Jan 5, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes
We've had this car on lease for 23 months, and it has had an escalating pattern of electronic, mechanical and brake issues. Earlier today, on January 5, the car started to slow down and started shaking on the highway today and when I used the brakes the full body of the car started rattling and the brakes were far less responsive than they should have been taking far longer to decelerate than safe. There was an alarm with a turtle warning me to move over. On January 4, We parked our car in a parking lot and went into a store, when we returned all of the windows were lowered and the moonroof's window was also retracted. The car was beeping and making loud noises and then had issues starting. Prior to both of these issues, the car has taken to Mercedes repeatedly for locking passengers into the vehicle and blaring alarms, not allowing passengers to leave and the seatbelts will not retract. The airbag system has also malfunctioned during these periods. Mercedes has repeatedly been informed of these issues and has claimed that there were bugs in the car's code that they had fixed; however, each time they have fixed the issue a new issue has arisen. In late November 2025, a representative from Mercedes corporate asked for us to take the vehicle back to dealer for further inspection after which the dealership said they had carried out major updates and returned the car in early December. After that the car had been hardly driven until this week. This was the first major drive of over 60 miles.
NHTSA ODI 11708972
Oct 29, 2025Speed controlBrakesDriver assistance
WHILE DRIVING ON AN INSIDE ROAD AT 35 MPH WITH NO TRAFFIC, THE CAR APPLIED SUDDEN BRAKES. MANY MESSAGES/SYMBOLS POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN WHICH I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE . CAR ALMOST CAME TO SUDDEN STOP AND IT CLEARED UP AGAIN WITHIN SECONDS AND CAR STARTED MOVING AGAIN. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO CAR OR THE DRIVER. AT HIGH OR IN TRAFFIC, IT MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE INSIDENT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 28, 2025 BETWEEN 1:00 PM TO 1:10 PM.
NHTSA ODI 11696337
Oct 15, 2025Parking BrakeTransmission & drivetrainBrakes
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the vehicle moved independently whenever the parking brake was not activated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact stated that the ABS module was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was working with the contact to get into a newer vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 28,852.
NHTSA ODI 11693640
Sep 10, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBrakesDriver assistanceCrash
The Mercedes GLE450 was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, the driver entered the intersection. The automatic braking system engaged without reason (there was open road ahead), bringing the car to a sudden standstill. The driver accelerated again, but this time the car went backwards into the car behind him. The driver had not shifted into reverse. So the car both slammed on the brakes, and switched the transmission into reverse, without driver input. Mercedes-Benz USA conducted an investigation and produced data showing that the car shifted into reverse while it was driving forward; they claimed this was driver error. However, the dealer (and our own experience) says it is impossible to shift the car into reverse when it is driving forward; the car must be stopped before it can shift into reverse. We have asked them to explain this seeming incoherence in their explanation, but they have not responded. Our conclusion is that the car malfunctioned. We still have the dashcam footage recorded during the incident, if that is needed.
NHTSA ODI 11686212
Jan 29, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBrakes
"While driving on the highway, my new Mercedes GLE450e, it suddenly stalled, and a 'turtle' symbol appeared on the dashboard. This indicated that the vehicle had entered 'limp mode.' At that point, I lost acceleration and had minimal power, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The dealership claims they have fixed the issue, but I am reporting this as a safety concern in case it affects other vehicles."
NHTSA ODI 11639487
Aug 10, 2024Brakes
Every time I apply the brake pedal, it pops, like it’s going to either brake off or it’s loose somewhere. Every single time.
NHTSA ODI 11607755
Mar 9, 2024Brakes
Almost hit a car at front of me because the suv brakes doest not work properly
NHTSA ODI 11576339
Feb 3, 2024Brakes
Break’s doesn’t work good on this car
NHTSA ODI 11569653
Feb 2, 2024Brakes
I received the attached Notice of Safety recall on 2/2/24 regarding an increase risk of crash due to a software error in the ESP unit. The letter also states that there is no remedy available yet. When I reached out to dealership who leased me the car they assured me that my car was safe to drive although no further explanation was given as to why they felt it was safe. And , I was further informed that they were prohibited from selling any vehicles in their inventory that were subject to the same recall as my vehicle.
NHTSA ODI 11569613