The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE has too few complaints to score: 12 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about fuel system, gasoline, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 15 to 18 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 128 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. 2009 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 48K to 95K miles on the car (75 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 60K–137K miles
- seat belts complaints mostly came at 55K–70K miles
Recalls 3
- brakes 2024
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- brakes 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- airbags 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 99 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Mercedes (xentry): engine makes noise, ticking/crackling at idle speeds up to approx
- Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
- Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $4400–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
I have a 2009 mercedes benz ml320 bluetec that has issues with starting the engine when warm. The car will crank but not start.
2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 10353380
More owner reports
Fuel tank leak. Gas smell inside of vehicle was so bad that it made me sick. Mercedes dealer fixed it under warranty: changed the seals on the fuel tank.
NHTSA complaint 10450137
Quick answers
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 12 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, gasoline (25%), fuel system, diesel (17%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
15 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,000 and 95,000 miles. The middle report was at 67,900 miles, from 75 complaints.
Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $4400 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2009?
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