We bought our brand new car in december 2016. Since we bought it, we've had a multitude of things that would go wrong. First, a brake light warning went on for no reason, then our a/c wasn't working which occurred on may 2017. We experienced alot of minor issues including the phone, bluetooth connection, the engine warning light would go on. If you stopped the car, and reset it, this would go…
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 GLE-Class | 14 |
| 2017 GLE-Class (this page) | 12 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 8 |
| 2020 GLE-Class | 33 |
When does it fail?
Of the 12 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread electrical system failures across multiple vehicle systems. The Keyless GO automatic locking feature malfunctions by locking doors with the key fob inside, trapping infants and children in the vehicle—a safety hazard that dealerships cannot replicate or diagnose. The A/C condensation drainage system fails, allowing water to pool under the driver and passenger seats where multiple electrical control units sit. This water damage cascades through the vehicle: the Sirius radio stops working, engine warning lights illuminate randomly, Bluetooth connections drop, windows lower on their own, and the brake hill-hold feature works intermittently. Mercedes issued a technical service bulletin acknowledging the water intrusion problem but reportedly refuses to repair it.
The trunk lid seal leaks water directly into the fuel pump, causing silent damage that only manifests as complete engine shutdown at highway speed. The transmission control module causes sudden unintended downshifts to first gear while driving. The keyless start system falsely alarms that the key is not in the vehicle despite it being inside. The seat belt retracts into the seat mechanism, trapping it. The rear hatch opens spontaneously while parked and locked. The Pre-Safe warning light displays repeatedly despite no known fault. Dealerships consistently report inability to replicate failures or find diagnostic codes. NHTSA recall 21V058000 for communication/electrical systems has stalled—parts and promised over-the-air software updates remain unavailable months after recall notification.
Same Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Keyless GO System—Unintended Door Locking with Key Fob Inside
The Keyless GO system locks doors automatically while the vehicle is parked, even when the remote key fob is inside the vehicle. The system is designed to prevent locking when the fob is detected inside, but this safety feature fails. Owners report being locked out while children remain inside the vehicle.
When: When parked; occurs at vehicle entry/exit
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock automatically while parked; Locking occurs despite key fob being inside vehicle; Occurs when closing rear door before entering driver seat; Occurs when exiting driver seat and closing door; Happens multiple times for same owner
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate or find fault codes after two service visits
Water Intrusion from A/C Condensation Line—Multiple Electrical Control Unit Failures
Water from a dislocated, pinched, or leaking A/C condensation hose collects in the control unit tray beneath the driver and passenger seats, causing multiple electrical system malfunctions. Mercedes issued a technical service bulletin describing this issue. Water reaches Sirius radio module and other control units, causing cascading failures. Manufacturer reportedly refusing to repair.
When: First A/C issue May 2017; Sirius radio failure July 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Sirius radio intermittent operation then complete failure; Brake light warning illuminates without cause; A/C not working; Phone/Bluetooth connection issues; Engine warning light illuminates intermittently; Hill hold brake feature intermittent; Windows lower on their own; Water discovered under passenger seat during service
Repairs/costs cited: Sirius module replacement needed; water damage to control units; A/C service performed but issue persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes issued Technical Service Bulletin describing symptoms and root cause (dislocated/pinched/leaking condensation hose); manufacturer refusing to repair as of complaint date
Rear Trunk Lid Seal Leakage—Fuel Pump Water Damage
The rear trunk lid seal leaks water into the cargo compartment. Water seeps into the fuel pump, causing electrical damage over an extended period with no visible indicators. The vehicle shuts down without warning while driving. Mercedes acknowledges this as a known issue with a technical bulletin but has not issued a recall.
When: Leak occurred over extended time; vehicle shutdown while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; No warning light, indicator, or sound before shutdown; No visible damage to seal or cargo area water staining; Vehicle disabled in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Rubber seal replacement approximately $1,600; seal not covered under extended warranty, cost borne by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes acknowledged as known problem with technical bulletin; no recall issued
Transmission Control Module—Spontaneous Downshift to M1
While driving, the transmission spontaneously downshifts to manual first gear without driver input. Owner's diagnostic scan shows transmission not transmitting or displaying gear changes properly. Occurs repeatedly after vehicle restart.
