2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Best year of the W166 generation, with the lowest complaint count; dependable when serviced, though maintenance costs run well above the class average. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranged from $55,700 to $113,000 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Best year of the W166 generation, with the lowest complaint count; dependable when serviced, though maintenance costs run well above the class average.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mercedes-benz&model…
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/mercedes-benz-gle-class-buying-guide
whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle/estate/used-review/n989/reliability
bavarianrennsport.comhttps://www.bavarianrennsport.com/articles/mercedesbenz-gle-common-problems/
southsideeuro.comhttps://southsideeuro.com/blog/mercedes-benz-gle-350-common-issues-repairs/

Known issues

COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches.

commonly reported · 37 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain.

occasional · 24 NHTSA complaints · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mercedes-benz&model…
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/mercedes-benz-gle-class-buying-guide
whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle/estate/used-review/n989/reliability
bavarianrennsport.comhttps://www.bavarianrennsport.com/articles/mercedesbenz-gle-common-problems/
southsideeuro.comhttps://southsideeuro.com/blog/mercedes-benz-gle-350-common-issues-repairs/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Spacious, well-built cabin with high-quality materials.
Refined, strong V6 and V8 engines with a composed, comfortable highway ride.
Mechanically durable when serviced, with no catastrophic systemic engine defect.
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and strong crash-safety scores.

Cons

Aging COMAND infotainment and weak halogen headlights on base trims.
High maintenance cost (about $1,194 a year), well above the class average, and premium fuel is required.
Optional air suspension is failure-prone and expensive to repair out of warranty.
Power-steering malfunctions reported on early 2016-2017 cars.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
GLE400 4MATIC	$55,700	discontinued	—	—
AMG GLE43	$68,150	discontinued	—	—
AMG GLE63 S	$113,000	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-mercedes__benz-gle__class-price

Depreciation

2019 entry trim from new

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($55,700). Higher trims started higher (up to $113,000), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mercedes-benz-gle-class/resale-value

Cost to own

Routine maintenance	≈ $1,100–1,200/yr
Expected lifespan	~225k miles

Requires premium fuel

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/mercedes-benz/gle350
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mercedes-benz/gle350
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/41233

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have?

Documented issue patterns include: COMAND infotainment freezes, sensor faults and assorted electrical-module glitches; Rough or hesitant gear changes and occasional power-loss complaints from the automatic transmission and powertrain. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliable?

Best year of the W166 generation, with the lowest complaint count; dependable when serviced, though maintenance costs run well above the class average.

How much did the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class cost new?

Between $55,700 and $113,000 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class expensive to maintain?

Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,100–1,200/year. Note: it requires premium fuel.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.