450, GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles, the bolt connecting the front upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.
Passenger Air Bag May Wrongly Turn Off, Raising Crash Injury Risk
Some 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL and GLE vehicles built between April 2014 and May 2016 may have an incorrect calibration in the front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS).
Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility
Certain 2016-2017 GLE vehicles built between October 14 and November 23, 2015 may have low-beam headlights that are not properly adjusted.
Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 problems
Problem areas named in the 53 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 |
| Steering | 10 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
What owners report
On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Because Mercedes-Benz chose to mount this sensitive electronic mo
On 8/28/2026, my Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (W166, M276 engine) experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine stall while driving in active traffic. There was no Check Engine Light (CEL), dashboard warning, or mechanical hesitation prior to the failure. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme crash hazard and requiring immense physical effort to maneuver the dead vehicle off the roadway. Independent diagnostic teardown by a module specialist confirmed the root cause: an unrepairable internal short circuit between the internal PCB layers of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Because Mercedes-Benz chose to mount this sensitive electronic mo
While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz for recall inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of propulsion while driving created a serious safety risk.
At 72,000 miles the rear differential failed. Repair required else car could abruptly stop rolling, become uncontrollable and cause a serious wreck. The part is over $5,000
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while opening the door, a cracked fuel injector was spraying gasoline. When the door handle was pulled, an aftermarket module ignited the fuel, causing an explosion and heavy smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer previously for the same issue, but the dealer dismissed the information and returned the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the failure reoccurred and was recorded. The vehicle had been at the dealer for two months, and the dealer blamed the failure on an aftermarket part, even though the dealer had installed the parts. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, w
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 questions
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350: Water in Spare Tire Well Can Stall Engine While Driving; Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location; Oil Leak Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire Risk; Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in Crash; Water Can Disable Steering Assist, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350?
Based on 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (10), Steering (10), Unknown Or Other (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.