Here is every Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class model year we cover (2016–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.
| Year | Verdict | Score | Top owner-reported problems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Caution | 6 | MBUX infotainment freezing or unresponsiveness and intermittent electronic-module and rear-camera faults.; Rough shifting, hesitation and occasional power-loss complaints from the 9-speed automatic and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
| 2023 | Caution | 6 | MBUX infotainment freezing or unresponsiveness and intermittent electronic-module and rear-camera faults.; Rough shifting, hesitation and occasional power-loss complaints from the 9-speed automatic and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
| 2022 | Caution | 6 | Cracked coolant line beneath the intake manifold causing sudden coolant loss and overheating risk.; MBUX infotainment freezing or unresponsiveness and intermittent electronic-module and rear-camera faults.; Rough shifting, hesitation and occasional power-loss complaints from the 9-speed automatic and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
| 2019 | Caution | 6 | COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches.; Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
| 2018 | Caution | 6 | COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches.; Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain.; Weak low-beam illumination on halogen-equipped cars, with owners reporting poor night-time visibility. | Full report ↗ |
| 2021 | Caution | 5 | The 48-volt mild-hybrid ground connection can overheat (NHTSA recall 24V207, fire risk); owners also report sudden 48-volt and electrical-system failures.; Brittle engine wiring harness that can chafe or short, plus reports of sudden internal engine failure with metallic knocking and loss of power.; Cracked coolant line beneath the intake manifold causing sudden coolant loss and overheating risk. | Full report ↗ |
| 2020 | Caution | 5 | The 48-volt mild-hybrid ground connection can overheat (NHTSA recall 24V207, fire risk); owners also report sudden 48-volt and electrical-system failures.; Brittle engine wiring harness that can chafe or short, plus reports of sudden internal engine failure with metallic knocking and loss of power.; Cracked coolant line beneath the intake manifold causing sudden coolant loss and overheating risk. | Full report ↗ |
| 2017 | Caution | 5 | Loss of power-steering assist and steering-rack malfunctions, sometimes with a 'Power Steering Malfunction' warning and heavy or unresponsive steering while driving.; COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches.; Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
| 2016 | Caution | 5 | Loss of power-steering assist and steering-rack malfunctions, sometimes with a 'Power Steering Malfunction' warning and heavy or unresponsive steering while driving.; COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches.; Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain. | Full report ↗ |
Facelifted W167, too new to have a proven reliability record; class-leading interior and tech but expect Mercedes-level running costs and premium fuel.
Mature W167 with low complaint volume; a comfortable, quick luxury SUV whose ownership cost and out-of-warranty electronics and air-suspension repairs are the main caution.
W167 with complaints trending down as launch issues settle; a plush, tech-rich cabin offset by expensive maintenance, premium fuel and only average predicted reliability.
W167 affected by a 48-volt mild-hybrid ground-connection recall (fire risk) and electrical faults; impressive tech and ride but early-build reliability concerns and high upkeep.
First year of the redesigned W167 and the generation's worst for complaints, with engine-wiring-harness, coolant-line and electrical failures reported. Strong to drive but a launch-year gamble - verify service history and remaining warranty.
Best year of the W166 generation, with the lowest complaint count; dependable when serviced, though maintenance costs run well above the class average.
Later W166 with noticeably fewer complaints; a comfortable, refined luxury SUV whose main risks are costly air-suspension and electronics repairs out of warranty.
Mid-cycle W166 with steering, electrical and weak-headlight complaints still common; mechanically sound but it carries Mercedes-level running costs and requires premium fuel.
First year of the GLE rebadge of the W166 ML; comfortable and well-built but the highest complaint volume of the generation, led by power-steering-loss reports and electrical glitches. Buy only after a thorough inspection and budget for premium upkeep.
Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mercedes-Benz models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.