The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is better than average by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 63, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 19 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 98 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year. 2016 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 10K to 75K miles on the car (49 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 11
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- fuel system, diesel 2022
Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
Show all 11 recalls
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- suspension 2018
In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is.
- suspension 2017
In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.
- airbags 2016
The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.
- seats 2016
The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.
- seat belts 2016
The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.
- electrical 2016
An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down was planned due to the ECO start/stop funct…
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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 177 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil spray or fouling on the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM is not related to leakage of the hydraulic pump
- Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- Cracking, clunking noise when braking the vehicle to a stop or when moving off, when the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3750–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.1L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 63; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (30%), engine (18%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
11 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
19 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,500 and 75,000 miles. The middle report was at 30,000 miles, from 49 complaints.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $3750 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
2.1L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2016?
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