Mercedes-Benz GLE
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BASE MSRP RANGE
$54,750 - $116,000
Destination Charge: $1050
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The luxurious GLE holds its own in many ways with its quiet interior, impressive fit and finish, supportive seats, and strong engine. But the SUV's distracting controls and lackluster handling might drive shoppers to consider competitors such as the BMW X5. Ride comfort is a traditional Mercedes-Benz strong suit and, most of the time, the GLE's stately ride absorbs bumps well.
ALERTS
There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Reliability
We expect the 2022 GLE will be much less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.
Overall Reliability
/ 5
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
See all 2021 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE has been recalled 11 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Learn more about car Reliability.
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
/ 5
Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.
/ 5
Fuel System
Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.
/ 5
Power Equipment
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system
/ 5
Electric System
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.
/ 5
Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
/ 5
Transmission Minor
Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
/ 5
Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.
/ 5
Brakes
Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.
/ 5
Body Hardware
Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.
/ 5
Body Integrity
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.
/ 5
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
/ 5
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
/ 5
Suspension
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
/ 5
Climate System
Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.
/ 5
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
/ 5
In-car Electronics
CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. Lexus GX: Consumer Reports Least Reliable vs. Most Reliable
Consumer Reports reliability can often impact a buyer’s decision to buy or avoid a particular vehicle. The 2021 Most Reliable Cars and Least Reliable Cars are out, and there is a considerable disparity between the best and the worst. What did Consumer Reports say the Mercedes-Benz GLE did wrong, and what did the Lexus GX do right?
Consumer Reports reliability: the Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. the Lexus GX
Consumer Reports Least Reliable Car, Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. The Most Reliable, Lexus GX | Lexus, Daimler
On the Consumer Reports 10 Least Reliable Cars list, you might recognize a few of the options. One of the main reasons people buy a brand-new car is to have a reliable, hassle-free experience. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE rounded out the bottom of the list with a reliability score of five.
The GLE has an overall fuel economy of 20 mpg, and it came in 20th out of 29 other similar luxury midsize sport-utility vehicles. It didn’t score well in the predicted owner satisfaction category, either. Owners reported issues with the power equipment, climate system, engine, and in-car electronics. It also scored a one out of five for the predicted reliability.
Consumer Reports thought that the ride was nice and the inside was quiet. However, the controls made things difficult, and the optional running boards made the Mercedes-Benz GLE complicated access to the vehicle.
Price Range: $55,700 – $79,800
The most reliable Lexus GX vs. the Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2022 Lexus GX topped the list of 10 Most Reliable Cars. It came in with a perfect score of 100 for reliability, which is the only vehicle to do so. When it came to other Consumer Reports testing, the Lexus GX came in third on the luxury midsize sport-utility vehicles list. It got 17 mpg overall for fuel economy, which isn’t awful for such a large SUV.
The predicted reliability came in at a full five out of five, while the predicted owner satisfaction was average. There were no owner-reported issues to detail.
Consumer Reports found that the 2022 Lexus GX was capable off-road and had a “silky smooth powertrain.” It also offered buyers a luxurious interior with an easy-to-use navigation system. It doesn’t have the highest tow rating, but Consumer Reports found the V8 engine provided an “effortless punch.”
Price Range: $55,425 – $64,935
Similar vehicles, very different scores from Consumer Reports
There were a lot of similar SUVs on the reliability lists from Consumer Reports. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was the only Mercedes-Benz to make the least reliable list. The Lexus GX was the only option from Lexus on the list of most reliable vehicles.
Toyota happened to have a variety of reliable vehicles heading into 2022. That includes the Toyota Prius Prime, Toyota Prius, and the Toyota Highlander. Not a bad year for Toyota, but is it ever? Both the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette and 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 made the list for unreliable Chevy vehicles.
For now, it seems like waiting a bit to purchase the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE might be in order. Perhaps Mercedes will release some updates to make the reliability score go up toward the start of the year. If you can get your hands on the 2022 Lexus GX, Consumer Reports approves of this decision.
RELATED: Consumer Reports: Cars to Avoid Buying in 2021
