2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450: 17 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
17 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #20V089000 · 2020 · 2,101 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2020 cla250, cla250 4matic and cla35 amg 4matic, 2020-2021 gle350, gle350 4matic, gle450 4matic, gls450 4matic and gls580 4matic and 2021 gle53 amg coupe, gle63s amg 4matic, gls63 amg 4matic and maybach gls600 4matic vehicles. The instrument cluster software May deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering…
Why it matters: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they May be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V671000 · 2020 · 55,326 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz ag USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2021 amg gle53, amg gle63, 2020 gle580, 2020-2021 gle350 and gle450 vehicles with 5 passenger seating. While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion. If the buckle can't be retrieved, the buckle latch will be inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Why it matters: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will secure the middle seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020.
Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V058000 · 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to the part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module May fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (ecall) in the event of a crash.
Why it matters: Failure of the ecall system May result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021.
Stability control Vehicle recall #21V071000 · 2021 · 41,838 vehicles
What's wrong: During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the electronic stability program (esp) software May apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 126, "electronic stability control systems."
Why it matters: If the vehicle unexpectedly pulls to one side during an evasive maneuver, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update the esp software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021.
Backup camera, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V354000 · 2021 · 343,191 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The mbux multimedia system software May cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #21V509000 · 2021 · 1,467 vehicles
What's wrong: The LED headlights May have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Incorrectly adjusted headlights May reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #21V909000 · 2021 · 17 vehicles
What's wrong: In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater May be improperly tightened.
Why it matters: Loose ground connection bolts on the electric heater May cause the wiring to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will check the electric heater ground connection and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #22V231000 · 2022 · 21,306 vehicles
What's wrong: A ground cable bolt for the 48v ground connection under the front passenger seat May not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
Why it matters: An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022.
Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V365000 · 2022 · 242,722 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's sim card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (ecall) system.
Why it matters: A disabled ecall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: The communication module software will be updated through an over-the-air (ota) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #22V680000 · 2022 · 161,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars May detach.
Why it matters: Detached trim bars May cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V936000 · 2022 · 69 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering coupling locking screw May loosen and possibly detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Why it matters: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering coupling locking screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2023.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #23V177000 · 2023 · 61,450 vehicles
What's wrong: The air conditioner drain hoses May have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
Why it matters: Water intrusion into the foot wells May cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (ecall) feature May be disabled and the doors May not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine May not start or May…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #23V445000 · 2023 · 143,551 vehicles
What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump May shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Why it matters: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V835000 · 2023 · 164 vehicles
What's wrong: A 12-volt ground connection under the driver seat May not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Why it matters: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the 12-volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #24V118000 · 2024 · 105,071 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission May not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V207000 · 2024 · 116,020 vehicles
What's wrong: A 48-volt ground connection under the passenger seat May not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
Why it matters: An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V724000 · 2024 · 10,655 vehicles
What's wrong: The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness May be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (7): the most common themes are warning light on (4), electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (3): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 has 15 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Gle 450 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 14). Complaints peaked in 2021 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 8,262 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (26 complaints, 32 recalls), 2022 (14 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (9), engine (7), transmission & drivetrain (3).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.