What 56 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-benz Gle-class Hybrid

Rear view camera fails to initiate when placed in reverse. Screen doesn’t even try to switch to camera view. Exact same issue found in same make and model recalled with different vins. For some reason this one isn’t included in the recall. Car only has about 58,000 miles. Started around 56,000 miles. Note that camera even folds out of lift gate like normal when placed in park.

NHTSA ODI 11745532

CASE NUMBER: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 --- EMAIL EXCHANGE TEXT --- From: [XXX] Sent: 1/14/2026, 12:11 PM To: cs.usa@mercedes-benz.com Subject: Re: Message From Mercedes-Benz USA: Case Number [XXX] Dear Ken, I want to clarify that my concern is not about support for “older technology” in a general sense, but about the confirmed retirement of factory-installed emergency and crash-response systems that were standard safety equipment on my vehicle at the time of sale. As previously noted, the mbrace system on my 2018 GLE-Class includes SOS/Emergency Call and Automatic Collision Notification functionality intended to contact emergency services in the event of a crash or airbag deployment, particularly where the driver may be incapacitated. These are safety systems, not discretionary convenience features. Your replies confirm that these safety functions are being permanently disabled, that no retrofit or replacement solution exists, and that the vehicle will continue to operate without the emergency communication capability it was originally sold with. I appreciate your acknowledgment, and I am documenting Mercedes-Benz USA’s position that these safety systems have been retired with no alternative provided. Sincerely, [XXX] On Jan 14, 2026, at 09:02, Mercedes-Benz USA cs.usa@mercedes-benz.com wrote: Dear [XXX] , I’m very sorry that these older technology features have been retired. Mercedes‑Benz is currently focused on supporting our present and next‑generation technologies, which unfortunately means that the former mbrace system is no longer maintained. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I would be more than happy to assist. Best Regards, Ken C. Mercedes-Benz USA (800) 367-6372 Mercedes-Benz Customer Care, 1 Mercedes-Benz Drive. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11738453

The low beam visibility on this vehicle is extremely dangerous. It's as if you have no headlights on. They can inspect anytime. With low night visibility. Driver is not able to see the road or person which causes a delayed response because of visibility. Driver puts on highbeams to be able to see which blinds others or shouldn't be driven at night. Plenty of times, I could have been in an accident or didn't see someone. My eyes are 20/20. Yes, it was reproduced. We tried after market headlights as well, but it's the same issue. Yes, I have complained to manufacturer more than once, but if there is no recall. They want a diagnostic fee and ignore it. This has been ongoing since the car was purchased. Even the GLS 2017 have the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11737144

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Case: XXX My concerns has been denied and overlooked by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC multiple times since Jan 2026--interims of defective electric system causing sudden locking of steering wheel and shut down car , due to malfunctioning electric system resulting in car crash into another parked car on the street, took car to auto body shop who diagnosed gas gauge misread as empty gas tank even though tank was 3/4 full , due to this car was totally locked out when driving on the street and hit another parked car due to loss of control. i have been in communication with Mercedes and they stated car was functioning fine and there was no defect or malfunction ,which i don't agree, as a results my wife into crash and sustained injuries I need your help to resolve this issue thx [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11733079

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a pharmacy parking lot with the hold feature engaged, the driver released the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward approximately 75 feet. The driver attempted to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle continued moving, went over a curb, into a ditch, up a hill, and through a cement block wall before coming to an abrupt stop 5 feet from a house. The driver sustained arm and shoulder injuries, including emotional trauma, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital for medical treatment. The air bags deployed during the crash. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The driver attempted to contact a local dealer but did not receive a response. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11723339

Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles were given no meaningful advance warning that core, built-in safety and emergency communication systems would be permanently disabled. No replacement system has been offered, no retrofit path exists, and no alternative emergency solution has been provided. The manufacturer has instead unilaterally orphaned these vehicles by discontinuing backend support required for functionality that was present at the time of sale. These vehicles were manufactured and sold with non-paywalled, standard safety features, including automatic emergency call (E-Call/SOS), crash notification, and airbag deployment communication designed to contact emergency services when a driver may be incapacitated. With the discontinuation of backend services, these safety-critical functions will no longer operate, meaning there will be no automatic communication of airbag deployment, crash events, or emergency assistance requests, despite the physical hardware remaining installed in the vehicle. In addition, connected vehicle functions that support vehicle location, tracking, and remote access—features that can materially assist in emergency response, theft recovery, and post-collision assistance—were removed without explanation, compensation, or transition plan. These systems simply ceased to function, leaving owners without clarity, notice, or recourse. As a result of these actions by Mercedes-Benz, affected vehicles are now materially less safe than when purchased, through no fault or action of the driver or owner. A vehicle originally marketed and sold with integrated emergency response capability has been degraded after sale, creating a safety risk in precisely the situations these systems were designed to address. This issue concerns the post-sale removal of safety-critical functionality, not optional convenience features, subscriptions, or infotainment services.

NHTSA ODI 11709827

While driving, the vehicle’s serpentine/fan belt snapped. The loose belt struck and pulled out a sensor plug. Immediately the engine shut down and was later found to be seized. The vehicle had no prior warnings or known issues and was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. There were no other warning signs ahead, the car is always maintained. I have records of all the maintenance, and there was not a single Check engine light, or any other kind of issue. Consequence: Engine seized, vehicle not drivable, substantial repair or replacement required. •Condition & maintenance: All services up-to-date, regular oil changes, no previous related issues. •Supporting documentation: Mechanic’s inspection report, service records, tow bill, photos of belt damage and sensor plug. •Impact: Unexpected catastrophic failure at low mileage; potential defect in belt/pulley/auxiliary-system interface posing risk of sudden breakdown. •Request: Investigation of whether this is an isolated failure or a possible defect pattern.

NHTSA ODI 11698005

The fuel pump has been failing and shutting off and has been hesitant when taking off. It can leave you stranded in the middle of the road or if you turn left in front of people the car may stall and can cause a crash. Yes and independent dealer and the dealer both know it’s a problem. I took the vehicle into a Mercedes dealer and the fuel pump had a recall on it and the dealer refused to replace it although I had a engine code that they could pull up referring them to the fuel pump and the fuel pump not priming as it should in every start up. The failure happened a few months ago and I took it in and the dealer drilled a home in the rear of my car and failed to replace the fuel pump, which was covered under the warranty. And the dealer admitted there was water in the trunk area which corroded the fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI 11685152

Safety issue with regarding the TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Active recall does not include my VIN# /Make & Model. NHTSA campaign number 22V365. My car has Constant SOS Inoperative Message after battery failure in 2021-2022.

NHTSA ODI 11682413

My wife was hit pretty bad and was transported to hartford hospital and none of the airbag was deployed. I need help to sue Mercedes Benz. I thank god my daughter not in the car and my wife is alive. Attach are the photos and the east hartford can testify that none of the airbag save or protect my wife. I am disappointed at Mercedes and I have another Mercedes at home which am even scared to drive

NHTSA ODI 11680517

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, and there was a fracture causing water to leak into the cabin of the vehicle from the upper-right side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the motor and tracks for the sunroof had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the entire unit needed to be replaced due to previous parts no longer being compatible with the new improved parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675018

Cannot shift the gear from P to any other positions, and unable to move the car. The issue has been existing from mid 2022, three years ago.

NHTSA ODI 11670176

After fully stop with pressing brake pedal, try to shift the gear from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) but cannot shift the automatic gear position from D to R (reverse) gear. In order to shift to R gear position, I needed to shutdown and restart the engine. This has been clearly recurrent since 3 years ago and mostly happen in front of my garage to park backward, but sometimes very dangerous in the middle of road, when needed to make tight U-turn. Please take care of this issue. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11668375

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that water intrusion through the sunroof had damaged the batteries. The mechanic replaced both batteries. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the water intrusion failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11662540

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera screen display had malfunctioned and a black image had been displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage related to the failure. No further information was available. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635202

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated a loss of communication between the fuel pump control unit and the fuel pump. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was water accumulation in the spare tire wheel well. The dealer replaced the blown seals and the fuel pump control unit under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure persisted. The dealer recommended a fuel pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617762

The vehicle will not turn over and start. Unable to drive to work, water accumulated in the back spare tire area. No warning or alerts appeared on the dash the vehicle would not turn over.

