2017 MERCEDES BENZ GLE350 Unknown Or Other Problems

I purchased a Certified Mercedes GLE 350 with many advanced safety features. Including a SOS feature that allows I believe detects an accident and reports it to Mercedes as well as allows me to press the SOS button to manually contact Mercedes to report a need for help plus other functions. Thnis is a very important safety feature to me as I am getting order and may need assistance. In addition years ago a family friend was involved in a non fatal accident at night and was injured and traped in the car. Although the initial accident was not fatal, because the car was not located for some time and the friend was injured, bu the time the car was located the friend died due to the length of time traped in the car. One of the basic items listed on my Mercedes sell sheet is item 351eCall-emergency system. As I understand it this eCall device is part of the SOS system and is also a critical part of the advanced EMERGENCY and convience systems included with the car such as car locator, remote start and remote lock and unlock, as well as several other featurs I was sold. Recently I was informed by Mercedes that they would be discontinuing this safety feature as of 1/1/2026 and they have not offered any replacment / solution. I recently was on a road trip and caught in a sevier weather situation and tried to use the system and it did not work, which placed me in a potentially dangerious situation. I believe that people will loose their lives because Mercedes has suspended a important emergency safety feature. I have checked with my local Mercedes dealer who contacted Mercedes USA and they told me Mercedes USA is not offering any solution. I believe NHTSA should get involved to require Mercedes USA to find a solution to help prevent the loss of lives. This is an important "emergency system" that was sold as part of the vehicle. It is important to owners of all ages, but even more important to elderly drivers that choose Mercedes for their safety features.

Panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded while driving. It was the rear section of the sunroof. There was a loud boom sound. There were no vehicles nearby kicking up rocks, etc. I jumped and screamed but managed to remain somewhat calm trying to figure out where the sound came from in the vehicle. I then realized it was the panoramic sunroof as sunlight began to trickle into the vehicle. Fortunately, the shade had been pulled closed. Otherwise, more tiny shards of glass would have immediately fallen on me. I handed to situation over to my insurance company for repair.

I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle. While driving home recently, without any warning, I heard a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. In an instant, shattered glass fell throughout the interior of the car, covering my daughter, grandson, and me. Fortunately, the only other vehicle nearby was at a considerable distance; otherwise, the outcome could have been catastrophic. Our car swerved sharply as a result of the shock. We came to realize that the sunroof had exploded and completely shattered.

While driving our 2017 MB GLE 350-4matic at about 40 mph, it spontaneously downshifted to M1. We were in traffic, so this was a very dangerous for us and for the people behind us. We limped to our destination, not knowing what had happened or what to do. When we re-started the car the next day, it seemed ok. But after driving some distance, it spontaneously downshifted to M1 again. We stopped the car, turned it off and re-started it. My mechanic checked the car with his analyzer, which showed that the transmission was not transmitting/displaying gear changes. I am taking my car to another repair shop tomorrow that has a more sophisticated analyzer. When I first explored this problem on the web, there was discussion on a MB website about similar problems. Today, I saw that there is an NHTSA probe into 2015-17 Ford 150 pick-ups having a similar problem to mine, i.e., spontaneous downshifting. Maybe there is a chip problem in the transmission control module for cars of those years. This is a significant safety issue. Thank God we were going 40 mph and not 60 or 70 when this happened.

Rear trunk lid seal leaking water in rear cargo compartment caused damage to fuel pump. I was driving on a main busy road when without warning the car shut off. The traffic light was about to change so the person behind me was slowing down luckily. There was no warning light, indicator or sound the car just stopped . It stopped in the middle of the road impeding traffic as it stopped near a 4- way intersection at a busy time of day. The car was towed to dealer after extensive examination it was found to be a leak in rear trunk seal. There was no visible damage to seal or water damage in cargo area. I was told this is problem know to Mercedes as they have issued a bulletin on how to repair it. This has been happening for years without a resolution to this problem. I was told in my case it had been leaking over an extended amount of time and there was know way to discover it until the damage is done. I find that hard to believe that Mercedes would not recall this and find a remedy before it results in a serious accident or death. A car stopping on busy road or highway with a fast speed of traffic following is a tragedy waiting to happen. I had no warning of the potential danger I was in until it happened. The damage it causes is around $1,600 for a rubber piece that gets loose and allows water to damage the fuel pump. And because that piece is not covered under extended warranty the burden is put on the owner which it unfair to say the least.