When: At 40 mph while driving; repeated after restart
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle abruptly downshifts to M1 while driving; Transmission does not transmit/display gear changes; Problem recurs after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic's diagnostic analyzer showed transmission not transmitting/displaying gear changes; owner planning more sophisticated diagnostic
Windshield Wiper Detachment
Driver-side windshield wiper assembly detaches and flies off the vehicle while driving in winter conditions.
When: January 2017 while driving in snow storm
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wiper flies off vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced windshield wiper
Keyless Start System—False 'Key Not in Vehicle' Alarm
The vehicle emits an alarm and displays a 'key not in vehicle' message at random times while driving, despite the key being inside the vehicle. The alarm is distracting and safety-concerning. Dealership replaced the push button on first visit but could not replicate the problem on second visit.
When: Various dates and times since December 2016 lease start
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm sounds randomly; Message displays 'key not in vehicle'; Occurs despite key being in vehicle; Distracting to driver
Repairs/costs cited: Push button replaced on first service visit; issue recurred
Seat Belt Mechanism Malfunction
The seat belt retracts into the seat mechanism, preventing the driver from using the seat belt. The failure traps the belt where it cannot be accessed.
When: Unspecified date during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt retracts into seat mechanism; Driver unable to use seat belt
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by Mercedes-Benz
Command Control Unit Failure—Center Digital Screen Malfunction
The center digital screen fails while the vehicle is being driven at highway speed. The failure occurs while the owner attempts to use safety features on the infotainment system. No warning light precedes the failure. Dealer diagnosis determined the command control unit requires replacement.
When: At approximately 65 mph; failure mileage approximately 65,340 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Center digital screen fails to function; Screen inoperative while accessing safety features; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Command control unit replacement required; vehicle not repaired due to cost
Rear Hatch Unintended Opening—Intermittent While Locked and Parked
The rear hatch opens on its own while the vehicle is parked and locked. The doors remain locked during these events. The hatch opens intermittently both at home and in public parking areas. Dealership cannot replicate the problem or find fault codes. The issue occurs even when the key fob is inside the house.
When: Intermittent while parked and locked
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch opens without user input; Occurs while vehicle is parked and locked; Doors remain locked during opening; Occurs at home and in shopping center parking lots
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; no fault codes found; advised trying leather case over key fob; unable to resolve
Pre-Safe System False Indicator—'Pre-Safe Inoperative' Message
The vehicle displays a 'Pre-Safe Inoperative' warning message repeatedly. The warning appears while driving on highways and streets, creating driver discomfort and uncertainty about vehicle safety. The owner has taken the vehicle to the dealership five times, but the dealership cannot identify or fix the underlying cause.
When: Intermittent during highway and street driving
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-Safe Inoperative warning message displays; Warning appears at random times while driving; Message appears on highways and streets
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited 5 times; unable to fix
NHTSA Campaign 21V058000—Delayed Parts Availability for Communication/Electrical System Recall
Multiple owners received recall notification for NHTSA Campaign 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) but the replacement parts or over-the-air software update required for the repair became unavailable or delayed far beyond the manufacturer's stated timeframes. Manufacturer promised one-to-two week software availability but delivery did not occur; parts distribution disconnect resulted in inability to complete recall repairs.
When: Recall notifications received; software/parts unavailable at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to schedule recall repair—parts unavailable; Unable to schedule recall repair—software update unavailable; Manufacturer timeline exceeded for parts/software delivery
Repairs/costs cited: Over-the-air software update not available as promised; parts unavailable at dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V058000 issued; manufacturer promised one-to-two week software delivery but delivery delayed indefinitely
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the center digital screen failed to function as intended while attempting to use the safety features. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the command control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
When the vehicle is parked, the door lock will automatically lock on its own - with the keys sill inside the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with the "keyless go" feature that will allows the driver to lock/unlock the vehicle without using the "keyless remote fob'. As a precautionary measure, if the remote fob is detected in the vehicle, the doors are not to lock. I have two infants and…
Rear hatch opens on its own intermittently while parked and locked; doors remain locked. This has happened in driveway as well as in shopping center parking lots. We have had to the dealer three times, but they can not replicate the problem. This has happened when keys are inside house on a table. Dealer could not find any fault codes; told us to try leather case over key fob. Dealer…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 19,535 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Mercedes-Benz/GLE-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.