The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is about average by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 99, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 16 to 17 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 195 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 52K to 130K miles on the car (150 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- stability control complaints mostly came at 78K–150K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 107K–170K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 35K–117K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 49 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir
- Rattling/thumping noise on rough roads and/or knocking noise when moving steering in both…
- The electrically folding 3rd seat row makes noises while folding up and down, or the folding
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake lamp switch failure.2010–2011
- ClosedBrake line chafe2008–2009
- ClosedElectronic stability control malfunction2007
- ClosedPower steering hose assembly leakage2003
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $4700–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.2L 6-cyl, 4.3L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Intermittently while driving dashboard warning lights come on and stay on, then all the gauges stop working. Dealership replaced gear selector, but the problem still exists.
2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 10022913
More owner reports
While driving at 20 mph, the vehicle caught on fire, smoke and flames came from the dashboard. The dealer replaced all electrical components, but the vehicle still had electrical problems.
NHTSA complaint 10040516
While driving dashboard started smoking without warning.
NHTSA complaint 10040426
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 99; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (31%), electrical (17%) and speed control (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
16 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 52,000 and 130,300 miles. The middle report was at 90,300 miles, from 150 complaints.
Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $4700 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.2L 6-cyl, 4.3L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works