I am writing to bring to your attention a critical security issue regarding the rear door locks of the 2017 Mercedes GLE model VIN - [XXX] . Upon attempting to lock the vehicle using the key fob, I have encountered a malfunction where the rear door behind the passenger seat fails to secure properly. Despite attempts to engage the locking mechanism, this specific door remains open, triggering the vehicle alarm system when accessed. This issue poses a significant safety risk for both occupants and belongings within the vehicle. As a concerned consumer, I am deeply troubled by the presence of such a critical flaw in a luxury automobile. Given the potential ramifications for driver and passenger security, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of this malfunction. It is imperative that swift action be taken to address and rectify this security vulnerability to ensure the continued safety and peace of mind for Mercedes GLE owners and their families. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My sunroof exploded for no reason. There was no accident or impact. The car was stationary and the glass just blew out.

The sunroof exploded spontaneously and shattered without warning while driving on a highway (I20 ) from Tyler TX to DFW airport around 10 AM bright sunny Tuesday morning.I was terrified and now feeling unsafe to drive this car with this kind of unsafe sunroof product henceforth. I called Mercedes Benz USA and said the car is out of warranty and did not want to check and investigate this safety failure and be responsible to make good to replace the sunroof in order to ensure it is safe to drive this car again. We want to report this incident to you. We also informed them that there were previous same issue of there older model but they said there is nothing they can do. They are not interested in investigating this safety issue either.

The brakes, possibly including the brake boosters, failed on the 2017 GLE SUV on 7/19/22. The car would not stop and crashed into a brick wall. Mercedes currently has a recall for the brake boosters for models similar to mine but not my model year. The recall should include the 2017 GLE models as well. The public and drivers are at risk for injury, including death. The car is available for inspection. It currently is housed at an insurance repair shop. No warning lamps illuminated to alert that the brakes were failing.

SOFTWARE DESIGN OF THE COMMUNICATION MODULE MAY FAIL TO COMMUNICATE THE CORRECT VEHICLE LOCATION FOR THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM ("ECALL") IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. NHTS RECALL NUMBER 21V058, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 2021030015.

Mileage: 50,000

FEB 8, 2019 VEHICLE WAS SOUTHBOUND ON I-45 SOUTH OF HOUSTON ALL WINDOWS CLOSED AND SUNROOF CLOSED. VEHICLE SPEED APPROXIMATELY 75MPH. MODERATE TRAFFIC BUT NOTHING FORWARD OF VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL CAR LENGTHS. NO HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES OR TRUCKS. CAR HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 3.5 HOURS WITHOUT STOPPING ALL HIGHWAY SPEED. AT APPROXIMATELY 11L30AM THE SUNROOF EXPLODED UP AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE MERCEDES DEALER WHO WAS WITHIN 4 MILES OF THE INCIDENT AREA. THE SERVICE MANAGER MATT WAS VERY QUICK TO TELL ME THAT I HAD TO CONTACT MERCEDES NATIONAL CUSTOMER SVC TO FILE A REPORT BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T REIMBURSE THE DEALERSHIP AS A WARRANTY ISSUE ( INDICATING TO ME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY AS THE ANSWER WAS IMMEDIATE) IMAGES SHOW THE GLASS REMNANTS PUSHED UP AND OUTWARD. MOST GLASS WENT OUT OF VEHICLE.

Mileage: 35,000

ELECTRONIC SHIFTER STAYS IN NEUTRAL AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND TAKING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHILE PARKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND OFTEN CAUSES A DANGEROUS ROLLING CONDITION AFTER PARKING UNTIL THE DRIVER IS AWARE THE VEHICLE IS NOT STOPPED AND IN PARK. NO AUDIBLE ALERTS OR SAFETY WARNINGS ARE TRIGGED IF YOU DO NOT PRESS PARK. IN ONE CASE OUR VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS A PARKING LOT CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TOTALING $4,213.95 AND COULD HAVE EASILY KILLED SOMEONE.

THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF MOLD COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS OF MY VEHICLE, WHICH MERCEDES WILL NOT PERMANENTLY FIX. COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALER RESULT IN THE DEALER CLEANING THE A/C SYSTEM AND REPLACING THE FILTER, BUT THE SMELL RETURNS WITHIN ONE MONTH. I AM ADVISED THAT THE A/C SYSTEM IS NOT ALLOWING THE CONDENSATION TO DRAIN AND IT REMAINS IN THE SYSTEM AND DOES NOT EVAPORATE CAUSING THE MOLD SMELL. I AM FURTHER ADVISED THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED TO TRY TO EVAPORATE THE CONDENSATION WITHIN THE SYSTEM WITHOUT A DRAIN TUBE, WHICH IS NOT WORKING. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO CLASS-ACTION LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST MERCEDES TO COMPEL IT TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, BUT NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN REACHED. IN THE MEANTIME THE OCCUPANTS OF MY VEHICLE AND OTHER MERCEDES VEHICLES ARE EXPOSED TO A SUBSTANTIAL HEALTH HAZARD AS THEY ARE REQUIRED TO INHALE AIR WITH MOLD IN IT. MERCEDES CONTINUES TO DENY THE A/C SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND REFUSES TO PERMANENTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM.

WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE AT 2 MPH I STRUCK A TRASH RECEPTACLE THAT WAS LOCATED TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MERCEDES BENZ (MB) PARKTRONIC SENSOR DID NOT SOUND AN AUDIBLE ALARM UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE TO REACT. FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT I TESTED THE AUDIBLE ALARM SENSOR FOUR TIMES AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ALARM DID NOT SOUND UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS 3", 9", 9", AND 12" FROM THE TRASH RECEPTACLE. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT THE REAR CORNER SENSOR ACTIVATES AT 32" - BUT IT DOES NOT STATE WHICH TYPE OF SENSOR ACTIVATES, I.E. VISUAL (FLASHING LIGHTS) OR AUDIBLE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE A BROKEN TAIL LIGHT COVER AND TEST THE SYSTEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED, AND THAT THE AUDIBLE SYSTEM DOES NOT SOUND UNTIL YOU ARE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO STRIKING AN OBJECT. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL OTHER THAN TO STATE THAT THE REAR CORNER SENSOR ACTIVATES 32" FROM AN OBJECT. SINCE I RELY ON THE AUDIBLE SENSOR AND NOT THE FLASHING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, THE LACK OF CLARITY IS QUITE SERIOUS. HAD THERE BEEN A CHILD IN THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT A TRASH RECEPTACLE, I WOULD HAVE POTENTIALLY STRUCK THE CHILD CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY. AT NO TIME WAS I EVER INFORMED OF THE DIFFERENCE IN DISTANCES BETWEEN THE VISUAL AND AUDIBLE SYSTEMS. FURTHER, THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN VISUAL AND AUDIBLE DISTANCES WHEN DESCRIBING THE PARKTRONIC SENSORS. AFTER TESTING THE PARKTRONIC SYSTEM THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED, YET THE DEALERSHIP DID PROVIDE A "SOFTWARE UPDATE" ALTHOUGH I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WAS UPDATED. I BELIEVE THE POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY EXISTS IF A DRIVER RELIES ON THE AUDIBLE SENSOR WHEN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE. MB DEALERS SHOULD INFORM ALL DRIVERS WHOSE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SYSTEM OF THIS INHERENT DANGER.

Mileage: 11,500

SINCE LEASING THIS VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 1, 2016, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELT, ERRONEOUS WARNING ALARMS, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. FIRST, WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM IN JANUARY 2017, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER WENT FLYING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. SECOND, WHILE DRIVING ON VARIOUS DATES/TIMES, THE CAR BEGAN SOUNDING AN ALARM AND A MESSAGE APPEARED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED VIDEO. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DURING THE FIRST OCCASION, THE PUSH BUTTON WAS REPLACED. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE CAR DISPLAYS THIS ALARM AT RANDOM TIMES DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE KEY IS IN THE VEHICLE. THE ALARM IS DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. LASTLY, ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE SEAT BELT WENT INTO THE SEAT MECHANISM PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM USING THE SEAT BELT. THIS WAS ALSO REPAIRED BY MERCEDES-BENZ.

Mileage: 3,800