NHTSA ODI 11617052

I was driving on the interstate (on I95) and heard a loud pop/bang ! I didn’t know what it was because my AMG exhaust pops and bangs but this was extremely LOUD, I pulled over immediately to the side of the road thinking maybe I blew my engine and upon inspection I noticed my roof panel was broken and it flew off of my car, this is EXTREMELY dangerous had someone been behind me it could have definitely caused a crash. There are multiple reportings of this happening with other Mercedes GLE such as the vehicle I own, I was told my specific vin is not included when the same part and glue were used on my vehicle. This HAS to be looked into

NHTSA ODI 11611840

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "Front Left Malfunction. Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the front driver's side air bag might fail to deploy during a crash, and that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ODI 11587194

My car randomly swerves in a zigzag motion unexpectedly, nearly causing several accidents. I am scared to drive my car. I have not been able to detect any triggers, as it will do this randomly, regardless of a smooth road, street conditions, weather, speed, freeway, neighborhoods, etc. No warning lamps have come on. Tires are in excellent condition. I have not found any information online, and everything seems to be in perfect working order, tough it is absolutely not.

NHTSA ODI 11584258

After 60,000 miles the seal of the the cylinder head cover starts to leak. It takes around $1800 to fix and the reseal. The material use to release is way better and lasts longer compared to what car comes with. This I found out from the Mercedes Benz service department. Due to this leak the car starter gets soaked in the engine oil and car is enabled to even start up. Lots of customers end up toeing their cars to Mercedes dealer. The complaint is that Mercedes is putting the parts on their car that are cheap and going to last only 60k that is cheating and once user pays for the repairs they will put much better part. This leak has happened to my car and With only 60k miles on it. Mercedes Benz is cheating the people by putting the cheapest part and charging premium on cars. They label this as normal wear and tear, even tho car is kept well maintained. They put on much better seal after the seal and charging customers $1800. They could have use this seal first time when car was being made. I have been owner of Toyota. Honda, infinity and family member owned BMW, Jaguar and no car had this problem for the life of car( 200,000 to 300,000) miles and I have never heard of this issue until now. Even this is happening at 65,000 miles right after the warranty is expired. This is cheating, I am not getting this done unless Mercedes pays for it CYLINDER HEAD FRONT COVERS LEAKING, RESEAL AND CLEAN FRONT COVERS

NHTSA ODI 11580242

Basic driving morning of 7/26/23, no recent vehicle issues, suddenly the car dash lights lit up, steering became stiff, car coasted to a stop, fire erupted inside the engine bay and spread to most of the car. The vehicle was taken by the insurance company. Vehicle was stock. No engine or electrical modifications. Well maintained.

NHTSA ODI 11575932

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 equipped with Kenda Tires, Tire Line: Klever, Tire Size: 255/50/R19, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had experienced a blowout. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that all four tires were in bad condition and that all four tires needed to be replaced. The front passenger’s side tire was patched, and the vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer and the dealer who sold the contact the tires were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The tires were not replaced. The tire failure mileage was approximately 1,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 35,040.

NHTSA ODI 11542846

Transmission gear does not shift into R or N or D, from P. How to reproduce: Drive several minutes, then brake/stop, shift into R, pull back 10~20 ft. Gear cannot shift to either R or N or D. Gear can only shift into P. Shutdown the car, restart the engine then able to shift into R or N or D. This has been intermittent but getting more frequent.

NHTSA ODI 11533144

Car will slip from drive to neutral while driving and when stopped. Need to shut car off numerous times to get it back into drive. Very dangerous when this happens on the highway

NHTSA ODI 11531313