The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz M/GLE
2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE is better than average by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 19 recalls, and it gets 19 to 23 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 91 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year. 2021 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 3K to 68K miles on the car (20 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 19
- electrical 2024
The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly.
- electrical 2024
A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
Show all 19 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- visibility 2023
The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
- body structure 2022
Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- electrical 2022
A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
- electrical 2021
In the passenger-side footwell, the ground connection bolts for the electric heater may be improperly tightened.
- visibility 2021
The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
- seats 2021
The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
- lights 2021
The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair.
- back over prevention 2021
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- equipment 2021
The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
- stability control 2021
During certain evasive driving maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may apply torque to one of the front wheels, pulling the vehicle to one side.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- body structure 2021
The dashboard surface may not be properly secured to the base material.
- seat belts 2020
While buckling the seat belt, the middle seat belt buckle could be pushed down into the gap below the seat cushion.
- electrical 2020
The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' …
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 430 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check engine light on and FC P146264 sto- red in engine and fuel pump control units
- BR167 front brake squeal with engine code M264 and option code P31
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Car shut itself off in rush hour traffic. Slight Smokey smell. Dash light indicating a 48 Volt problem. Got vehicle towed to dealership.
2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE owner · NHTSA complaint 11471032
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 76; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (48%), engine (40%) and automatic emergency braking (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
19 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,400 and 68,300 miles. The middle report was at 32,000 miles, from 20 complaints.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz M/GLE have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz M/GLE year is better than the 2021?
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