2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class problems
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 103 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 103 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 15 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,448 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 GLE-Class (this page) | 103 | 0 |
| 2017 GLE-Class | 74 | 0 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 56 | 0 |
| 2019 GLE-Class | 32 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 59,448 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 14 owner reports · tends to show around 38,819 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 68,916 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 22,600 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 59,448 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
My sunroof exploded spontaneously while I was driving. There was no signs of damage to the glass. The glass flew back on road and the glass remaining on too appeared bowed.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle independently shifted into park and seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-benz gle350. The contact received an interim recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17v241000 (steering). The contact stated that the dealer (Mercedes-benz of south mississippi, 11619 bobby eleuterius blvd, d'iberville, ms 39540, (228)…
Car lurches forward during braking causing the car to shutter and buckle forward without control.issues occurs in all modes of drive, including eco, sport, sport+ and comfort. When approaching a stop the car jerks forward while brakes are applied. RPM's boost up without any…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 15 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,448 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 103 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 59,448 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 15 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,448 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,448 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 103 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.