Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 reliable?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has 126 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350?

Top problems: ENGINE (32 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (21 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (17 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350?

Yes, there are 18 recall(s): STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, SEATS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is approximately $2,260/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.3x the segment average of 56. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2020 mercedes benz gle350. the contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light or at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. the contact also stated that while shifting into gears, the vehicle lunged forward. the contact stated that on several occasions while driving on the hig. There are 18 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 5 crash reports 4 injuries

126

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

32 complaints

25%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO GEARS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIG
• WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A LOW SPEED MY CAR TURNED OFF BY ITSELF I KEPT PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT I REALIZED THE CAR IS NOT MOVING, IT HAD SHOT OFF BY ITSELF. I TURNED THE CAR ON MANUALLY AND THEN WORKED. IT WAS A TERRIFYING SITUATION. I KEPT THINKING WHAT IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND
• When my wife got into vehicle first thing in the morning after it sitting all night in the garage, she smelled a foul smell. As she was driving, she opened all the windows to dissipate the smell and turned in the heater because wit was cold that morning. After about ten to twelve minutes of drivin

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO GEARS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIG”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Based on 34 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 21K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (18)

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD05/02/2021

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS 450, GLE 350, GLE 450, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.

Risk: In the event of a crash where the passenger air bag deploys, an unsecured dashboard could impair the inflation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dashboard, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer serviced at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030003.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,260

Full coverage / month

$188

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+35%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2260

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2020 GLE 350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 126 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES BENZ GLE350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO GEARS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: HAVE HAD INTO DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR RADIO/BACKUP CAMERA /NAVIGATION SCREEN GOES BLANK AND DOES NOT APPEAR FOR SOMETIMES UP TO 1-2 DAYS CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF PRIOR. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES I BELIEVE THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FAILED IN MY NEW CAR. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS A WRONG WAY DRIVER COMING TOWARDS ME ON A FREEWAY OFFRAMP. I ESTIMATE THAT WE WERE WITHIN ABOUT 30 FEET OF EACH OTHER AND TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH WHEN WE BOTH QUICKLY SWERVED TO A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE PARKING BRAKE SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP. THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES OF BENITA SPRINGS, FL (14610 TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FL) WHE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 18 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)