Quick Facts — Mercedes GLE

Est. On UK Roads
55,000+
Years Made
2015–present
Common Engines
2.0 petrol (GLE300), 3.0 inline-6 (GLE400/GLE450/GLE580), 2.0 diesel (GLE300d), 3.0 diesel (GLE350d/GLE400d), AMG GLE53/GLE63, PHEV (GLE350e)

7 Most Common Mercedes GLE Problems

These are the faults most frequently seen on the Mercedes GLE by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and what they cost to fix.

1
Air Suspension (AIRMATIC, Both Generations)
High Priority
AIRMATIC air suspension is very common on the GLE and ML, and is one of the most frequently reported fault categories — compressor failure, strut collapse and valve block faults all occur on higher mileage examples.
💷 Typical repair cost: £500–£3,000
2
DPF Blockage (CDI Diesel)
High Priority
Diesel GLE / ML models on short urban journeys develop DPF blockages — a large premium diesel SUV on a short commute is a prime failure candidate.
💷 Typical repair cost: £150–£2,000
3
AdBlue System Faults (W167 Diesel)
High Priority
W167 GLE CDI models require AdBlue for the SCR emissions system. Running dry or injector faults cause warnings and prevent restarting.
💷 Typical repair cost: £10–£1,000
4
9G-Tronic Gearbox Issues
Watch
The 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox can develop hesitation and harsh shifts when servicing is neglected.
💷 Typical repair cost: £500–£4,000
5
Transfer Box (4MATIC)
Watch
The 4MATIC transfer box requires regular fluid changes. Wear leads to vibration and AWD warning lights.
💷 Typical repair cost: £400–£2,500
6
PHEV Battery (GLE350e)
Watch
The GLE350e PHEV battery degrades over time on older examples. Verify real-world EV range before purchase.
💷 Typical repair cost: £2,000–£7,000
7
Running Board Motor Failure
Low Priority
Electrically deployable running boards on GLE models can develop motor and sensor failures.
💷 Typical repair cost: £200–£800

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Mercedes GLE — MOT Tips

AIRMATIC suspension must hold correct ride height for MOT — a failing compressor will cause the car to sit low. DPF and AdBlue warnings are MOT fails or MOT-relevant. Gearbox and AWD warning lights must be clear. PHEV high-voltage warnings must be clear. Check all lighting — large Mercedes SUVs generate more electrical advisories than average.

Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a Find Your Problem Now → to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.

Mercedes GLE Tyres

Most Mercedes GLE models run 265/45 R20 or 265/40 R21 or 285/35 R22 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the Mercedes GLE?

The most frequently reported issue on the Mercedes GLE is Air Suspension (AIRMATIC, Both Generations). AIRMATIC air suspension is very common on the GLE and ML, and is one of the most frequently reported fault categories — compressor failure, strut collapse and valve block faults all occur on higher mileage examples.

How many Mercedes GLEs are on UK roads?

There are an estimated 55,000+ Mercedes GLEs currently on UK roads.

What tyres does the Mercedes GLE use?

Most Mercedes GLE models run 265/45 R20 or 265/40 R21 or 285/35 R22 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

Will a warning light fail my Mercedes GLE's MOT?

AIRMATIC suspension must hold correct ride height for MOT — a failing compressor will cause the car to sit low. DPF and AdBlue warnings are MOT fails or MOT-relevant. Gearbox and AWD warning lights must be clear. PHEV high-voltage warnings must be clear. Check all lighting — large Mercedes SUVs generate more electrical advisories than average.

Similar Issues on Other Models

Toyota Land Cruiser — also commonly develops air suspension Mercedes GL / GLS — another DPF blockage case worth knowing about

Summary

The GLE is a superb large premium SUV. The W167 GLE350d with full service history is one of the finest large diesel SUVs on the used market. AIRMATIC suspension service history is the most important used buying check — on both the ML and GLE. The 9G-Tronic needs its oil changes. Budget for higher servicing costs than average at an independent specialist.

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Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes C-Class → Mercedes E-Class → Mercedes A-Class → Mercedes GLC →