The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 8 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 19, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 15 to 22 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 117 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year. 2011 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 50K to 92K miles on the car (40 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
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 110 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The steering is leaking in the input shaft, below the protective cap
- The steering is leaking in the area of input shaft, because of wear on a seal ring
- Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
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 $3600–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 19; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (50%), lights (38%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
15 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 92,200 miles. The middle report was at 60,500 miles, from 40 complaints.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2011?
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