Mercedes-Benz

GLE-Class (W166)

2012-2019 · Midsize SUV · 5 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.2)
734 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
17 Fire Reports
84 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

M274

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 241 hp
Recommended (4.2)
13 complaints 3.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
4
brakes
3
fuel system
3
transmission
3
engine
3

Known Issues

Interior Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Metris Cargo (2020-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (2019-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (Lwb) (2022-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van (2023-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (Swb) (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 1500 12 Passenger (2020-2020) +44 more

M157

5.5L 8-cyl Turbo / 577 hp
Recommended (4.2)
6 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3
suspension
3
fuel system
3
brakes
3

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Suspension Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2013-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2014-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)

L83 - VVT, AFM (Active Fuel Management), Aluminum

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.2)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
3
transmission
3
electrical
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Transmission Issues (3 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)CHEVROLET S10 (2018-2018)CHEVROLET S10 (2016-2016)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2019-2025)GMC Savana (2003-2025)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2014-2018)GMC Acadia (2007-2016)GMC Terrain (2010-2017) +12 more

M276 DE35

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
148 complaints 37.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
39
electrical
27
fuel system
21
engine
20
steering
18

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (39 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (27 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (21 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 329 hp
Avoid (1.7)
82 complaints 20.5 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
15
other
14
electrical
13
fuel system
11
steering
9

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (15 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (11 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2013-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2014-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2015-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2012-2012) +7 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (46 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (39 complaints)
body critical
Fuel System Issues (38 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Engine Issues (23 complaints)
engine critical
Steering Issues (18 complaints)
steering critical

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class problems?

The 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has accumulated 734 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Body/Trim, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good used car?

The 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 734 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have?

The 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 734 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Body/Trim, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 734 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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